Latest News

Spectre Performance Offers Different Types of Air Filters for Different Applications

Spectre Replace Air Filters provide high performance and high air flow filter

Spectre Replacement Air Filters are engineered to outperform ordinary OEM-type paper filters

Stock Replacement Air Filters

Spectre Performance offers vehicle-specific high-airflow OE stock replacement filters designed and manufactured to provide a perfect fit and are available for a wide range of applications including many of the cars, trucks and SUVs on the road today. Spectre Performance replacement air filters are manufactured with a synthetic filter media that typically outflows the disposable paper filters that came with your car. In addition, Spectre Performance Stock Replacement air filters are built to last with a tough urethane frame and synthetic filter material that is reinforced with a steel mesh. The filter comes ready to install with the synthetic filter media already pre-oiled and ready for use.

Spectre Performance replacement air filters meet or exceed international standard for intake air filtration so don’t sacrifice engine protection to gain performance.

Spectre offers many different sizes and colors of clamp-on cone style air filters

Spectre clamp-on cone style air filters utilize low-restriction, washable oiled synthetic media

Clamp-on Universal Filters

Spectre Performance designs and manufactures Clamp-On Air Filters to cover a wide range of air intakes, including diesel applications. Spectre Clamp-on Air Filters are a line of universal filters that come in a variety of sizes, heights, and colors to fit your specific application. Spectre Performance Clamp-on Air Filters are engineered for increased flow and greater performance. This includes filters to replace more costly filters that may be on your vehicle right now.

Spectre Performance offers many different styles of clamp-on conical air filters with flange openings ranging from 2.5 inches up to 6 inches, measured on the inside diameter. Spectre Performance clamp-on conical air filters are manufactured using high quality materials throughout including low-restriction washable synthetic media, urethane, and steel mesh. Many filter sizes are available in your choice of red, blue, black or white colored filter media, to best match your vehicle or application.

To clean and freshen a Spectre Performance it’s advised to use a Spectre AccuCharge Air Filter Service Kit. The AccuCharge system features markings on the bottle for precise measuring and an easy-to-use squirt top for effortless and accurate application. The AccuCharge system comes complete with a 12 oz. pump spray bottle of cleaner and an 8 oz. bottle of specially-formulated filter oil with absolutely no petroleum products or animal fats.

Spectre Breather Filters are manufactured with pre-dyed synthetic media for lasting color

Spectre Breather Filters feature chrome-plated steel top and base, and come pre-oiled, ready to use

Breather/Crankcase Vent Filters

When you think of good engine breathing you’re normally considering intake systems. However, efficient crankcase breathing is an equally important function of any engine. If an engine’s breathing system is blocked or restricted, the crankcase pressure will find a way to equalize in any number of ways including out through weak seals, the oil dip stick tube, or past the oil rings. While all that’s going on, impurities like water vapor and acids created through the combustion process will build up and cause sludge, which in turn increases engine wear.

For most engines the standard emissions control system will manage this chore, but in aggressive street motors as well as those built for motorsports applications, increased crankcase ventilation must be added. These highly-tuned engines with higher compression ratios, higher oil pressures and higher maximum revs demand improved crankcase ventilation, not to mention that aggressive motorsports cam grinds reduce the amount of vacuum available to relieve the pressure inside the crankcase.

To help vent the crankcase without causing any of the problems mentioned, Spectre Performance offers a line of breather filters to clamp directly to metal or plastic tubing, making them ideal for filtering the air going in and out of not just your engine’s crankcase, but also for use on transmission and differential vents as well. Spectre Performance breathers come with air filter media, or screen mesh and are made with a pre-dyed synthetic media for lasting color.

Note: Breather/Crankcase Vent filters are legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used, registered, or licensed for use upon a highway. See spectreperformance.com for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Spectre Performance Discovers That Hang Time Racing Team is a Real Family Affair

Photo of Kay & Jason Luebcke in the pits at the Spectre Booth

Kay and Jason Luebcke make up two quarters of the Spectre-supported Hang Time Racing Team

Spectre Performance has been supporting the pro-touring movement literally from the beginning. Whether through brand ambassadors or full sponsorships, the drivers are guaranteed to have the very best when it comes to intakes, accessories, and performance. In fact, Spectre Performance has been a part of racing and performance since 1983, fueling the Nation’s car and truck obsession with innovative parts that equal a winning combination for car and driver.

Spectre brand loyalist, Jason Luebcke, along with wife, Kay, daughter, Victoria, and son, Tyler, make up Hang Time Racing. They are a family owned race team that enjoys autocrossing, road course events, car shows, and cruises all around the Midwest.

Photo of Jason Luebcke next to "Bama" in front of the National Corvette Museum sign &

Nothing quite like running at the National Corvette Museum in your 5th Gen 1/LE Camaro.

Their “pro-touring” adventure began back in 2013. Jason’s wife, Kay owned a 2011 Camaro Synergy Series Special Edition. Her Special Edition Camaro is one of 20 cars built, that the family enjoyed attending car shows, cruises, and day events. While attending the 2013 Camaro5 Fest in Indianapolis, the husband and wife duo were able to make some hot laps around the autocross course to “dry” the course from the overnight rain. Within 1 quick lap, Kay knew hubby Jason was hooked. Apparently this event had placed a smile on his face she hadn’t seen in quite some time. After much discussion and giggles on the next few laps, they realized what they wanted to do next, go out and autocross. With Kay’s Camaro being so rare, and the fact it had 21-inch wheels and very expensive Pirelli tires, this was not the car to be doing this with. As luck would have it during Camaro5 Fest the pair had the opportunity to test drive a car and fell in love with it, Jason says, as soon as he saw it, the 2014 Camaro SS 1LE. As soon as the test drive was over the decision was made. They would save their money and place an order for a 2014 to arrive in the spring.

