[jkv45]

You want an air cleaner of some kind. I think we went with a UNI filter in the airbox. Removing the snorkel makes it louder, but also messes with the low-end fuelling and acceleration.

Altering and fine-tuning your jetting will give you snappier throttle response and maximum power.

Adding a quality exhaust system can add power, but some will shift the power peak upward and reduce low and mid-range torque.

You can't have both better acceleration and calmer cruising on the hwy. Gearing down (smaller front sprocket or larger rear) will increase acceleration but add RPMs.

Gearing up (larger countershaft sprocket or smaller rear) will calm the cruising but reduce acceleration.

Stock gearing is a compromise.

Danno will probably chime-in with some specific info on power-mods. He has done dyno testing with jetting and aftermarket pipes for max power.