Guys using non-race (stock type) front shocks with success come in!
I have been using Lakewood 90/10s for the past 20 years with excellent sucess. My car is very similar to yours and runs similar times. Have you tried lowering the front to reduce the torsion bar tension and allow more travel to soften the hit when it reaches the stops? I am guessing that is what your describing. Also if you call Calvert he is very helpful.