Yep, that's that 300+ ft-lbs of V8 torque you're feeling in 3rd and 4th. It just feels unstoppable, doesn't it? Sounded so good too--I've driven nothing like it since we sold it. May as well leave those tires on the back there till your burn them all the way off--that was how I saw it. :) But watch out for power oversteer if you have the grippy tires on the front and big power at the back, especially after you install the LSD.

That's a good idea about the airbox--if you really wanted to make it even more stock-looking, you could get a stock 740/760 turbo or turbodiesel airbox and ducting and use that. I would have done that, as they flow lots of air and look very nice, but I decided to go with the K&N because it was cheaper and meant I wouldn't have to move the battery. Turbos have the battery over on the driver's side and the airbox where the battery is now in that car, 16v's and NA B230s are opposite (that's how it is now). Converse's manual, which I think I sent with the car, details how to use the Volvo turbo airbox if you want to go that route.

The 19lb injectors in the engine now were cleaned, rebuilt, and flow-tested for optimal spray pattern, so they should be good for a long time. The cam is stock, but the stock 5.0 cam is a marine cam and, as you have noticed, it does have lump to it right out of the box.

I consided doing a MAF and throttle body but the fact is that unless you do at least an upper and lower intake the stock stuff is more than that motor needs anyway. 24lb injectors will just make it run rich; to exceed the needs of the 19lb injectors you need to be at least getting into heads and cam or a supercharger. If you wanted to make lots of safe, easy power, a 65 or 70mm throttle body, an upper and lower intake, and a larger MAF with stock injectors would work really well.

Once you get into injectors and cams you start affecting driveability, MPG, and emissions. For me, that car was already way overpowered--I scared myself enough with it as it was. After your experience with sport bikes, you might feel differently, but I can't imagine ever wanting more power than what that car has now. Also, it is hard on the frame and rearend if you go too far beyond stock 5.0 power. I'll never forget how my friend's 745's front crossmember looked after 130,000 miles of V8 torque...like a big pretzel. If he hadn't replaced it, the motor would have been in the road in another 25 miles. If you decide to up the power in a big way I recommend some chassis bracing first.

Hope to continue to hear from you!

George