[eoc_Jason]

Jah-Hools - Yes, the search hack here basically uses Sphinx indexes to find the results, which are then returned to the vB search process and displayed like internal search results...

If performance isn't an issue, then probably not worth trying to implement unless you have some spare time and are bored. Yes with sphinx you can use phrases and various expressions to make a much more powerful search (read the sphinx docs online, it goes into detail about that). However, you still occationally run into the issue of vBulletin liking to filter out some search results it thinks are not relevant...

Jon - Yes that function is still in the functions_search.php file.

I just came here to download the code someone posted using the new sphinx code + tag search... If I can intergate tag searching I will be happy...

I'm still using the old code that uses a separate file and edits the search.php to make it run. I'm not sure if I'm ready to switch over or not, like I said I'm about to take a look. I had the sort_search_items in my existing code, and plan to keep that functionality in my new code. I'll post a file or instructions once I'm done. I can't believe I've waited this long to upgrade to vB 3.7.x, but I suppose it's time...

I think it's great the vB team are finally addressing their search shortcomings and integrating in alternate search technologies... It doesn't take long for a site to reach a few million posts (especially with a lot of Off-Topic sites).