Wow, thanks for the very well informed responses. I really appreciate it. I have been lurking around for years, but now my spot in line to build a Beck Speedster is finally coming up, so I am starting to feel like an excited little kid that can barely stand it...and I need to firm up the plan. The current / default plan is a new 2.5 Subie motor mated with a 5-speed Subie trans. I get the sense they have done this a bunch, and people are very happy with the outcome, so it would probably be just fine not to get too involved in the details and just drive off with the "standard" Subie-powered package. But I cannot help but feel like now is the time to ask a few questions and see if it makes sense to do something other than "standard." Carey is so cool and accommodating, I think he would make any reasonable wish come to life...so is there something you wish had done or could do? Thanks!