In looking at some in-car camera shots of a SS/AH car on an 8.60ish run, it looks like around 1000 rpm drop or more seems closer.
No telling what gear ratios where in the car but if it was a serious SS/AH effort they probably were not stock.
This is an interesting thread but in my option if you are looking for the last bit of performance you are going to have to try a few converters. I would think a dyno sheet would help your vendor of choice a lot.
Good luck and keep us posted on your discoveries.
Bill
