Well, I'll tell you my experience trying to get a really poorly balanced car to hook. My '71 429 Mach I is worse than your 45/55 and it has taken a lot of effort to get it to hook consistantly. I tried both of the Hoosier radials, regular and lightweight and neither worked particularly well. It was recommend that I try the Goodyear #6575 tire on a 10" rim and they WORK. They also last a LONG time if you don't abuse them on the burnout. The tires in this shot are over three years old and the wear holes are virtually gone, and they still will do a 1.40 sixty at 3650 lbs.
http://www.dragracecentral.com/DRCPhoto.asp?ID=172313
Of course, the full Calvert treatment really helps too!!