Could someone explain the benefit of doing the LS/VTEC hybrid? I know that the bottom end on the LS has a ladder-frame main-truss, but I'm in the process of having one machined for my C1 (which is way cheaper than swapping the head). That's the only real advantage I can think of off the top of my head, plus the C1's oil delivery system seems much more efficient, especially when mated with the C5 oil pump (more stable pressures at higher RPMs).

It sounds like you could pick up a B18C1 for the price of what you pay to do the head-swap.