to keep it cheap try to do lower control arms, remove front swaybar, some drag radials or even some small slicks, move your battery to the rear of the car, run skinnies up front and ditch as much weight as you can, probably also a steeda timing adjuster and a cold air intake w/ a k&n filter and then maybe a set of 4.10's, also some adjustable shocks so you can play with the settings on the launch...........oh, I forgot, a good set of sub frame connectors.
Don't sweat the light or the competition as first, the time doesn't start until you break the starting beams, regardless of the green light. Just practice different styles of launching at different tire pressures and different shock settings until you find a good launch rpm and clutch action. your reaction time only counts if you're really competing!
also if you keep street tires, don't be silly and lower your air pressure like your on slicks like a lot of guys do, it will actually hurt traction.