Thinking about getting an SRT-4, but have questions first!

[escaro]

I'll try to make this as short as possible, and i appreciate everyone who takes the time to read this and post. I have been thinking about buying an srt4 (04/05) for the past few weeks. I've been doing some research on them, but some of my questions I'm getting different results for. So here are some of the questions i hope you guys can help me out with!
-What is the stock boost level? I have read it varies with outside temp., is this true?
-Can you fit a 215/45/17 size tire on the stock rims? I know they are only 6" wide which is why i question a 215.
-I have also read that these cars seem pretty reliable if kept near stock, also true?
-Does the car have a stock BOV or not? What is the mopar conversion kit that i have seen?
-What kind of fuel mileage can i expect (not really hard driving, but there will be a few pulls in a tank)?
-As i understand it, they seem to be under-rated from the factory, what kind of WHP do they put down stock? about 215-220 sound close?
-Is the 3rd gear problem as bad as i have read? I don't really want to do a trans rebuild shortly after purchase...
-On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, how would you rate the enjoyment you get out of driving an SRT4? The reason i ask is because the way i see it, you can have a nice car with nice options and luxurys, but hate driving the thing, and then you can have a car with not so nice luxurys but absolutely love driving the thing. And driving enjoyment is the most important feature i think any car can offer.
Thank you very much for any input you may have to any of my questions!!

Hey man, Mario's info was great. When in doubt, also consult srtforums.com since there are much more members over there that actually drive this car.
As far as the stock wheels, I actually have mounted a 215/45/17 and have had no problems at all. To be honest, I would say go for it when this was a couple years ago where you could buy the cars brand new or find them un abused. I remember srt4 searching with a friend not too long ago and only finding cars that looked and performed like garbage. I know what you mean about the third gear issue, I have read bountless threads myself; I am the original owner of a 2005 with 55,000 miles and have not had 1 issue with third gear. It could very well be driving habit, which is concerning in your case because if you don't know the previous owner you may be susceptible to that issue. I would rate the "un-abused" srt-4 an 8.5/10. And my deductions from a perfect 10 would be due to the traction issues you will end up facing. (which can be very minimized with mods like traction bars, LCA's, MM's, and coilovers). Also, the handling is just not up to par with the Evo's at all. (Also can addressed with aftermarket). I hoped I helped a little. My overall suggestion would be this though: Unless you know for sure the previous owner did not abuse the car, do not get it. Like I said, I have given a legit effort to find one that wasn't harassed.

[SRT4sum]

Chris, you could lose a few pounds.

haha. But my t-shirt gets me laid