FWIW - After driving my '96 for 9 years and 165,800 miles now, I have found that setting the OD off, braking hard and throttling to about 2200-2300 (not quite full throttle) and then dumping the brake and flooring it simulateously will result in spinning the front tires for about 1 1/2 revolutions on dry, clean, flat, 70-80 degree asphalt. The tires then hook and off you go. This is with 24" OD 225/50-15 Dunlops on 15X7 alloys. Bigger diameter tires will, of course, reduce your acceleration. It's like running taller final drive gearing. For drag racing, run the shortest tire OD you can without tire spin.
My only mods are listed in my signature area.
While we are on the subject, is there a way to install a lower ratio final drive gear ratio in an ATX? I have an '05 Escape that I would just love to put a lower drive ratio into.
