I completely agree a dana 60 or 9" when starting from scratch is a better option. I wouldn't be so nervous on 8 3/4 for occasional runs
8 3/4 in wife's car normally 60' in the 1.40 zone would be little better if we took the small wheelie out of it. Car weights #3200 with her #3300 with me. Probably 120+ runs now and a dragweek trip.
Typical run is 10.1 @ 133 best is high 9's one 9.8 with small shot of spray
Ladder bar car with back brace, gears installed by me, only third set of gears i installed so not much experience.
I do know i'm on borrowed time and agreed the dana or 9" is better..