Stock LS stuff has everything you just mentioned that people upgrade on a SBC. Plus better sealing, longevity, and a pretty darn perfect EFI and ignition system that has 5000x the engineering than any aftermarket parts available. The worst stock LS heads still out flow a good set of SBC heads and they cost nothing. I have NEVER paid more than $500 for a running 4.8/5.3/6.0 in anything I ever built and I actually have all 3 sitting in front of me in running and driving cars/trucks. So for $500 I get complete fully dressed engine, harness, ECU and MAF. That has a perfected EFI and ignition that supports pretty much whatever I throw at it and starts and runs reliably getting mid 20’s MPG and not leaking oil. Nice serpentine system with automatic tensioning. A beautiful reverse flow cooling setup with a factory high flow pump, no coolant in the intake, a factory intake that is absolutely hands down better than any aftermarket parts ever produced. Then if your swinging for the fences making power (me in some applications) there are the 6 bolt mains and the great oiling system that sits under the front cover not hanging down low in the pan. The valvetrain in a LS is also pretty darn good and tough in stock form aside from the AFM engines but I stick to the older stuff so thats never a issue. Im sure Im forgetting things but thats off top of my head. Dont get me wrong I love old engines but the LS stuff is just like plug and play upgrade success in my eyes.
