The LS1 intake is better than the truck intake in some aspects but not so good in others. Both intakes are good but not as good as a LS6 or FAST intake. As for engines, the LQ9 is hard to beat since it comes with LS6 style heads. When and if you go to get the STS you will need to put in some forged low compression pistons. The LS1 is nice since its 100 lbs lighter but it's not quite as sturdy as cast iron when you go all out performance. They drag race the LS1 more for weight reduction and they resleeve the blocks for more displacement but it costs a fortune to have an LS1 resleeved with Darton sleeves. An LS2 engine block, 6.0L, would be cool to have to build up since you'll have displacement and light weight. Allen had the right idea, stroker kit!