The nose of that car is on the heavy side. Any weight you can move back would help a lot.
Print out and read the "sticky" at the top of the chassis and suspension page. Lots of info there to get started.
Personally I would like to see a little more gear in that thing, depending on what rpm you want to cross the finish line at.
What do you mean that the rear is under 1" tubing and you cannot attach a chute?