So far you have got some info but my 2 cents says concentrate on getting your car to pass tech and have some fun the first couple times. I have been playing around with my car for 5 years and still have not cracked the 12s.
Some of the most common failures at Tech are to much rubber fuel hose; 12 inches total. Battery relocated to trunk, you need a shut-off switch that is marked ON/OFF, 3/8inch hold down bolts and a sheetmetal barrier. Cables on the front of traction bars. Does your car have lap belts and what condition are they in? A fairly stock comet with a warm 302 should run low 14s and mabe high 13s. My car is stripped down to 2950lbs, 3400rpm stall, 3.73 gears, and 289 with about 300HP, running ET street tires and my best time is 13.67. My car should be faster, I feel it should run a sub 13.3 but I have not got the combo right.
Make your car safe and then make it fast. My 2cents Roger, have fun.

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84 t-bird street/strip 13.22@103mph
65 comet/project
Made in Canada built for speed
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6498304960014012619&hl=en