V6 Fi Vs 318

Also,what size tires do you run? Running bigger heavier tires are not only unnessary on a stock slant but kill performance/mileage.Lightweight mags with a 195-205-215 tread width, about 25.5-26" tall tire would be optimal.Keep them aired up,but remember air expands up to 5 lbs when it heats up,so keep that in mind when filling them.Nitrogen on the other hand does not expand any where near as much as that,so you can get away with a bit more cold pressure.

The slant really needs more gears. Because of the long stroke and limited factory induction/cam design you are not going to see much more than 4500 rpm with a stock slant.A 5 speed with a close gear spread and overdrive would be perfect.You could run your 3.73's or 4.11's and still be able to cruise up on the highway at 70-80 mph easy.The manual tranny is usually lighter and uses less power from the engine to operate,both good things for performance/economy.