No A/C and a black powdery substance sounds like possible A/C compressor locked up and belt slippage. Hope all turns out well.
:Edit: What Voodoo stated above.
I would say our days are numbered. If I had to guess, 4-5 years left in the power wars. And I am probably being generous. EPA regulations are starting to come down HARD on the auto industry right now. so its just a matter of time.
Main thing I am worried about is the tune process. If I go with the Stage 2 does it come with a tuner and tune or will it require some shop Tuner time?
:Edit: Sorry just reread the original starting post and see that it comes with a tuner and default tune. Guess what I am wanting to know is...
I am contemplating going this route, but do not know any shops around my area that vendor and install these systems. I live 60 miles south of Kansas City Missouri, so if you have any suggestions, that would be very appreciated.
The new 5.0 is a totally different monster compared to the 5.0 of old. The new one runs higher compression ratio with completely different head design. You will NEVER get the sound of the older 5.0 in the new 5.0, it is just never going to happen.
I believe in a break in period as well, but let me tell you first hand, it is DAMN hard to not want to put your foot to the floor and bang the gears. The power is just to appealing to not want to feel it all the time.