Pro-Touring Show Cars?

[Nine Ball]

Bill, sounds like you are labelling the LS1 engine as a fad. I hardly would consider the LS1 a fad engine, since I've been on the forefront of LS1 development and record setting since they came out. The LS1 wasn't always popular when it first came out, there were tons of skeptics out there, and the LT1 guys even hated us. The LS1 has earned its reputation, and proven itself. Why? Because it does just about everything better than a traditional SBC, in terms of street cars.

-much lighter weight
-reusable o-ring type gaskets, better machined surfaces, and less leaks
-easy to work on. Cam swaps in less than an hour - without pulling an intake off.
-big power gains with hardly any sacrifice in drivability or fuel economy
-can be sleeved to a 4.155" bore diameter, and handle a 4.25" stroker crank

If I had to, I'd opt for more engine than suspension anyday.

[JohnUlaszek]

Personally I think the LSX is without a doubt the future. But, the older smallblocks will be around for a long long long time. It's kinda like when we had Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. running together, if you were a Chevy fan it was the coolest damn thing.

[Bill Howell]

Bill, sounds like you are labelling the LS1 engine as a fad.

Tony, absolutely not. There is no doubt that LS1 is the future. My concern is people think LSx are the only option to be considered a pro-touring car.There are two types that will not have an LS in their car. The first are those like me who are unwilling/too stupid to convert. My concern is not for them. I worry about the other type. Those who can not afford an LS setup. Those are the ones I fear will feel unwelcomed here if they think Gen III are the only thing considered acceptable. I can remember back in the early 80's when I was too young and dumb to realize that I could have a nice ride even if it was not on par with what I saw in Hot Rod or Car Craft. Back then, I thought $20,000 was all the money in the world and there was no way I would ever be able to spend that kind of money on a toy.

If I had to, I'd opt for more engine than suspension anyday.

That statement shows that you are as passionate about engine performance as Katz is about suspension. Both of you are respected on this board for your knowledge in your area of expertise. Of course you tend to be more on the drag racing side of things where he is more of a road course guy.
The whole point to this post is both of you are great examples of Pro-touring. If I have a question about LSx, you can believe I will ask you since you probably have forgotten more than I will ever know. The same with suspensions and Katz. That is what makes this site so great-knowledge.
I just hate to see us get so hung up on setting perimeters about what we are or have to be.

BTW With all I read about the new LS-6 in the new Z06, I think in a couple years ya'll might just win me over. Don't tell the posse but as soon as the supply can catch up with the demand and I can get a deal, you will probably see me in a (gasp) new Z06 anyway.