I have a very simple answer to what the purists say: buy the car off me for an exorbitant price, and turn it into whatever you like. As long as it's mine, I'll basically do whatever I think is right. However, you can criticise me for my lack of taste later, if you wish. 
Speaking for myself, I like the broad lights of the 3rd Gen the most. Followed by the twin headlights of the '71-'72, and the ones I like the least are the original lights of the '74.In the light of certain plans I have for the exterior, the 3rd Gen lights are going to suit the overall effect the most. Which is why we're going to stick with them, in a dark, smoked, blacked-out red. With LEDs, of course.
Again, this becomes a personal choice, I think, but when you're able to put an EFI engine right, there is just no matching the joy of driving it. I say this from personal experience with the same car. A '67 Impala that I own, had a stock 350 cid SBC, and was an absolute dog on the road. While I've stored the engine on the assumption that I MAY use it later...the 1UZ-FE VVTi that currently pulsates within the '67 is absolutely incredible. And I mean in the "megastonkingly fast" manner of speaking. It would have been a very simple affair to bung that engine (or a 455 Big block Buick engine I own) into the Camaro. But I'm opting for the LS engine, nonetheless.
The LS1 is similarly drop-dead reliable if you can get it right. Where it outshines the 1UZ is in terms of displacement, power, torque, and "bragging rights". All else being equal, I'm still of the view that the 1UZ is the engine which provides THE most bang for the buck. Period. This LS1 is what a car like the Camaro deserves...not necessarily what is most readily available, or most easily accessible.
Thanks for your continued interest. I relish the cerebral exchange of views!
