The stock manifold is very restrictive, a header makes a large difference, probably more than any other part of the exhaust. Get good header like RB thats built with very heavy steel tubing.

 

im very excited

 

Yeah, I had the same problem pretty much. First time ever running a 7 down the track. I found that mine would just bog real bad off the line, not because of lack of power but good gripping tires and a strong clutch. I never got the chance to slip the clutch more than I did for that 60'. My first run was a 15.9 with a 2.6 60' lol.

As for the OP goal of meeting roughly the same time as his civic, unfortunately your not going to do it on a 12A without major porting or a turbo. Even a non turbo 13B is pushing it without a bridgeport or a turbo.

 

You can squeeze out 155 HP out of an NA stockport 12a. Paul Yaw did it all the time. But you'll never pull low 13s without increasing pressure of VE. (boost or porting)

You seem easy to blow out some bills on this. I suggest the Camden supercharger; $2400.00 bolt on & go (well maybe a little ignition work...).
Kick *** power with a Holley 465, resellable, and your setup will be nearly bulletproof at reasonable boost.

-It's where I'm headed. (Camden + Sterling Nikkis)

 

haha, i'd love to but i think im just going to get the header and a 6al box and call it good for this summer, i've put maybe 80miles on the car since i've owned it. (bought it the day before the first snow, live in south dakota)

this was my civic i sold for the seven. fast.