John- I see the photo. Is there any video?
Besides the automatic, what are the mods on your car? Gears? Tires? Stall speed? Have you taken any weight out of the car?
I've got a similar car (see below), and I've always thought that an automatic would improve the qtr. mi. times by getting a better launch.
My stick shift car has done a best e.t. (12.06)- .13 slower, but 9mph faster. @117, with a 60ft. time, (1.76), under similar conditions.
So, in a hypothetical race, they launch the same and are even at the 60ft. mark. At mid track you're pulling away. In the traps I'm catching up but not enough to catch you. And you win by what? 2-3 car lengths? Interesting. It looks like the auto is allowing a good consistent launch, but is taking away some h.p. at the other end of the track.
I doubt if the stiffener bars help in the qtr. mi. Probably more suited to a road course where the stiffened chassis would keep your tires planted better. What do you think?
BTW, the weather in Fla. now is like the Chicago guys get in the Fall, probably ideal for making power. I'd bet you could pull an 11.75 in this cold air with the same setup, if the car hooks on a cold track.
We've got to race some day....but I'd better find some more H.P. first.
