For 2002, Mark went back to the garage for more muscle. He bored the block 0.030 over for 306 ci, then he ported the Holley intake and added a pair of Hooker long-tube headers, a custom X-pipe, a Flowtech Induction camshaft and valvetrain components, and Diamond pistons. The newfound muscle helped Mark achieve two goals he had set for himself for 2002-to finish in the top 10 in points and to break into the coveted 10-second zone. "After fighting computer issues through the beginning part of the season," he says, "I became one of a handful of Pure Street racers to run in the 10s." He also finished the season fifth in points.
For 2003, the car received its current suspension and cage combination, along with a hit of weight gainer to pack on an NMRA-mandated extra 50 pounds. Actually, Mark simply returned the interior to stock with the exception of the front seats, and reinstalled the stereo system complete with CD player. It was a year of ups and downs. The chassis worked well, but key drivetrain components didn't hold up long enough to further performance enhancements. Mark set the Pure Street mph record at the Reynolds, Georgia, race, but that's when attrition set in, hampering his year and relegating him to a Ninth-Place finish in points.
With the Pure Street performance bar raised substantially toward the end of 2003, it's safe to say Mark will be spending another winter in the garage. His garage workout should be available for viewing in Spring 2004.
| 5.0 TECH SPECS |
| ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN |
| Block | Stock |
| Rotating Assembly | Stock crank, Probe
Ultralight rods, Diamond pistons and rings |
| Displacement | 306ci |
| Cylinder Heads | Trick Flow Twisted
Wedge, Thomson Automotive Racing Engines-ported,
2.02/1.60 valves, Comp Cams rockers and valvesprings |
| Camshaft | Flowtech Induction/Comp Cams, stock lifters |
| Intake Manifold | Holley SysteMAX II, self-ported |
| Throttle Body | Accufab 75mm |
| Mass Air | Pro-M 77mm |
| Ram Air | March Performance |
| Exhaust | Hooker long-tube
headers, custom-made X-pipe,
DynoMax Bullet mufflers |
| Fuel System | Walbro 255-lph
in-tank pump, stock lines and fuel rails,
30-lb/hr injectors,
Accufab fuel-pressure regulator |
| Transmission | Liberty pro-shifted
T5, SPEC Stage 3
clutch and pressure plate,
Hurst Competition Plus shifter w/custom handle and MOMO knob |
| Rearend | 8.8, welded axle tubes, Strange Engineering C-clip
eliminators, Moser spool,
4.56 gears, Moser 31-spline axles |