I guess I'll chime in on this since I've gone the route so many in here are theorizing about.
I installed your typical full exhaust, cobra intake etc etc. A ton of boltons. Car was quick and quite fun. To me, and every car I was whooping on it was quick. Your typical engine swap civics, other v-8's and an occasional sti or evo.
Then I added the
vortech with 6 lbs. I dynoed at 294 rwhp on a dynojet. To those who say you won't be impressed
I strongly disagree. It was impressive and fun. It's about a lot more than just a dyno digit. It's when your power is available and your torque curves. The only car I lost to was a midrange modified supra. I beat many lsx's and other stangs W/ hci. This constantly pissed em off since we were at similar power levels.
I then went to 10 lbs with the 6 rib setup and was seeing around 320 rwhp on a dynojet. I was disappointed and bought twisted wedges, ed Curtis cam. Then I dynoed at 368 rwhp on a dynojet and all this WITH A CRUMMY TUNER.
My next move was an 8 rib pulley kit from vortech with an underdrive built in on the crank and 12-13 psi boost. On a mustang dyno and with one of the best 5.0 tuners in the US, I am putting down 420/410.
So there you have it. Expect similar numbers with each combo.
My advice: you're used to boost, boost it. Who gives a flying ***k which you choose to do first if you are considering doing both. There are plenty of kits new and used that are amazingly affordable.