Here's a potent combination that will transform a standard 2.5L 8v motor:
- 10.2:1 pistons from 1988 or later
- Shaved head to increase compression ratio
- 5-angle valve job
- Port and polish head and intake
- Rogue Tuning NA-Tune + MAF conversion (now sold by Lindsey Racing)
- 4 degree offset cam key or adjustable cam sprocket
- Lightweight balance shaft and drive gears
- Underdrive pulley kit
- AC delete
- Power steering delete
- MSDS Gen 2 Exhaust Header
While you're at it, replace the OEM liquid-to-oil oil cooler with the air-to-oil oil cooler from a 951. When the water seals go bad in the original 8v oil cooler, coolant leaks into the oil and is one of the leading contributors to failed bearings.