A Jerico 4 speed and a 538 ring and pinion and the addition of a 3/4 to 1" fuel line also help. The over the counter BB aluminum heads that NHRA certified was a big step to. But just remember they all cheat!

Sometime check out where the header bolts to the head. Usually there is a step out for the gasket and flange area..... well look again. Barely enough to hold the gasket flat against the head. I just love seeing those cast iron intake, flat tappet, mush lifter, Q-Jet 350/255 horse novas go 10.80 in G/S.