I do understand the wondering what each step is actually worth, but as you said, you "Can't put a dual quad tunnel ram on a stock engine". All the mods work together. A larger carb does no good if the increased air available can't get out of the engine due to a restricted exhaust. Increased port timing does no good unless the rest of the engine can "breathe" well enough to take advantage of it. And any engine that isn't sealing well due to poor rings, valves, or what have you, will not respond well to performance mods. All this makes it difficult to do quantitative, step by step improvements. Engines just don't work that way; they are a combination of all factors, as I believe you well know.

Have fun, and I think you are well on the way now. I hope no offense has been taken; all I hope to do is share my experiences and knowledge, and help people out.

AV8TOR