[Mark Yacavone]

The guys are right about testing your own combo.
One thing though...You want to only make one change at a time..In this case, the valve springs.
Thinking about it, the converter might be only a few hundred loose.
It might have had a problem pulling in the lights because of the valve springs.
That's still not a lot of valve spring pressure.

Often, lowering the gear ratio does not give you a better 60' / ET.
Gear it for a reasonable trap RPM so it'll run the MPH like the fast guys in your class.
Set the converter right at peak torque, and keep working on the motor for more power, and a harder leave.
These are my opinions only..Just trying to same you some time and effort.