Modded Camaro SS can't live up to ETs?

[302 LX Eric]

Here is the scene:

I'm at the track last weekend for presumably the last time this year. It's a nice day, sunny with light winds and temps in the 50's - 60's.

I make my first pass with my new Tremec and go 13.3 @ 104.6. While in line, I take notice of a Camaro SS (newer stlye, '01, I believe) with BFG drag radials, LID (whatever this is?), and some other goodies that the driver is telling others in line what he has. The SS was clean, sounded very mean (I don't think it was the stock exhaust), and the driver appeared to be experienced based on his discussions with other drivers. As we proceed in line it becomes evident that I'm not going to get to line up against him (which I really wanted to do), but rather am two races behind him.

I see him do a burn out, then pull up the line. At this point I am very anxious to see his run considering all that I have heard and read about how ungodly fast these beasts are even in un-modded form.

Now, before I get to his run, I have heard and read about STOCK LS1 Camaro's going 12.7's @ 110 on street tires and the paper filter with 50 miles on them. So, with mods (especially the drag radials), I'm thinking this guy is going to go at least 12.4 - 12.5 @ 112 or so.

The tree goes green and he takes off - not spinning or anything, I hear him chirp 2nd and 3rd - should be a good run, right? Well, here is the result of the run:

13.3 @ 106

So what's up with this? I guess what I'm really getting at is that I have yet to see these so called "beasts from the factory" that many LS1 guys talk about. Do you guys see many of them at your local tracks? Or, is this just another case of over-hyped claims from people who talk about one guy who's friend has an uncle that used to own an LS1 that went 12.7 @ 110 on a 30 degree day with a 50mph down-track wind and 5% graded track?

No flames intended, I'm just really curious as to what you guys are seeing in your areas.

Take care,
E