the LS1 is a huge engine and has a proven record plus a huge aftermarket, No one can question its strengths. And yes it looks better than both the 1UZ and VH45de
I like the VH because:
1. it will work with the ZX trans which for an all motor VH is really a very strong trans. Plus those trannies are pretty cheap.
2. It has a bit more aftermarket support than the 1UZ, jim wolf makes an aftermarket ECU upgrade for it.
3. Z32 300ZX drivetrain parts work with it. RPS makes a flywheel for the 300ZX, the ZX trannies are very reliable and very easy to source.
4. The stock features: full main griddle bottomend, larger displacement for about the same price, VVT, coil on plug ignition, etc.
5. the bigger displacvement means theoretically it should respond better to modifications.
Vids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1RcKhIzKVM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T41-cjlksyM&feature=related
I like the 1UZ:
1. The weight, it is very light for a V8, infact an engine builder joked that he could lift a 1UZ with one hand.
2. Will work with the supra W58 trans, which is also a pretty cheap trans
3. Its a very smooth engine
4. Racing pedigree, the UZ engines are used by toyota in their super GT race cars.
5. High compression engine
6. Looks better than the VH45 installed
7. THE SOUND!!!!!!!! MY GOD!
Vids:
Advantages to both:
1. CHEAP, 1UZ's sell as cheap as 400.00, the later 1UZs are more expensive, but IMHO the better choice, VH are 800-1000
2. Quad cam DOHC means it can rev high and fast, which will give the car a more exotic feel.
3. both are big bore, short stroke engines, so they will be rev happy.
4. Light weight, all aluminum engines
5. Reliable and very unique
6. Both are from US spec cars so parts will be very easy to source for them. And thankfully the kids havent caught wind of them, so the prices for them are still low.
7. Both in a S30 Chassis is an awesome Idea!!! low weight plus the hp and tq, and a compact engine = very good handling, good weight distribution and FAST. They should both run low 13s all stock, possibly 12s.
IMHO doesnt matter what engine you go with both are a very good choice. I like the VH more, because at least on paper it seems like a tougher engine.
Plus timing chains are pretty cool, because they will run forever, no need to replace a belt every 60K miles and also they are better at high RPMs than belts. Notice there is a new trend in the car world to go to timing chains for high rpm engines. Honda S2000, Honda's K20, all yamahas, mitsubishi's 4B11T.
Which is the "better" engine? I dont know, I havent personally built any of them, so I'm not in the position to call it. From asking my mechanic buddies, both seem to get pretty high ratings. Reliability wise, a friend of mine said he saw a 1UZ come in for service had over 200,000 miles on the clock, just routine maintenace was all it needed.
Either way you go you really cant lose.