Some simulation results

[Alfred1]

Here are the results of some simulations that I ran using the basic version of Engine Analyzer. In all pics, the stock 2.0L with 8:1 c/r is the "current" graph where green is hp and purple is torque. In the first picture, the "last results" are of the same 2.0L motor but with the Web 73 cam and 9:1 c/r. In the second picture, the last results are of the 2.0 but with the Web 86 cam and 9:1 c/r. In the third picture, the last results are of the 2.0 with the Web 86 cam, dual 48 Webers and a freer flowing exhaust. In all pictures the green line is the hp of the stock 2.0 and the red line is the hp of the modified 2.0. According to these simulations, even with the lower compression ratio, the stock cam produces superior torque and hp to about 4000 rpm.

[SGB]

Very interesting, alright. I love to rev too, but can't run around spinning 4500 rpm all the time- especially on high compression with a radical cam. That does parallel the behavior of my hydraulic web-cam (I don't recall the profile but it was a little more lift and a little more overlap)- it seems to really take off at 4000 rpm. It will spin to 6500 easily too, but I can't imagine that I should spend too much time up there. Besides, it's pretty noisy. I do think there is a little additional torque in the mid range, but don't have an objective measure- just seat-of-pants. So the obvious conclusion is: don't modify the motor!
What a disappointment.

[Alfred1]

Yeah, the simulations seem to show that, with a 2.0L motor, you can pick up 15 or 20 hp with a cam, induction and exhaust but it's all above 4000 rpm or so. Probably better to increase displacement so that you don't sacrifice bottom-end torque and hp.