$ for $, hp for hp, How well does Mopar compare W/ GM's LS engine?

This is a very good question and I'm not so sure I can answer it in total. The latest GM LS engines are really nice. The Ford mod motors are also nice. When I look at the HEMI, I lack info and the mags do not show case it to much. In part, I think it is due to the engine being slightly from a unpopular line and expensive with from what I am slowly finding out is a lack of parts and aftermarket supplier's. I guess that is nothing new.

The new generation engines, while they may be cheap from Junkyards since they are close to a dime a dozen, do require more expensive aftermarket parts if your going to that level of performance.

The aftermarket parts and computer parts (Not to mention dyno time) can be as cheap or as costly (Point of view) as a R3 block and ported Brodix heads.

For me, new GM/Ford engines are a wash in price vs. stepping up to serious MoPar parts to run. You'll pay hefty for a ported MoPar head vs. there cheaper head, then tune it yourself cheap as heck while they spend a grand per day on the dyno to figure out there technological nightmare.

The Chevy 383 isn't as bad *** as you think by the way. A 4 inch stroke 318 goes to 390 cubes and has better valve train and angles with an intake that will stand side by side if not better than there's. Vic Edelbrock even said the MoPar RPM was the best damn manifold for the small blocks. Period. Over the Chevy.

In the end, build what you always wanted to build and enjoy it to the fullest.