SIR setup
InspGadgt,
It sounds like like tires are your main problem, if you have to run full front compound you are running the wrong foam.
At Sir I usually run 2x pink front & rear with anywhere from 25-50% front sauce depending on tire size and grip level. I am running a crc car so I can't help with chassis setup but I would think going to .020 front springs would also help.
If your still in town Sunday I will be at the track with a pit box full of foams & tuning parts we can try to get it up to pace.
Mark