1) on the tree leave on the second amber light. If you wait on the green the other guy will be out on you by 3 or 4 cars.

2) Launch at just off idle and go up by 100 rpm untill you get to the best spot. Keep a log so you have objective data to look at. Watch the 60' times on your slips they will tell the tale of what is working and what aint.

3) Tire pressure. Even on street tires you need to drop the pressure a little bit to get them to hook their best. expirement to see what air pressure your tires like best, once again keep a log so you have a record to analize.

4) Nittos are great. They are not a sticky as the BFG DRs but you can get 18 months or so driving out of them. I don't know if your car is 100% stock or not but if it is get the exhaust done and get a cold air intake before you spend cash on an N2O kit.