I've driven a couple of B model Cat's before, and I must say that I love my E model.
I don't care for the Acert's drove a few of those, and they are dogs, my little ole' "modded" 475 does what I ask of it, and has more than enough power on tap. I drove a fella's '86 359 with a b-model cat, 13 speed and what I believe to be a 3.70 rear gear, and it was overly touchy on the throttle and lacked pulling power big time. I guess it's about as simple as a plate of rice, so that's a plus.