Thanks, Nick. I'm glad you like the non-servo feel. I was close to going that direction but my mechanic had a spare tii booster so we gave it a shot. And it worked, but just.
I know that 40s are they way that most people go with a mostly stock engine but my mechanic, who is also a good friend, has been doing this for 40+ years and says the 45s will give us more flexibility. Initially, he will essentially detune them and then we can open them up if I add a hotter cam. The fine tuning happens next week so I'll get to experience it for myself soon.
I'm almost as excited about adding Pertronix, which went in at the same time, because the points kept closing and I was suffering hesitation issues as a result. We're also going to try some headers as early as next week. I know that most 2002 headers don't fit NK cars but I have access to a Supersprint set which I think can be made to work. My center resonator is leaking so we're going to try going from the headers straight back to my newish OEM rear muffler.
More updates soon!