The biggest detriment to traction is the lack of track prep today.
The guys running the crate motors dont have the power to run with the open motors so they cry when the track is hammer down. The promoters dont water as much as they used to. Creates a shiney, glassy dry slick track that favors momentum over traction.
Then there is spring rates, shock valving, jbar adjustments, 5th coil rates etc and it isnt as simple as it once was.
While most modifieds have a shock rule (maybe $300/each), our super lates may have $20,000 worth of shocks in the trailer and spring smasher that allows minute changes to be made to the shocks and have a graph printer out right in the pits. One shock is $2,000.00!
The UMP sanction has let things get way outta control in all their classes and I know of mods that are making 700HP plus and hooking it up. A new rolling chassis can be $30K. One of my friends bought a complete "A mod" three years ago and the rumor was he handed over a $40,000 bill to pay for it and it is a 604 crate car not an open engine.
I would start talking to the chassis mfg. and shock guys before I would mess with the engine. What chassis are you running?
BTW... thanks for keeping the Mopar name alive in your area... IF I get mine on the track next season I will be the only Mopar powered super late model in WI!
