What motor would you choose? To put in a Z car.

[MustGoFaster]

I'd definitely go for the LS motor over the LQ if your concerned about weight and handling.

Math time: If an LS would get you a 51/49 and an LQ is only 100lbs heavier (and all of the extra weight goes on the front axle only), on a 2800 lb (now 2900 with an LQ) car that gets you to 51.7/48.3. Not as good, but if it gets you the power you want for a lot less coin, it's not that big of a sacrifice.

Even the almighty handling god know as the EVO is way worse than that at 60/40 or there abouts depending on the model.

You can definitely feel the difference from a balanced car to and unbalanced car. Conquests are near 50/50 stock and getting in my Grand Am after that, even taking corners at a moderate pace (clover leafs in particular) you could just feel the front left was really loaded up.

I'd defiantly say no to ANY motor that doesn't have a good after market for it. It will be big bucks (or lots of work) for small gains, and in the end a mildly built LS/LQ would probably still make more power. There is no replacement for displacement. You can make up the difference with boost, until the guy with more displacement adds boost too.

I'd go for an LS2 if I was doing it, they handle boost ok, but I'd probably just do a head/cam package and be happy with a nice reliable 400whp car.

BMW S52 if you going to do a I6. But an LS would be cheaper and make more power.