Cliff, I can't answer any questions about these new pumps either, and like most I am waiting to see how they do, once they are available in any kind of a quantity. As far as a HRVP44, I have been running one since January. I did not pickup much if any total power. Like the Smarty the HRVP44 doesn't seem to increase total power, just where the power comes in at. The HRVP44 fuels a lot harder down low, then the SO VP44 does. However max hp is very similar. The HRVP44 makes about the same hp as the SO VP44 does with the drag comp on 3x5, but again the hp on 5x5 with both is about the same. Like the Smarty, the HRVP44 has great driver feel.
My impression is that if you do not want to use a fueling box, then the HRVP44 would be a good addition.
Paul