i must be completely missing something ?!?

Get the jet close.
Run timing loops. Then shift loops.Then tire pressures. Repeat.
Increase coolant temps, rerun loops.

I think you're short-shifting, and need more gear. The gear can wait. Concentrate on the mph for now. Get that to peak, and be consistant.
Chasing ETs will break the bank, lead to divorce,long stays in the mental ward, etc.

At 93mph in the 1/8, I know my street combo is strong. I dont care how long it takes to get to the end of the track. Actually, I make myself not care. For me,its enough to see the potential. I got better places to spend thousands of dollars

Its been printed to expect 1 to 1.5 seconds ET loss to street suspension. Most of that is right on the starting line, and in the first 3 to 5 seconds. With fairly modest suspension upgrades, a half second or a little more can be recaptured.After that it gets expensive.At 117mph your combo is cooking pretty good.