I've help other stick shift racers. years ago, using a early A body 3.09 first gear tranny in a later A body case, taught us that the starting line ratio and. 3rd to 4 th. gear RPM drop can make a lot of difference in a drag only car, especially SB cars
5.57 rear gear with a 3.09 1st gear in a 3000 lb. SB stick shift drag car keeps you pretty busy ( ) the first 300 to 500 ft. depending on the rear tire size