Nope, no question the LiHV are worth the upgrade
I didn't want to believe it either so setup tests both on track and on my iCharger
the LiHV won every time, I did everything in my power to limit variables
it's just better chemistry
now that said, if you're not running at the front of the pack in stock, or you run mod, it is a non-factor, but if you're fighting for that last tenth, it could be in the lithium
I remember when SMC was awesome.......It was 2001......
The caveat to that is if you buy the Protek LiHV, I have bought a couple myself and cycled a couple others to verify, they are just never matched well
All the Motiv LiHV I have tested have been closer matched than any of the Proteks I have worked with
Yes, I cycle batteries for fun and science and lap times
No, I don't have friends