[clayfoushee]

I think in the long run, you're likely to be happier with the milder, more reliable, and hence more driveable engine in a "cruiser," as you said would be it's main use. Heck, you're still going to have excess HP for the weight you're carrying in 99% of all applications.

I've been lucky with my SO, which is set up on the mild side, and the more radical engines seem to be out of the car more routinely. Of course, that often has a lot to do with how those wanting such engines use them.