Thanks for the added insight Dr Mark.
We drove the entire east to west climbing stretch CA Hwy 4 (Ebbets Pass) in first gear (automatic). Not turning 4k the whole time but certainly on the steep parts of which there are many,
The previous owner had the motor built by SS and installed by a shop in San Diego. So far no troubles in about 30k total miles since install. I do not see the 20+ mpg that others report with the Subaru swap even with the highway flyer gearing but it is fun to drive which is maybe the issue there.
Joe Bagadonuts