Hey guys im looking to have a built daily driver so i am deciding to go all motor and no sc or turbo! This is for a B16 head and a b18 block

question 1: what is a good compression that will give me a noticable increase in whp&tourqe but wont tear my motor to pieces in 6 months?

question2: what is an above average brand to look into to get my pistons and rods(i will probably get a kit). I will be willing to pay 850ish give or take!

question3: would it be benificial to get a block guard installed or is that only realy needed for boost?

please feel free to give me any more input or things i need to keep in mind before i start dumping money into this project! Just dont hate please that is not what im looking for!