So, I checked the hot temps with a laser IR gun and the manifold intake tubes were 148 degrees after a hot run. This means they were just 25 degrees hotter than the air exiting the intercooler, and of course the air is moving so fast there's not much heat transfer - so, I decided to not do the insulation thing. Not enough potential. You were right.

So, I installed the tweaked manifolds. The advice to use vaseline on the tube ends was awesome. thanks. So, now I can see why folks get tickets after this "final" intake mod. When I hit the gas, this is the first time I noticed the front end lifting a bit and getting light. It's so fast now it's hard for the mind to register that you've already hit 60 in no time flat. Wow Doc, you were right about the grunt. Now to get it retuned in a couple weeks, and I think I'll give my piggy bank a rest :-)