never been too hot (no pun) on short rams. might wanna look in another direction on that 1. moreover, work on you launch techniques 1st. (only change 1 thing per run). if your on street tires, they wont like more than 3k launch rpm. between 2,5-3k is where you should be lookin.
keep front tires at rated pressure (30-32), DO NOT LOWER THEM. Pump up back tires to max rated.
get rid of all loose crap in your car for track nites. of course your spare and jack too.
when i didnt have anythin but bolt ons (stock cams, factory settings) i shifted 6,2k 6,0k (in 1/8th). worked quite well. maybe try 6,3k 1-2, but thats it. dont worry bout cuttin lights if you want to look at ETs. take your time.
assess the weather ahead of time. bail on goin if temps and/or humidity are really high. know which direction your track faces, so when you see the wind factor on the weather map, that you'll know what you'd get at the track (bail if its an excessive head and/or cross wind).
wash and wax your car, always good to be slicker.
skip a big lunch, extra weight and between that and your nerves you'll be thinkin bout the port-a-pot moreso than your runs. hehe.
good luck,
-Ult