It really is all in what you want, and how much you want to spend. I've had four late model Z28's, and have yet to be beat off the line by an import. Past the hole-shot is where they get the go-power. The RPM range on the small rice-burners is more like a crotch-rocket motorcyle. It's hard to compete in the long haul with a SBC or a stump puller 6. Those guys have gear forever. I double dog dare you to try to down-shift TWO GEARS at 70 mph (like the honda dudes can) with a small block! But, my cup o' tea is drag racing, and most are won at the line.
As for the original question. You'll never get the performance across the board of a SBC with a six, without refinacing your mortgage a couple of times. That's not the point though. Just like the huge market for the flat-head fird v-8's, sixes with pipes and all the add-ons are cool, different and have personality. Go to any cruise-in and count the 350's with Th350 tranny's, everybody has 'em! I think it's good to do something different. But like I said, it's what YOU want.
