stall converter would definantly help. I launch at slightly over 4000rpm and slip the clitch.... auto you sorta can't do that without a stall.... you wouldn't need a big 4000rpm stall either.. something like a 3k stall, left foot on brake, stall it up, when the tree starts, plant it but leave your left foot on the brake and just pull through it..once the brake starts letting go let go of the brake and off you go.
Weight reduction will also help. I was high 16s until i pulled the rear spoiler, front splash guard, rear seats and centre console out - I also remove my spare and tools at the track, and before i head out i clean the car out of CDs, first aid kit and so on and so forth.
Auto's can get freakin awesome times with stall converters though, and they are insanely consistant...they shift gears harder and quicker than manual's -
concentrate on the trans then move on to power upgrades....
edit: since the thread starter has moved onto a different car and is no longer actively updating the list, perhaps a moderator could give one of us permission to edit the top post and maintain the list? or start a new thread?