[scheides]

I think there is something to be said about position of the wastegate flapper and the power difference. I need to find the overlay, but gheyrodX and beaterX had nearly identical setups save for the wgacrank mod and beaterX blew gheyrodX out of the water in torque/midrange and just a wee bit up top. I'm guessing something with how a MBC actually delivers air to the wga vs how a BCS does is what causes some of these gains: the MBC may cause a bit more open/closing of the wga and thus hurting flow. Doing the wgacrank mod with a MBC must help keep the wga in a more optimal position.

I'll find that overlay if I can, or do you have it hughes?

As far as the downpipe/o2 elim goes I think I have two big beefs with the stock setup:
1) weight. The stock o2 housing specifically must weigh 30 pounds itself. Just redonk!
2) It is a tight 'questionmark' type bend that I think on a stock turbo is mostly fine save for the outlet. IIRC the stock o2 housing necks down right at its outlet. On an aftermarket, stock-frame turbo I think there is no question that the stock o2 housing (even with a 3" downpipe) would not be adequate, especially if you were running alky/e85 trying to push the setup. I saw huge gains just on pump gas with the BBX.

Overall I am just pumped you have the car to a whole new level. Good thing you're in a place you can enjoy it, there's almost a foot of snow on the ground up here!