Safety factors

The first question (and if it's answered by looking at pics... I cant see them from this PC...lol) is the brakes. Most racers worry about power, then chassis, then stopping...lol. Fantory brakes (little drums) will not stop the car safely so a brake upgrade is in order. Using 73-up discs will stop it. You still have (or might have) issues with bump steer when the nose comes down, not to mention weight and enough positive caster that the car feels stable at speed. If you have the money in the budget, I think a strong back-half car needs the upgraded suspension in the front. It will also allow for header clearance for the engine. If you don't have the cash, you must do the brakes anyway and I think the tendency for back half cars to stand up on launch and the inability to get 3-4° positive caster so you don't feel wobbly on the top end might change your mind. Gotta have teh brakes tho. Did I mention that?