I like the dump valve idea. That seems like it would give me some options on the shift to keep the motor happy and down low if we need to adjust a bit. Based on how the car works now at 8.5 SLR, my gut tells me 7-7.5 SLR would be about right. That would be 1.68-1.8 ish low gear that you guys are recommending with a 4.30 out back. I know I can throw a lot more at it down low with a much lower SLR, but I worry it's going to be a fine line between getting it rolling and too much wheel speed too soon. The easiest way to prove or disprove that is to try the 2nd gear leave I already have and see how it reacts then I can choose the right path.
I've been kicking all this around in my head for the last few weeks and I really appreciate you guys steering me.

And yes, a second kit would also get me the few mph I need to stay out on the much lighter turbo cars!