My track never ever prepped. As a matter of fact there were rocks on the track half the time and major bumps so they redid the track and turned it int 1/8 mile and I will never do 1/8 mile. Here are some of my specs. Yes I still have cast iron heads too.
-Holley 750 Double Pumper 0-4779C
-10.5---11 compression
-keith black pistons
-clevite mains and rod bearings
-chrome molly rings
-hydrolic cam
--12250-3 comp cam extreme energy cam 240 --- 246 duration
510 lift 110 lobe separation
.50 duration
-eagle rods
-cast crank
-edelbrock performer air gap intake[edl-7501]
-1970 heads194/160 valves machined for larger springs
-screw in rocker studs
-push rod guides
-rev limit 7,000rpm (hit this mabey 6 or 7 times now)
-headers to 40 series flowmasters 2-1/2 in and out
-6 speed T-56 transmission 2.66 1st gear .50 6th gear
-4:11 gears
EDIT: I used to have a 1996 FIrebird Formula and it was pretty much the exact same drivetrain as yours. I loved that car thats why I installed a T-56 into my Camaro.