Vacuum canister

Sounds like you need a torque convertor that will flash at 3000 rpm or higher. I would suggest using Line-Lock, are you doing your burnouts with your rear brakes engaged? What's your best 60' time and 1/4 mile?    

If you are doing a burnout with the brakes on, you are using the rears a bit unless you have a loc for the fronts only.  When you try to stall above 2800, does the car move or do the tires spin/slide?  Is the brake pedal dead and high like when you have the ignition off?   A vacuum can will only help if you have the dead pedal.  With your skinny fronts and sticky rears, I'm surprised you aren't actually pushing the fronts..  

My car won't hold many RPM at the lights, but then again, I've eaten mashed potatoes firmer than my brake pedal..  

That is likely part of your problem..  With the brakes that far out, you're not getting all your brake force to hold the car, and your pedal is moving more before any braking happens....  I have considered Line Loc for mine, but I'm just not serious enough about going fast, plus I never have to burn the DR's much for a decent launch.. (I should, some day, at least try the full weight reduction, rear seat, rear bumper, no exhaust, skinnies on the front, etc)

Jim