After rereading this post, I am sure something is holding this car back, and by a fair amount. The parts are there for enough power to go 9.60s,IMHO. Just comparing the 1/8th ET to 1/4 ET shows it should run at least a 9.99 or so, based on the 6.36 1/8th mile ET. Getting the hood to carb problem solved, proper springs and more rpm (6800 or more) it ought to surprise you.