The cams / lifters on B20s are not poorly designed -- they
were poorly made. There is a simple repair that seems to
completely solve the problem -- use IPD lifters.

Similarly, the timing gear is just like a timing belt except
there is the option of installing a steel gear in place of
the fiber gear, removing the need to ever replace the gear
again.

I'll wager that 90% of the advantages that the slanted
motors have comes from the fuel delivery system and not the
valve drive system. They share pistons, cranks, have similar
sized and shaped combustion chambers. The only things different
between them is the material of the head and the way the valves
get pushed up and down.

If I put a modern fuel injection system, electronic ignition,
and installed a cat on my B20, it would pollute just as little
as a B230.

How many timing belts are you going to replace on yours when
I don't have to replace any on mine? How much of a pain in
the ass is it to adjust the valves when I can do it with a
wrench and a screwdriver? How much is your motor hurt by
overheating (warped head) when mine won't be hurt at all?
chris