The drop seemed much faster. However, time plays tricks. It was the first really massive coaster I'd been on, and certainly the fastest. I do remember the drop being terrifying though first time, but after the re-profile it was just "pretty good". That was not too long after my first go on it in 1994, so I think the change must have made a big impact as I'd not been on any other new ride in between times.
I seem to remember the whole ride just being really fast and exiting that first run, but every time since then, I hated the slow crawl around the turnaround that makes you feel like you're going to be tipped out. I don't remember that on the first run. So the memory of the memory says it was better before - but I wouldn't put my life on the line over it.