I went through all that in my research phase. I have pages written out of where I made a change and recorded the differences. Then reverse the pattern and see if it still holds true if you do something else first. I don’t use a dial indicator to measure lift. I use a set screw that sits on the valve stem (adjustable) and then I use .050 shims, numbered for consistancy. Yes, lots of variables and I am sure I haven’t figured them all out by any means. I have also tested with different tubes for exhaust and clay molding for intake. I prefer to test with the manifolds on for NA though to keep things simple and more “real world”, even if its only 28" of water.
I need a better setup so I can go really high depression (90s would be cool) and also a water injection setup with dye so I can see the atomization pattern.
I can’t think of any benefit to polishing the intake port of the heads.
90" of water? I like the water injection idea. I put a bit of polish on all the runners mainly for the apperence. That and I don’t see any down side to a little finer finish on an injected engine.