Originally Posted by C4S Surgeon

Tim, there are many factors in calculating the VE, atm is one of them, as a ballpark range I like to look at the figure of 1hp/cubic inch displacement as a benchmark, or 100hp/L at sea level with a std ambient T of 68 degrees . At this level you are approaching 100% VE, however there are many other factors involved, that's not to say that a 3.4 will max out at 340hp. In fact it is possible that a NA 3.4 can make way more than 340HP, but difficult.The Porsche engineers quoted a figure of 80%VE for the 3.6, not 88% as one might infer from the 100hp/L benchmark. So, there are error and correction factors that need to be factored in as well( ambient T, ATM,etc). All I'm trying to point out, from an engineering perspective, is that the m96 is already cranking pretty good, and it's gonna take a lot of work to get significant hp gains, short of forced induction on the intake/exhaust cycle. Also two stroke and 4 stroke engines use different formulas in calculating VE.
What do you think, I spent all my premed time dissecting frogs?