correction VTEC not vtech, v-tech, v-tec, vtak, etc.
well, to do an ls/vtec right you need to build it completely. theres a big dispute about rod/stroke ratios on ls/vtec motors, but if you build them right i believe they can be as reliable as any other motor.
however it might be cheaper in the long run to just buy a gsr and call it a day.
either way, your still looking at about $2500-4k