Yeah, see there is a lot of information there now. But beginner-wise, I am pretty certain we can establish a base of modifications to improve performance. I'd like to keep the recipe simple, start with just "bolt-ons" at first. Lets have a look at what most consider necessary with respect to modifying a hot air:
1- Walbro 307/340 fuel pump
2- Hotwire kit
3- Adjustable fuel pressure regulator
This gives us a good basis for future upgrades in regards to adding more boost. At this level, one should consider:
1- Boost Gauge
2- Scan Tool
Standard hot-rodder philosophy would lead us to believe basic induction and exhaust work should come next. Here is where peoples opinions may start to differ. IMO, there are a few good options, but here is what I would suggest based on experience:
1- Gutted or no catalytic converter
2- Free flowing or no mufflers
3- The ubiquitous K&N cone or complete induction kit
and lastly,
3- I have had excellent results with a larger downpipe, so feel as though I should highly suggest it.
Of course, after the long life of our engines, there are some disposable parts which should be replaced as they may be a weak link in making power, such as:
1- Valve springs
2- Timing chain
3- Swap injectors if they are original
With all of the proper basic equipment in place, a few other little goodies to enhance tunability/drivability/performance:
1- Adjustable wastegate
2- Performance PROM chip
3- Low temperature thermostat
4- Throttle body coolant bypass
and I've had success with:
5- Header wrap on up pipe, downpipe, and crossover (all ATR)
And after these basic modifications, a stock hot air car would really wake up and go. But instead of just leaving it at that, other issues need to be addressed, such as:
1- Larger injectors
2- Larger turbochargers
3- The hot air's poor intake design
4- Headwork
5- Camshafts
6- Nitrous Oxide
7- Intercooler kits
8- Alcohol/Water injection systems
9- ECM conversion w/electric fan and chip
10- Cooling systems upgrade
11- Accel/SpeedPro DFI
And so on, so forth. You guys let me know what you think for now, and I'll gather a little more information.