John
You racing in Denver? I would think with a single carb on that motor that 1.12-1.13 would be right for up there with a low 7.90 ET. The correct converter for the application is going to help a bunch here as far as the ET and reaction time but also remember the delay box adjust as everyone reacts differently. Had a buddy that was lucky to see delay at 1050 on a good day but he was very consistent on the tree.
As for the burnout shake, I would bet he is just feeling the tire grab when lifting. Padding will help with some of that but it will still be there. No way around that.