Howdy
Some ideas that I have found effective for NA engines....
Open free flowing exhaust. Much can be done with the existing system by just cleaning up the manifolds and removing obstructions and then making new bigger pipes routed for better flow. Long tube headers(stan's) are great....make sure you install a cross over pipe. Depending on local ordinances you might want to install some sort of header silencer/muffler....These engines are loud when the rpms get up.
Open plenum manifold
Fresh air system with as few obstructions in the air path as possible. Do some research and air testing with your vehicle to find out where the air stream is. Some places that you think are going to positive pressure can actually be negative or neutral. Try to get the air from outside the engine bay.
A good solid fuel system optimized for the rest of the engine components.
Depending on how intense you are going....Coated pistons with different compression ratios. Internal balance and component checking.
Timing gears and good cam shaft/valve train. I have no experience with the Heath cam shaft....Would be interesting to see what it did with the whole package...not sure if just dropping a cam in would make much difference without doing some other major work.
Quality valve/head job with stud kit and new head gaskets
Make sure your cooling system is up to grade....Especially if you are running AC in hot climates
GEARING....! performance can often be a result of proper gearing for the task at hand. Different gear and transmission combinations can be VERY effective at improving FELT performance and true economy.
I try to start with the simple free stuff first...
My 1984 van has had some minor work done to it, my goal was drivability and economy. It is nice and quiet, runs great and gets about 22-24 MPG no problems passing people....but it is NOT a towing rig.
My blazer is a work in progress and will be made primarily for power and not so much economy.....we'll see
Dr Lee has some good published data on his NA engine build. look it up or better yet order the paper version. Maybe he will chime in on this post.
The main thing that I have found is that power is just a question of money and time!!!
Hope this helps!!!
Last edited by Dvldog8793; 07-27-2014 at 04:18.
Reason: forgot something
1996 Chvy 3500 CCDWLB 6.5 Heathed, NO vac, marine injctrs, ARB bumper, BIG pipe, 3" lift, bright lights, bypass oil system.
1986 Chvy 6.2 M1009 blazer RAM AIR, Headers, Custom interior
2001 Chinook RV, V10 gas
1974 John Deere 1530 diesel tractor
1993 John Deere 455 Diesel lawn mower
1967 GTO, 1989 Honda Transalp
2009 VW Jetta TDI, flashed and piped, 6speed, fun car!
1998 6.5 suburban, stock, daughter's
1993 6.5 3500 CCSWLB GM8, Heathed, big exhaust, gauges, Son's
1984 6.2 ATS turbo 3500, SCDWLB - Son's
3 kids, 1 wife, 1 dog
Gunsmith, Tactics Instructor, Fabricator USMC 87-93 Semper Fi!