Can it hook?

I run a 28 x 11.5 Hoosier QTP, and yes, they hook like a slick. With some tuning you should have no problem getting it to hook with the SS springs.

This year I switched from stock springs and a snubber, to the full Caltrac setup...as of today, the car was still 4 hundredths quicker in the 60' with the stock springs. I have not given up yet, but I'm getting close to putting the stock 40+ year old springs back under the car; however, the Caltracs definitely helped with consistency.

I do agree with others that if you have 500hp, your MPH isn't showing it...so you might want to investigate once you get your tire/transmission thing sorted out. I have never dynoed my 410 stroker, but I think it makes a little over 500 (probably 530 ish) and it runs through the 1/4 at 123mph. Yours should be in the 119-120 range.