'Speed Engine Optimization': The New SEO?

*** Apologies, if you have seen this post in another section. I posted it in the SEO section before I realized this section was here. ***

Ok, so I know it is an overblown title. But Google is paying closer and closer attention to speed as a ranking factor. This summary form MOZ is a great round up for anyone who has not read up on it yet: Survey Results: 2013 Search Engine Ranking Factors - Moz

I've recently started a new blog after getting tired of re-optimizing my clunky affiliate sites and have just returned to the joy of blogging for bloggings sake.

I have decided to try and maintain my sites speed above 90% and have decided the best way to do this is methodologically checking and optimizing each change as I go forwards.

Perhaps I need to get out more I don't know? But right now I'm enjoying it. It's also nice being free from the constraints of trying to sell stuff.

Anyway, I figured this would be a good place to come and ask for advice, tips and recommendations on what people thought about the need for speed on their blogs.

Any special tips?
Any winning products?
Or, anything you would like to see but don't have the time to try out?

I'm game.

Once the blog is up and running with 'greasy fast speed' I'll let you all know my results and indeed what not to do!

Cheers all.