I've just read that the only time "drive distributors" is a good choice (for speed/maneuverability) is only on the EPT thrusters, and only within certain ship weights. On size 3 EPTs, if your total ship tonnage is between 64-120 tons, you will get more speed/maneuverability with the "drive distributors" experimental effect. On size 2 EPTs, the tonnage range is 45-76 tons. (I've tested that out on a few small ships and seems to be accurate.)
Just wish there was some way to make the Keelie a little more maneuverable (the pitch seems horrid with 2 pips or less). After looking at a few research charts by prominent commanders, it sure seems like the Keelback is overly lethargic ... especially when compared to some much larger ships that have much greater firepower. (or even the type-6). Ed Lewis seems to have experienced that lethargic maneuverability, and kind of commented on it, when his livestream debuted multicrew for the Keelback.
I really don't understand why Frontier seems to have severely handicapped such a ship with character like this (even with it having a fighter bay) ... when it really only has the firepower of a cobra or viper.