Don't need to actually change the shocks, just the oil, pistons and springs...nor the wheels, only the tyres...

This is what I'd do...

Change the shock oil all around for 60wt, and put the stiffest springs you can find that will fit. Add stiff anti roll bars front and rear, and run it as low as possible (about 5 or 6mm off the deck should be fine). Then put those on-road tyres on it (they even look like rally tread, but I can't for the life of me remember what they're called), with stiff inserts. It will handle like a train after that, you'll be traction rolling all over the place. Then fit a front one-way differential, lock the centre differential and/or fit a two speed. That should cost you some... Then take it down to the local asphalt track and watch their faces when you roast the one 1/10th models through the twisties and leave them standing on the straight! Hahahahahaha....