I would think that 90% of your problen is tires. With street tires on my car (or steet DOT approved cheeter slicks) I spin like crazy, Including at the track. I got a set of ten inch slicks and I'm running a 1.50 short time. This is the same for on the street. You said about holding the brakes and giving it some gas....I have a 3500 stall and I find that leaving the car at a idel lunches me harder. Far as I know the only reason that benifits reving while under brake is that the car wont fall on its face or stall? I think that goes back to tuning your car....anyways... My advice.

1) Slicks. (atleast DOT slicks)
2) Try lunching from a idel once you do hook it up.

Let us know your short times after you get to the track.