Tom,
No need to go into engine to get really good performance. Try this and you should be able to run low 11's or high tens rather easily. SLP air box lid part no. 21044 @ $99.00 , MAC Performance Products off road headers and y-pipe TF4398. ZEX wet nitrous kit part no, 82087, Mickey Thompson 3754R Drag Radials on the rear with 15" Weld Drag Lites(or something comparable) 15" x *8, 5x4.75, 5.5" BS(may have to clearance caliper some), and rear end gear change to 3.73 ratio and Vigilante Converter. A good set of plug wires and NGK plugs. Make sure all normal engine functions are up to factory specs and go have some fun.
You didn't state whether car is stick or Automatic. I found in a stck car you were usually quicker leaving in 2nd gear and slipping clutch(hard on clutch) so a good clutch would probably be in order. Automatic cars are easier to deal with on this combo.
SLP link:
http://www.slponline.com/browse_list.asp)
MAC Performance Link:
http://www.macperformance.com/store/...ategory_ID=569
ZEX Nitrous link:
http://www.compperformancegroupstore...Code=GMSystems
Vigilante Converter link:
http://www.converter.com/vigilante.htm