What do you guys think?

I think those are good changes. They may get you a little closer, but more importantly, you'll have a lot more torque..which is what really gets the car moving. Wise moves. You can also change (in the future) to a higher (numerically lower) gear and run the tallest radial you can find to drive to the track. A set of 3.55s with a 26" tire "feel" like 3.91s, and then you put on a 28" tire to drive home, and they "feel" like 3.23s. Just a thought..