Mike
You could put a 283 in it and it will still probably run in the nines I would suggest that you bite the bullet put a decent 350 in it and it should run high 8's or low nines get your self a physical, make your license passes send the nice lady in Glendora your paper work and $100 an get yourself a shiny new NHRA license.
The local dragstrip is probably going to make you buy all the up to date safety stuff (SFI Helmet, SFI /5 fireSuit/gloves /SFI belts, Balancer, flexplate, flexplate shield, transmission shield and chassis certification)anyway, so you might as well go faster.There are some advantages in doing so (i.e. if they leave first they can also redlight first, you will usually have you opponet in front of you ect.)
You may find a dragster a little intimidating for the first few passes but they almost always go strait and are actually easy to drive.
