Tom: What kind of times are you running with your SB? You can most likely expect low 12's / high 11's in a FE, unless it's REALLY built..........and you're a pretty good 1/4 mile driver. I have a pretty well built FE and was running high 11's with a lot of wheel spin. Started launching in 2nd gear and my best ET was 11.78 @ 128 with traction issues still happening. I'm thinking of changing tires from my BFG's to either the Yoko's or perhaps the BFG drag radials, or even the big lettered GoodYears (but they are non DOT).
If you really want to get down the track in a hurry, go with an alum Shelby block and put some Keith Craft stage III heads on it. I don't have an alum block, but I'm planning on sending my Edelbrock heads in to Craft and have him sprinkle some of his magic dust on them.
