Gearing ?

x2

even a relatively stock engine can almost always benefit from a quality converter.

I agree with the above post. I used to run a 360/380 hp crate motor in my D50. It is technically a stock 2000 model 360 with a M1 intake and a .501/.513 cam. It ran 7.40's with a 9 1/2 convertor and ran 7.20's with a 8 in. PTC convertor and on the street you could hardly tell it was a race convertor. I think a good convertor is one of the best things to invest in.