Interesting. I am almost finished with the process of making my street drag car "more civil". Since I have other pure Pro Touring cars around all the time, and since John and I are building Project Unfair, I decided to still maintain the street drag theme for this car, but am making it much more comfortable to drive.
My car was originally built similar to yours, big roller small block, 950HP carb, TH350, 8" converter, 4.10 gears, Spool. A street car that has done plenty of 45 to 75 mile trips, but a hot sweaty handful the entire time.
In my conversion I did not do a overdrive on my car, my car is fast enough it runs a fairly tall gear, and tall tire already. But that is my first recommendation for you and your conversion. That 383 must make close to 550HP, I would suggest a T56 Magnum.
If you run a spool, it needs to go and get a differential in there. With my car since I will still be over 1000HP on nitrous, I am going from a spool to a Moser Wave Track 35 spline. A differential should eliminate that 'spool steering" on the street that tries to push you straight when you try to steer.
Suspension and brakes will be your single biggest improvement. On my car I did Speedtech control arms (with gulstrand mod) , coil over conversion (no sway bar because still a drag theme). Wilwood 12.19 (6) piston front and 12.2" (4) rear brakes, I had 17s and 18s made but I still run the bigs and littles theme. But I expect HUGE improvement in the drive ability. And while I have no illusions it will autocross very well, I think the drive ability of improved front suspension geometry and unlocked rear will be MUCH improved.
I also added Air Conditioning and A HUGE cooling system, Another important part of a Pro Touring car that can actually drive somewhere!
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Frank Serafine
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