Kent... I have a bit of experience with what you are looking for, because I have a vintage 428 CJ 1968 4 speed drag car. My car is about 200 HP off your HP ratings so this is what has worked for me in the past 20 years or so with my set up. It is the shock load of dropping the clutch and having a heavy car with VERY good traction that will break your parts. My car, is a car built using over 50 year old technology... Vintage slicks , vintage traction master traction bars etc. In most vintage setups there is enough slippage with the clutch and tires that you will never brake pieces with a small top loader or a Big top loader. If you are building a modern version drag car, with a 4 link and coil over set up, then you will probably need a specialty top loader. Sounds like a fun project.