a V8 is just a bigass engine and shouldnt be compared to a inline for power comparisons, it starts off with a lot more cubic inches, better flow at stock and all that. But the inline six is supperior in the bottom end, the six has a seven main as apposed to the five on a V8. the bottom end of a six is bulletproof and usually doesnt require modification, the top end of the motor on a six has severely restricted flow so that would be the first goal is to increase the flow of the engine. V8's are more readily in supply and parts are dirt cheap as apposed to the inline, but its the guys with the suped up sixes that get the most looks. the inlines also produce quite a bit of torque. the V8's have two extra cylinders than us sixers.
Its better not to compare 8 vs 6, cause as clifford performance puts it 6=8. if u want cheap power then get an 8 cylinder, its the fact that being an inliner that makes us unique, and its quite enjoyable. even now my friends are quite impressed at the guts of the inline.
a 230hp streetable is possible but if u want better fuel economy u need to fuel inject the engine. but i havent really looked at 230Hp so i'm not quite sure whats all involved, but its definitely doable, just lots of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$
i know u can get custom heads now which eliminate the entire valvetrain, but havent looked into it furthur cause custom = $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
