Brent and Gary,
We wil take a look at the possibility of valve float. One contributing factor to those results may be that the dyno had the oldest computer I have seen operating in a long time. I think the last time that I saw one that old it was in a museum. When he was showing me a graphic of the torque curve the dyno operator commented on how this graph showed subtle variations that more modern computers on dyno's even out in the programming. The variations at the high rpms could be an artifact of the older computer and programming not being able to keep up with the input data at higher rpms.
While there still may be 30 hp left on the table, those extra 30 hp and 8,000 rpm redlines do come at a cost. If I am peaking at 6700 rpms and pretty much shifting between 6500-7000 rpms, the engine is going to last a lot longer than taking it to 8000-8500 rpms. I know guys who have engines that are operating in the HP and rev ranges that you guys are talking and those engines are expensive and are getting refreshed or broken way sooner than my little wallet can mange.
Now when I get to be a pro and am driving someone else's car using their money it may be a different story
Thanks guys, I really do appreciate the feedback.
Jim