I have two suggestions, both of these are on 1.6.2:
The first is BC Tools it adds a range of mechanical armor similar to MPS or and of the IC2 weapons. As a bonus it also adds tools that mine in a 3x3 pattern like Tico hammer. Also adds a "work in progress" power gen system that uses 3D water mills that look amazing.
Link: http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1647902-buildcraft-addon-buildcraft-tools-development-page/page__st__360#entry24119561
Where is the 1.6.2 build for BCTools that is not in SMP chain-crash mode? 1.4-a-2 caused horrific troubles for me. Did you find a new one that was not way undercooked?
Also, copying the look of IC2 is sort of a negative point for me.