the converter will cause more heat in your tranny, which will cause more rapid wear, thats why people suggest a tranny cooler with the installation of the converter, everyone here will tell you to definately go with a lentech, they are supposedly the best, go with the converter and get some good tires and you MAY hit 12's, get the lentech and your there for sure
and about the kids' shoes, you gotta do what you gotta do
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88 Notch, 3.73's, Ported E7's, Explorer int. w/ ported lower, pulleys, 1.7RR's, BBK headers, off-road H-pipe, flowmasters, subframe connectors, 65mm TB, shift kit, March ram air ,MSD coil, U/L control arms, 155lph fuel pump, cheap 2800 stall, Crane Adj.FPR, best 1/4--> 13.77@101.35