Well, the 1500cc version is what I'm playing to, a version that really wasn't massaged very well before production, but gobs of torque and in the 70-75HP range in stock form, though less in the North American versions due to some detuning for enviro-reg.

There is room to get close if not actually there pretty handily without a teardown and blueprinting exercise, and smoothing out some of the cobbier behaviour helps it get there without an unacceptable risk.

I did the same exercise with my Spitfire (same engine) and I'm far more at one with the car as a result. It's a delightfully eager handful.

Is it wise? Of course not. GRIN!

On another note, I dealt with the steering wheel issue yesterday; a flat thick 12" wheel replaced the dished 11"; still gives my legs room to lift yet puts the wheel several inches closer to the dash. A much nicer position results.