Using MEC (Manual Engine Control), it is possible can mitigate overheating issues by lowering propeller pitch to ~85-90%. The impact on performance is minimal, although power starts dropping much more rapidly than at 100% propeller pitch at higher altitude, where the supercharger starts losing efficiency. When this happens set it back to 100%. On aircraft with staged superchargers you can repeat this trick after changing to 2nd gear (note: the same altitude limitation as before is still present).

Combat flaps deploy quickly, don't rip up to ~500kph and greatly increase both instantaneous and sustaned turn rate. Use them to catch enemy pilots off guard and increase your odds of winning an engagemant.