I know plenty of guys that don't care about how their cars run. I've seen 15 second Hemi cars run at the track. For me it's about not getting embarrased at a traffic light by a Honda Civic with a turbo driven by a pimple faced teen. It's my duty to kick that booty. 
I've seen that too, pretty sad. My cars all run good, or they do once i'm done with them. I just cant see squeezing every tenth out when it means compromising the way i like a car to look under the hood.
Let me give you a example..my cuda droptop currently runs TTi headers, 3.55 gears with a suregrip and stock intake, heads, and AVS. The cam is a step or two above stock, but nothing too radical. I bought it this way this time around and I'm considering changing back to stock exhaust manifolds since i dont like headers on my cars. I might not do it since it's a PITA to do, and i have to get the head pipes up to the factory manifolds, but as far as losing those 20-30 HP the headers gain, it's not a big deal to me. Would the car run quicker with a set of 3.91's or 4.10's? You bet it would, but i like the 3.55's for crusin so they will stay. I am also considereing adding a six bbl setup to the car. Now thats seems to be not in line with what i'm saying, but I've owned several 6bbl cars and i know how to set them up so they run good and i love the way the 6bbl carbs sound when the outboards open up. Thats a unique sound that I just love to hear. In all reality, a 6bbl setup might actually slow the car down, but all the ones I've owned have been a blast to drive once i got them setup right.
Now this car runs good, it's no slug and will not bring shame to the Mopar name with 15 second timeslips. But it has a lot more potential if I'd want to take it there, but for me it's purpose is to be a reliable cruiser that gets occasionaly run hard. Thats what makes this hobby so great, everyone can have something that they like. I appreciate all the work and planning that go into a well tuned and setup car that's purpose is to kick ass on the street or strip. I can also appreciate a well restored trailer queen.
Carl, hey man to each his own. I just think shakers on Challengers are the nicest looking hoods ever, but thats why it's your car. It looks great the way you have it.
