Thoughts/recommendations on intake porting / manifold-turbo coating??

[Laredo]

In final stages of assembling my stroker 2.4L, goal is lower-end torque / autocrossing:
* Long-rod w/offset ground crank, ceramic top pistons
* Bo-port head w/2.1 cam
* Bo-port E6 exhaust manifold
* Evergreen T3 turbo
* PIMP Ecu
* E-85 (currently running with my stock motor)
* Stock intercooler

Trying to build add'l torque/HP while keeping underhood as stock "appearing" as possible (for car shows).
2 TBD's:
* Square intake - Certainly I would not want it "gutted" but with low-end toque as target, do I leave it stock or do some porting?
* I would like to keep the stock intercooler, but also shield it from the intense manifold/turbo heat. Considering options for ceramic coating of turbo and exhaust manifold. Side effects, effectiveness...?

[brsvo]

Sounds like a cool build. My 2.1 doesn't spool quick enough but with a stroker it might be perfect. As for coatings I have no clue.

[Meotchh]

Stock valves?

[brsvo]

Bo Port head would have large valves.

[Mike S]

Ceramic coatings would certainly help reduce heat soak to the stock mounted IC. Cooler air definitely has a positive effect on torque.

I think some clean up work on the upper and lower intake without gutting will have a positive effect with the 2.1 cam. Use the e-bar method for setting up the cam and you will get gobs of lower end torque. I have a slow speed 90* turn up hill that I used to have to down shift from 2nd to 1st before resetting the cam with the e-bar.