keeping the car running cool is only a help when youre pushing the car hard for a long period of time. if you do long WOT runs then a thermostat will help you. however, it really doesnt make the car run any better as far as KR goes.

if you can get the cam cheap, more power to you.

once you start dropping pulleys the intake stops mattering as much. the ability to flow is more important than keeping the air coming through the intake cool. therefore heat soak should never be an issue for you.