A Kub is a unique vehicle, it has a character all its own. To me, part of that character is the automatic transmission and its anemic performance. I have built plenty of go-fast vehicles, but always out of something that would actually perform. A hot rodded Kub might give a Prius a run for its money, (well at least until the first turn), but you get my idea.
My own Kub is as close to stock as I can get it. I have chased most of the rattles out of it, and every factory installed system works as it should. It has a fresh engine overhaul and all rolling and moving parts are new or meet new specifications. I do have 14" wheels, but that's due to the unavailability of decent 13" 80 series tires. (I have the OEM wheels if that ever changes).