Yup, i still have enough torque down low to spin my tires in the dry so i'm happy till I get some boost.
It is much more balanced. IF you want to stay N/A try some ER rockers and a HV3. That should give you a decent pull. Also a custom tune would help greatly.
But the better idea is to throw headers on, then gather parts + funds for a top swap and go from there.
I see it as a gateway mod to better things.