I have an LS motor with headers full cat exhaust cams and shafts. Ive found since it does have a higher dispacement I get more response out of it. With the LS motor if you can find a V-tec head youll have one of the fastest motors out there. Im used to driving rearwheel cars so owning this car is completly different from that. Ill be upgrading the throttle body soon as well as adding a fuel rail etc. Personally im with you on naturally asperated cars i love/hate turbos. Granted youll get instant respose from it but youll be spending time tuning it once a month (if you drive it gentle)