To complete the second phase of the build, Strictly Performance also fabricated a custom strut for the Procharger's J-bracket to keep it from flexing. In combination with the 8-rib upgrade option and ATI Super Damper, the strut would help prevent belt slippage. Because the original Procharger bypass valve wouldn't hold up to the 20 psi supplied by the D-1SC, it was also swapped in favor of a Turbonetics Raptor. Still using base Procharger twin air-to-air intercoolers, this combination was sufficient for 705 rear-wheel horsepower with additional tuning, but Barth knew there was additional power to be had through replacing the stock-style 2.5-inch off-road Y-pipe and single inlet/dual outlet Cat-Back with one of his true dual setups. Big 3-inch tubes were carefully bent to the contours of the floorpan, then welded to an X-pipe and Magnaflow mufflers, made to connect to the SLP center mount exhaust. With a few tweaks and the addition of a McLeod twin disc clutch, pressure plate and billet flywheel, the SS reached 813 hp and 765 lb-ft of torque.
At last, Frank was satisfied with his '02 SS, and saw no need to discard his Weiand/Lingenfelter aluminum intake manifold and BBK 80mm throttle body in favor of a higher-priced setup. Prior to the exhaust and clutch upgrade, he had already managed a 10.20 at 143 mph at California Speedway (aka Fontana). Utilizing only Mickey Thompson 275/40/17 drag radials mounted on the stock 35th Anniversary rims, 3.73 gear, and SLP subframe connectors, Frank mustered up a 1.84 short time. As soon as the stock 10-bolt makes its untimely demise, he plans to upgrade to a 12-bolt rear and possibly even some sturdier suspension pieces. Meanwhile, he's keeping his fingers crossed for the stock T-56 and driveshaft.
Hopefully this California dream machine won't need an aftermarket trans or 12-bolt to continue its primary duties as a Sunday driver, though. With the top down, the sun glaring off the cherry Bright Red paint, and 800hp tunes playing out the SLP center mount exhaust tips, we can't imagine a better car for SoCal--and neither can Frank.
The stock Anniversary Edition interior is kept intact for a stock look, which unfortunately doesn't sit well with the track officials, as the SS can now easily top its previous 10.20 at 143 mph performance (before the addition of the true dual exhaust and McLeod clutch). |  | 
Prowling the streets of Chino Hills, CA, Frank's SS can be known by the fierce growl emitted from a set of Bassani headers and true dual exhaust with Magnaflow mufflers. |