Been called out by a crappy BelCamino

With a clutch car, better to use bias ply slicks as opposed to radial. Radials do not recover from spinning on the hit as well as bias ply. With a non-adjustable clutch, which I assume you have, try to get a few turns of the bias ply tire on the hit to save drive train parts. Something needs to give, either the clutch or the tire. Adjust tire pressure to get a little slip on launch. Also, try to lower the launch RPM to soften the tire hit if needed.

The front end needs 4" to 6" of free travel to allow the car to pitch rotate weight to the rear and plant the tire. Single adjustable front shocks set to fully loose extension will help greatly. If running rubber bushings in stock UCA's, try lubing them up to reduce friction and/or binding.

Removing the front sway bar helps loosening the front end travel and reduces front end weight.

If no traction aid device in the rear (Cal Tracs), try clamping the front spring segments.

After making any changes to your car, make sure to get some practice hits in so you know how it reacts. If you remove the exhaust and/or air cleaner, the carb will probably need jetting up.

If you can launch and shift, you should have no problem showing him your tail lights. Good Luck!