All the principles behind the old tech and new tech are the same and so the experience is helpfull. Sometimes there are just new ways of looking at things, such as with the manifolds. Most of what you were talking about sounds like a pretty good plan though.
Former owner of '99 CSVT - Silver #222/2760
356/334 wHP/TQ at 10psi on pump gas!
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'05 Volvo S40 Turbo 5 AWD with 6spd, Passion Red
'06 Mazda5 Touring, 5spd,MTX, Black