Okay, I love my E4JS again.
Last time I was so frustrated with it, I yanked out all the electronics and shelved it. I just installed a new main chassis and rear section and reinstalled all the electronics again. This time the Novak GTB fitted better up front next to the steering servo. Ran new wiring from the esc to the motor such that it doesn't interfere with the battery hold-down/ top plate. Shimmed the battery hold-down/ top plate and made some clearance on it with a Dremel so that it would fit my 5500 hard shell lipo. That and fixing the Ackerman setting on the steering crank made me happy with the E4JS again.
Even more so, I had problems with the car driving straight. The car seemed to drift no matter how I adjusted the steering trim. Found the problem to be a bad rear wheel bearing. Checked all the wheel bearings, cleaned and lubed them and now its running great again. I guess I've neglected the car and have only myself to blame for my troubles.
Anyways, I will be running it this weekend against a TA06 and I'll see how it does.