Standard xflow will outflow a lot of ported (and some big valve) counterflow heads anyway. There's flow bench figures and valve size comparisons all over Vortex.
don't buy engines form TSR!! Go on VW Vortex and search under 8v carbs, there is a guy on there made soem custom manifolds that raised his carbs up near the vents on the bonnet, between the windy washer jets. Seemed to do the trick Not as good as a cross flow, but less cash and a good modification to get around all the problems. A good bit of heat sheilding and you shouldnt have too much trouble. There are lots of things you could do with unlimited budget and most people here will tell you "get a valver" regardless of what you are planning. Sure 20v 4wd, chargecooler with 350bhp is on my list. But at the moment 8v with sorted suspension and a possible 2litre block is what is happening and I have yet to be convinced that I should cut my lossed and "buy a valver". Buy a f-ucking valver when you have fixed up the one you have got and broken it good and proper. Thats what insurance is for!
