Try reseating the plugs on the drivers side inner fender.
Also could disconnect the alternator charge wire to eliminate a wacky regulator. It will have a battery light on of course but should run off battery voltage for a bit anyway.
dont delip the maxxfoce pistons. Idle haze and poor cold weather charactaristics arent worth it. Running a close to stock setup you wont crack one anyway. Just get good tuning that keeps the spray in the bowl.
I don't agree that it is a requirement to stay stock sized turbo to tow effortlessly and not hawk the gauges.
Just get a modded drop-in turbo that has a factory turbine. Stock characteristics just runs cooler with more power.