Are you going to be 100% strip car or just occasionally?

If your springs are completely shot I would replace them and clamp em. Also pick up a decent set of shocks with a decent stiff extension capability(Calvert 9 way, or other brands). Store more shock for extension than bump.

As Matt said don't waste your time with radials. Sidewalls are inconsistent and just a variable you can't control.

Try and get the front as loose and quick responding as possible with 4-5" of movement.

A CF DF clutch will be tight but a lot of people do use them with success. That motor will probably have a good amount of torque to help with the gearing though not ideal.

On the cal-tracs... Wouldn't spend my money. In my old setup with SS springs went 1.45-1.47 normally, added caltrac bars to the springs-very aggressive launch and no 60 or et change. Then changed over to the full caltrac setup, no change again, but was able to lower the back of the car. I eventually sold them.

Once you start making some passes let us know...I'll send your man card out right away

Andre