I have been roadracing stock single cam S13s since forever. About 7 years ago I started running SR since it was cheaper than rebuidling my single cams.
After running for 3 seasons, I decided to go with the Chevy V8 due to cost, reliability, and availability of parts. Note that I have the carbureted first-gen small block chevy, and not the LS series.
It's cheaper to buy anything for the small block.
It's reliable because of low compression and low revving.
If I need parts, I can run to any auto parts store and buy replacement parts. OEM parts are plenty. They even carry aftermarket parts like MSD, Edelbrock, etc. I don't have to "overnight parts from Japan"
In a pinch I can also run over to the drag strip or dirt track and borrow parts from the old school racers. I know that if I need a chevy small block part, 95% chances I can either borrow or buy it from one of the guys there.
I feel like I've paid my dues with these cars. I don't really compare my car with anyone else since I'm set up for roadracing.
I don't have the top end like turbo cars or even some of the newer V8 cars, but I'm set up for short road courses so you don't have enough time to use all the power. Response is more important than top end power.
For every 240 with V8 I've seen in person, which I've only seen 2 other than mine, I can name dozens of first time track newbies with their 400bhp high boost turbo engine, only to put their car into the wall by doing something silly like trying top out on the main straight or getting too much power due to turbo lag.
Still, it's their money and they can do what they want. I just try to avoid their group.
What I noticed is that guys who do roadrace often (not once or twice a year time-attackers) and who do choose to run turbos, they have very modest power mods and really low boost. If anything, they overbuild their cooling and oiling system more than power. I've even seen some of the instructors make people turn down their boost and even turn on the ac to reduce engine power.
Anybody who need to feel good by talking trash about other people's cars can go to hell, regardless of what you drive. Just do what makes you happy and just be cool about it.