it will be easier with the lock knocked out. thats why they knocked it out to get to the lock rod. its part of the handle so get a handle and new lock cylinder.
and sometimes if they have a staging duel the NHRA offical will shut them down because they don't have enough to make the run and the cars can blow up. at least thats what they said the 2 times i have seen that happen.
my neighbors had there house done. since its a ranch it was bigger and she only paid $1300. so your in the right area cost wise and they did the same thing as your guy.
GM Racing spins theirs under 8k. there is no reason for a V8 to spin that fast unless your into the redneck nascar stuff. those engines are push rod V8's and spin over 9k.