I don't know much, but I do know that using the stock parts, balance the bottom end components, peen the connecting rods, debur the interior, polish the crank, in my experience, this has proven to be equal to approximently 15% higher performance...FOREVER (until replacement or rebuild); the top end, isn't going to have any shorter life than without the work, may even work longer due to the increased efficiency, yet another 15%. Not needing to push as hard for the same results. Then of course there is the candle that burns twice as bright, yet half as long; if this were the worse case scenario, then I am in. If I can afford to hire a professional, than the big boys can do it for less and make their profit. Our power plants wear out now, if they wear out yeilding 15-30% higher performance from the showroom, that is a win/win. Sometimes I have to do the math, 15% of 20 is 3, 20% of 25 is 5, 30% of 30 is 9.
The extra cost of the machine work to the heads/intakes/exhaust, balancing the bottom end, polishing the crank...several simple procedures ensuring the highest performance and economy. I would happily pay the extra $1,200-1,500 for associated procedures; heck, I do anyway. This would make thousands of new machinist jobs and pose a significant reduction to world fuel usage.
While I admit there are some vehicles out there that have incorporated some or all of these processes, across the board, the industry seems to want to burn more fuel.
Purchasing a new vehicle would take on a new prestige, instead of just being "bragging rights". I would prefer under those circumstances to own and operate the newest vehicle technology had to offer vs. incorporating long time existing technology into 20-25 year old, manufacturer conceived "throw-away" vehicles!
I am a very fortunate person. I know an engineer/machinist/inventor whom will do exactly what he is asked to; all I know how to do is ask for what I want, then be happy when I get it. Some folks don't know what they want or how to ask, some don't know what to do with it when they get it!
I currently need to fill my tank near 2 1/2 times to cross 1,000 miles under the best performance conditions, I would be happier paying $25-35/gallon for fuel if my vehicle was capable of 200 mpg.