Clutches on AA/FD cars are now air controlled, and have individual fingers that engage one at a time via an air solenoid, to allow the clutch to slip enough to prevent massive wheelspin. That's one thing I know about it. I'd say also better materials, engine blocks that are specifically engineered for drag racing, and probably better tire compounds as well.
Not being a mechanical type I appreciate your knowledge of the finer points of drag racing.
I have an embarrassing question, though. What size engines are the AA/FD's using? Could they be 8-cyl's?
Thanks.