the LS is actually only 142 stock hp, but anyhow...

The LS N/A stock is a fun little motor to drive, but it compares little to an H22, B18C1 or B16 really, when it comes to overall power.

My LS, as well as most LS-swapped hatches that I know, are running anywhere from (claimed) high 14s..... or in my case, 15.5@88.6 mph (and I have calculated that on paper, 15.3 is about the best I can get on street tires).

The LS puts down about 120whp stock, mine put down 126.36whp today with a header and intake (and a 2" exhaust that's essentially stock though w/ stock-style muffler).

The LS motor can be picked up for basically nothing however, and is a very simple swap. It can be boosted easily, it can take nitrous easily, and - yes, it can even be built into a fairly powerful all-motor engine as well, with several people running over 170whp without going to an LS/VTEC setup.

LS/VTEC is another option, but you'll need to research that on your own