Unless they have changed the s/w Selecting "Disable" does not bypass the ARC like you would assume. It prevents any DS RPM data input back to your data logger or ignition box etc. The only way to easily bypass the ARC without any issues is to create a "Zero" file which is easy to do where...
Agree you should see 4-5 numbers in 1/8 mile and of course more in ¼. A friend of mine runs an Outlaw 10.5 nitrous car with the same M&M lockup T400/converter as we run and he picked up .04 & several MPH. It's easy to see on the G-Meter. Of course a lot depends on when you get it locked also.
We use ½" Hemi bolts but with only 6 it still wants to move a little. You are right, it always seems like a never-ending game moving from one weak link to the next and there's never a point where all the weak links are fixed! LOL
We run ¼ mile so see significantly more improvement in ET & speed. We haven't had any issues yet with rear gears but did have issues with flexplates. We ran a CSR billet aluminum plate and it tore the crap out of it after only a handful of passes. We now run the Meziere heavy duty billet steel...