No, the viper engine is not vastly superior. Re-read what I wrote, I think you took it out of context. The LS3 puts down 475 to the tires with a cam and headers which is rather impressive, seeing as thats a rough 100-125 rwhp increase for roughly $1250, and it remains reliable and streetable. When I said any 65k under, I meant any new car 65k and under. The only motor I can think of that would have a chance is the Turbo 335 motor, which isn't even a fair comparison because it's FI (and still not as powerful).