Very nice!!
 
Re longer 5th gear, as a daily driver, thats one thing that I really found annoying in the turbo, 3000+rpm on the highway, a drop to low/mid 2000rpm would have been awesome from a noise POV, would have made it much more relaxing on longer trips.  The extra fuel economy would have been a bonus, although it was quite good anyway, low/mid 8litres/100km from memory.
 
I doubt the performance would decrease significantly, and you can always dop back to 4th if required.
 
As you have everything accessible, now might be a perfect time to do the mod?
 
Cheers
 

It's not in my budget right now, and I want to learn WHY I might need it as opposed to just doing it 'cos I can - might not even need it;

Sounds epic - move over NSX!! 

 
What/who is the reference to NSX??
 

^well, this should make an NSX look slow! 

If you don't find the revs too high in 5th atm then you obviously don't need it.
 
Cheers
 

hehe  you know those photo's of parts and block look awfully familiar 

Daz
2.  Notice the gold coloured circular insert in the upper part of the rod - this is a custom titanium insert machined and fitted to suit the application; 
 

Looks to me like an ordinary bronze small end bush.  Titanium is a silvery colour.  Not sure that titanium would be a suitable bushing material anyway, even conrods made from titanium alloys use bronze bushes for the small end.

hehe  you know those photo's of parts and block look awfully familiar 

 
Really??  I wonder why?! hahah
 
What news of your build Pete??

COGS - you're probably right mate - am learning this as I go and took a lot of information in when we were photographing and chatting about the components - it definitely is a yellowish colour - will check the material next time I'm at WTFauto - hopefully Friday afternoon with a newly painted red car...

hope to have it together and in by the end of august
if i can manage that i'll take her east for the nationals and toyfest

Here's the outgoing engine:

 
Will get a few progress pic up as soon as they are available...