finally got the rear end re-assembled and put back in. Needed all new bearings so it was a little more expensive than I thought it would be but I had to have it done. The 355s weren't a gigantic change. It will chirp hitting second and thats with 295/50s and the power seems to be more linear, if that makes sense. I may have reduced my bottom end because I still haven't put on the exaust from the cat back so the back pressure is down and, subsequently, the torque. It definately runs up the RPMs a lot quicker and there is a definate increase in the thrust level. I felt a bigger difference when I went from 308 to 370 in my Camaro but that was more of a top end motor and it really benefitted from the gear change. That swap was worth a full half second in the quarter. So, now I have a new multi-milllion dollar aluminum radiator, new motor, new transmission, all new U-joints, and a rebuilt rear end. The only thing that hasn't been changed is the rear wheel bearings, which seemed good and tight when I had it appart. The Mechanicals should be good to go for some time to come. Now I can concentrate on cosmetics. One of these days, in the distant future this thing will be like new. I'm hoping to get real close to 13s when I go back to the track so I'm already way better than stock. These things are addictive.