Our 225" WB JrFuel, with the motor out 48" runs 325 to 350 front end weight depending on track condition. Total car weight, with driver is 1425-1450. We run no battery in the car to start it, only one of my one pound battery to run the trans-brake and RacePak. We use a Hayden light weight 10 lb 24 volt remote battery pack to start the motor. Also we have the fuel tank and fire bottle as far forward as we can. Why add ballast to keep the nose down when you have to have fuel tank and fire bottle, move it all forward.
Paul, it seems you have a lot up front, do you need that much weight to keep the front wheels down ? if so you might be hitting the tires too hard at the hit.
Jon Hansen