Hypothetical scenario....medium sized track with super high bite and must wind out first gear to optimize laptime

High output 9 port engine (non tuned say 35 plus with 2052) running on 25% fuel provides fast lap time however regardless of tuning unable to make runtime for 5 minutes and must pit in qualy

Only way to make time is to detune engine with (35 plus with 2015) pipe and running 16% fuel. Laps times drop about .2-.3 sec but now able to make 5 minutes. This setup is marginal as motor has to be run on the limit to make time and finding that slightly higher elevation along with low nitro and borderline lean leads to short bearing and engine life.

7 port engine (R1wcs 2052) with power pipe able to make run time on 25% fuel but yields slower lap time at slightly less as detuned 9 port engine. Motor seems to lack top end on straight and short chutes but has good performance off corner.

In this hypothetical scenario would a modified/tuned 7 port engine be worth investing in a compromise between between both scenarios listed above.

I am trying to get some addtl info before I make a 500$ experiment ha!