I've been working on race cars for 30+ years. From street stocks to sprint cup, and won races in everything in between including the World 100! So I'm not just poping off at the mouth, I know my racecars! I used to plate and strengthen my trailing arms for just acouple bucks, and they were...
Its a small block chevy its been around for 60+ years, Its not rocket science. You got somebody doing it for you. I'm assuming your paying somebody, so that increases the cost. But your worried about the cost of shocks.
Revin, put a 1 1/2" restricter in each side of the exhaust. Then that takes care of the carb issue. If you can't get it out it doesn't matter whats coming in.
The rain at 3 o'clock, street stocks, and pro 4's hurt the track. NOT complaining, but heavyer cars on narrow tires leave a deeper foot print in the mud.