@broke bronco ,
For a 2.9l FORD 60°v6, I would not do less than this:
-quality headers (JBA, Borla, Edelbrock)
-2¼" exhaust
-Melling oil pump
-remote oil filter and oil cooler
-Cloyes timing set
-Gates water pump
$100•switch from crank fan/clutch to electric +7% efficiency
$150•Ford 2.8l flat top pistons + one compression point 3-6% hp
$200•bored stock T/B +2 hp across RPM band
$100•free floating rocker arms, open oil holes, deburr/chamfer = yields better oiling and less friction in the valve train
If I demanded all the efficiency the the 2.9l had to offer I would do the minimum above and the compliment below:
•custom reground cam +20hp
•flow bench port polished heads to intakes +20hp
•mill the heads 0.035" for an additional point of compression and +3-6% hp (6-12% with the 2.8l flat tops)
•high output ignition +3% efficiency
•balanced bottom end +10% efficiency
***if all these changes were incorporated, then use a single 2½" exhaust vs a 2¼"
IN THE END
A multi angle valve job must be done no matter what. Insure that your valve train components are serviceable and that your hydraulic lifter preload is correct.
@Moderators, move to 2.9l.