Friend of mine is running the eighth with a big block, glide, and a Gear Vendors overdrive. It gets the good launch of a low geared glide, then punch the little button and have an extra gear to pull the big end. He's running 600+ horse and went all last season with no problems. Not the cheapest set up around, but it works. Use a 9" rear, then just slide in a different center section with highway gears when it's cruising time.