Euo V8's just sound like twin inline 4's.. thats the sound you guys are in love with.. 4 cylinders. If you set up an LS7 with a flat plane crank and changed the timing you will get that odd 4 cycliner sound - then just up the revs for the wail.
I prefer my V6's V8's, V10's and V12's to be beefy sounding thanks
And as for "rat rods" - only if they are the real deal and are survivors from the 40's and 50's - these modern clones are crap.