ive got the smaller vf24 turbo.. not had it long so cant say on reliability but not heard bad things.
jabba have told me that it dosnt like hard dv springs. if peeps fit uprated stiffer dv springs that could head to probs . perhaps this is why youve heard bad stuff.
as for 1st and second... and third in the wet traction isnt there if you stomp the pedal but once your used to it its easy to control with the right foot.
power delivery is smooth unless you go full boost then it buries you in the seat
but i think thats down to the map.
am04 was very tempting as was the jbs k04 hybrid. but went with jabbas ihi experience. they had a lot of ecu probs with mine. which they swopped over then replaced the dash clocks ... it wasnt straightforward but i wasnt charged extra and they did a brilliant job.
im happy with my ihi and wanted to go just over 300. so i rekon i took the right choice
you pays your money..........