Not sure if anyone has mentioned this in the thread as I didn't read it all but, reaction time means nothing when it comes to ET. ET doesn't start until the car moves. So you can sit at the light for 20 seconds and still run a 14.5 ET.
I did blow the forged motor, due to low oil pressure around a sharp curve and being into the gas. I spun a rod bearing. I was still going to rebuild until the deer caused me to go end over 5 or 6 times.