Yeah after I posted it and had more of a think about my mates car (AE92 SX) and how it runs against other friends cars (that have run times more recently), I thought I got it wrong, it doesn't get that close too them in a race.
The highlight of that particular G-tech night was an XD falcon with a 302 and with some $$$$ spent consistently running mid 16's, soon after that heartbreaking night he sold the car and bought something more acceptable