[bmalone]

Will be going to a 3.31 this time from a 3.54. I have a TL. The 3.54 kept the motor in the meat of the powerband just like Jamo mentioned (about 3700 at fwy. speed). This was actually a good match for my car's power characteristics--that is the motor didn't come on the cam until 3300. So, you were always were you wanted to be band-wise.

The new engine will have more cubic inches, so I am thinking the 3.31 will allow a lower cruising rpm that matches well with the additional torque. For me too, I drove at 3700+ rpms for many hours at a time, and I did not find it tedious. Kind of liked the sound.