Gazz... I wanted to quote you, but there are so many choice lines!!! I'm dying over here... "DNA infused carpet"
I read your comment on FAQ about the long clutch pedal engagement.... hmmmm. Most every 5 speed conversion I've ever driven the clutch engages very early (near the floor). Lemme dig around and see if I can help find what might cause that. It may just need the clutch slave bled; that is super easy. The slave is gravity fed (like the e9) simply open the bleed valve and let it flow, maybe pump the pedal once or twice. The clutch slave should have the the bleed valve on the bottom for this 5 speed... sounds counter-intuitive, but that's how it has to be. If you find the valve on the top, it will be damned near impossible to access it. Turning the slave cylinder over is a simple enough job, too.
I'm so happy you are out driving it! They are tiny, aren't they??? My suggestion? Go flog it.

Keep a little foot in the gas in turns, it helps keep the rear end planted, like a Porsche 911...."don't lift!" Keep the revs up over 3500rpm... the power band starts there, so keep it in 2nd or 3rd gear for maximum enjoyment in the twisties. Redline is 6400... don't be timid about running it up to 6 grand. You'll discover where the powers starts to wane. Be mindful of hard shifting these little Getrags... the synchros can be somewhat fragile. Smooth upshifting and learn to heel-toe, double clutch the downshifts for maximum life expectancy.
No power assist steering... Here's a helpful tip. Proper tire inflation, especially up front. One of the gurus at our MidAmerica event always preaches to run at least 2psi more up front than in back, but you will learn what is best for your car. Mine likes 36psi in front, 34 in back. The 2002 naturally pushes/understeers; having a little more air pressure up front helps that. A loose (not too stiff) rear sway bar also helps. Unless you are Ken Block and Hooning is life... then go with more air pressure in rear and tight rear sway bar; that way you can point the car with the rear end with a little judicious use of the handbrake
Speaking of brakes, learn how to adjust the rear brakes... there are two adjusters on each backing plate. Sometimes they are frozen and the hex heads can be stripped; hopefully, yours are not. You will learn to love a 2002 with properly adjusted brakes... they stop on a dime. Scroll down to the brakes section here:
Get the BMW 2002 repair manual you need to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Our online manual contains step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams, and helpful tips to help you troubleshoot and repair any issues that arise. Perfect for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts, our...
www.bmw2002faq.com
Remember I mentioned the throttle linkage might be sloppy if not newly replaced? Easy way to check. Engine off. Find the final throttle lever on the K-Fisch linkage, have someone mash the gas pedal to the floor. If you can continue to rotate that final K-Fisch lever much at all, you will be missing some topend power. Essentially the pedal is at WOT, but the pump lever is not. Hopefully, other Tii members can help with more information here... me, being a sidedraft person
It looks like a great car, I hope you get many years of enjoyment from it.
Ed Z