Ed,
I think you are a bit mistaken. We've had the 418 in our car for well over a year now. As a matter of fact Alan installed it in April 2003 (I know this because he was supposed to be at an event with me and blew it off to work on the car).
And when Kirkham was running that deal awhile back we hemmed and hawed about going for it and opted to stick with the car/motor combo that we have because we both enjoy it. We have no problem staying on the ground, be it a quick trip to Sonic, or around the track at TMS.
And we ARE NOT running anything but pump gas. That's the one stipulation at my house. You can build any engine you want, but we have to be able to gas up at the corner gas station. When I want to go for a cruise, I want to go then, not after a trip to KCM to get fuel.
I don't think Fred will have any problems. He likes to be in his car, and he's got one of the prettiest cars around. I doubt he'll be pulling stupid stunts and destroy that baby of his.
Colleen