Im bashing vtec (not iVTEC) because they make no usable torque. There is absolutely no need to go upto 7k rpm to reach maximum power. If you still think that is not a good reason to bash them. There are people who swap regular non vtec motors like a b18,b20z to the short geared transmissions used by vtec motors, and they achieve better times at the track.
Compare torque ranges of the KA Vs D series, B Series, and H series. and see which motor produces it first and the most. The KA doesn’t need VTC or VTEC because it has a long stroke and balance of both performance and fuel economy with its displacement. I haven’t driven in an SR, but from what I understand, the S14 SR20 only makes 15hp more then the S13 without VTC, they also make the same amount of torque at 4k rpm.
If you want to rev high on the KA, change out the cams as the engine has a hard time sucking air beyond 6k. Either get some crower cams, or do the hot cams swap which is s13 248 exhaust installed 4 teeth counter clock wise on the intake, and install an S13 exhaust cam on the exhaust side of the S14 KA motor. Then build up the bottom end. You will sacrifice 5 - 10lbs torque and gain about the same or more in HP when turbocharged.