The most important thing is that OP keep it to the track and race in the 1/4 mile if he has the desire to race his friend. He has already stated he doesnt know how to "take off" or launch his car, this would concern me if he and his friend tried a race on the street. Too many people get killed or seroiusly injured because of stupidity/inexperience behind the wheel of a car.

 

Sorry if it seemed that way.
I'm just here to help and to soak up info while enjoying conversations with other members as well.

No worries man!

And heck I've made bad decisions on my car as well.
Don't even ask about the nightmare I went through when I bought a SPEC 2+ clutch and flywheel and put it in.
Lets just say it came right back out FAST and I got no refund. NEVER BUY A SPEC for these S197's.
Few people have had luck with them and many have had horror stories. Might as well not take a chance lol.

 

I would just go with some good tires, a CAI/tune, 4.10s in an 8.8 rear out of a GT, an aluminum driveshaft, duel exhaust, and LCAs. You still might not beat him (can't tell unless we get more info about his car) but your car will feel totally different. These are basic mods of course, and once you get them, you can go more technical, like better stall converters, actual engine modifications (see: http://www.supersixmotorsports.com/), and FI.