Help me choose suspension setup

After losing 2 races to a bolt-on Eclispse turbo awd last night, I realized that besides practice, I desperately need better suspension. I spin through first, and all of 2nd as well if i shift hard (I even left about 3' of rubber from the 3rd to 4th shift ). I realize that this is largely due to the 4.10's, and although I love the available power from them, I don't like how quickly they run out. Anyways, my question: What springs/ other components should I get to help me get traction as well as handling. I have been looking at the pro-kit, but I don't know if this will help me in a straight line, and vice versa for the drag kit. I plan on getting used parts, and my budget it about $500. I'm thinking some sort of springs, c/c plates, and maybe sfc's if they will work with my cat-back. Please help me narrow down my list, and anything else I should have on it.

Does anyone happen to have a picture of full length sfc's on their car? I may be able to fab up some if the MM ones won't work with the side-exit. My dad owns a foundry and I can get pretty much any metal work I want for free, including welding.