I was also thinking that a thicker head gasket could take a little compression out.
So new head gasket, stock cam, 12 lbs boost and good tune would be the most cost effective formula in my mind. However if for some reason this still wouldn't make good power of course I can just change the cam.
Next up in cost is LS9 cam/springs, head gasket, 12 lbs boost etc, which would probably make more than plenty of power for me, just lose the novelty of VVT/boosted engine. Looks like it's about $450 more (after VVT delete parts).
I'd really like to run 12 lbs due to the Texas Speed balancer pulley, if I need a new pulley I'd like to pay for one that also increases performance vs stock ("free power" if you will since I need a part anyways).
All out then would be a new aggressive VVT cam, limiter, thicker gasket and 12 lbs. I think this would exceed my power goals (limited by $$$ for corresponding upgrades), and be most expensive build of just the engine.
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