What do you mean a pain in the ass? 13:1 compression is going to be much more of a pain in the ass than a turbo'd b16. My engine is pretty much bullet proof, but I still have some issues wth my build - idling, knocking at higher rpms (91 octane sucks), and I am only running around 11.5:1 here in California.
To answer your questions regarding your last post:
Intake manifold - skunk2 pro for your NA app. will most likely be best for you.
Headers: 4-2-1 usually make more power in the midrange, than a similar 4-1, but for your goals, I wouldn't look at anything less than SMSP, RMF, or DTR, all of them technically 4-1 headers, but are in a class above what you probably are use to seeing. Ditch any idea of using a DC or crap like that.
Just make sure you get a good tuner, 13:1 compression is going to be a pain to tune on any pump gas.