the qr has potential, but i dont know of anyone who has actually done an all out all motor build. its been mostly turbo builds, or quick bolt ons and call it a day. most wont swap over to a built header and a 3" midpipe. im pretty sure there is some power to be made there.
the main issue with the qr being "slow" is the gearbox. too short of gears to keep the motor in its powerband. it takes 3 shifts to 60 ffs. the 5 speed gearbox from the SE-R is more suited to its powerband for what its worth.