[bhazard]

+1

This car rocks.

You might try a 'ranger roller cam' swap for a little more low end torque. Look it up. I believe its ground for a little more low end power, and its also a roller cam, so less friction.

2.3's dont like low rpms. Thats why you have a hard time getting around in 5th. The ranger cam, advanced timing (maybe an MSD system?) and synthetic fluids might help, but you probably just need some shorter gearing. I could usually get usable power down to 1700 or so, but thats with a 3400-3600 lb car fully loaded.