Photo of Bama's Engine Compartment, a top pick at Holley's LS Fest

Bama's engine compartment featured on Chevy’s The Block website, plus top pick at Holley's LS Fest

Early February 2014, they hit their local Chevy dealer and proceeded to place the order for their Camaro, the one with the 1LE package in Red Rock Metallic. The only additional options included the Recaro seats and dual mode exhaust. Jason and Kay recall that what seemed like an eternity due to the severe winter, delayed train transport, and a delay in moving the car to the dealer, the day finally arrived in late April, 2014. To pay homage to the University of Alabama, their 1LE 5th Gen is affectionately named “Bama” and their choice of color matches the school color.

During the long wait and winter for the car, Spectre’s “Hang Time Racing” team had amassed quite the collection of parts that would slowly and methodically find their way on the car. Within hours of making the trip to the house, the changes began. They would pull the fuse for the exhaust so it was always open, cause that’s the best way. Then they changed the oil and would begin the break in plan. Jason would drive it hard and fast and continue to do so until it was time to change oil and go racing. Though most of the car remains stock, the changes and parts swapped were all done for both aesthetics and performance increases.

Photo of Jason Luebcke out on course at the autocross at Holley LS Fest

Luebcke having a blast hitting the autocross track at Holley's LS Fest!

Bama’s current set-up from top to bottom end features the GM LS3 6.2L motor with 430 HP. Luebcke added a cold air intake, JDP Motorsports high output coil wires, Apex Motorsports oil catch can, Vmax ported throttle body, and Jannetty Racing tune, plus Spectre Performance engine compartment covers in black/carbon fiber finish. Getting all that power to the street is a Tremec TR6060 6 speed transmission. Bringing this set-up to life Bama has the new Blackheart system by Hooker with long tube headers, no cats, 3-inch x-pipe leading to full 3-inch dual exhaust with 4.5-inch quad polished tips. To stop all this rolling thunder are the OEM Brembo 4 piston front and rear brakes with G-LOC ceramic-kevlar race pads.

To maximize handling Jason stayed with the factory GM struts, arms, and rods, but added BMR front springs offering a slightly stiffer rate with a 1.2-inch drop in height. In the rear he added the BMR springs with a 1-inch drop and Pedders 32mm rear sway bar.

Photo of Jason Luebcke out on the road course at National Corvetrte Museum for Optima Challenge

Trying his hand at the Hotlap Challenge at OPTIMA's Search for the Ultimate Streetcar Challenge

Depending on the weather, Hang Time Racing team is ready come rain or shine. For dry weather “Bama” sports a set of American Racing VF501 20×10 front and rear wrapped up with Goodyear Eagle F1 G2 Supercars in 285/35R20. For rainy track days they’ve got Hotchkis Y-Sport 20×10 front and rear, running Continental Conti-Extreme DW in 275/35R20.

Most of the body panels are covered in Xpel Ultimate self-healing paint protection film. The fender emblems were removed and a custom 1/LE logo on trunk lid was added. A front splitter is mounted under the factory splitter is a NASCAR Sprint Cup series component from Roush Yates racing, made of Tegris and functional for additional down force. An adjustable Z/28 rear spoiler and wickerbill were added to the rear. Front wheel flares from a 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 add additional aero around the tires. To keep the brakes cool, brake ducts from 5star race bodies with full 3-inch NASCAR hoses were added.

Photo of Luebcke on the Road Course at National Corvette Museum.

Putting the Hang Time Racing Team's 5th Gen Camaro through the paces on the Road Course at NCM

The factory Recaro seats remain intact and are trimmed in suede and leather. a set of Crow Enterprizes 6 point harnesses keep Jason and Kay planted and connect to a Cipher harness bar painted in factory GM color to match the exterior. A custom shift knob and adaptor from Bowler Transmissions helps with shifts. To lighten up the car a bit, the rear seat upper cushion was removed and replaced with a PVC panel that has been hydrodipped by Cornerstone Custom Coatings.

What began as just an autocross car has now grown into not just racing at multiple events, but driving to and from those events and enjoying every moment. They’ve had the honor of being selected to display Bama at Goodguys Columbus and the O’reilly Auto Parts Midwest convention. The Hang Time Racing Team’s Bama has also been featured and talked about in both Super Chevy Magazine and Chevy High Performance magazine. In fact, the engine compartment has been featured on Chevrolet’s The Block website, along with being chosen as a top LS engine pick from Holley’s LS Fest.

Photo of Kay and Jason and Bama, Hooker Headers Official Exhaust Test vehicle at Holley's LS Fes

The Official Hooker Header's Exhaust Test Vehicle at Holley LS Fest, the Hang Time Racing 5th Gen

As they progress into 2017, their 4th year of events, they have a full schedule and are looking forward to every event possible. Jason’s biggest thank you goes out to his wife Kay. She is a huge part of this and he says there is nothing like having your best friend by your side along for the ride.

Everyone at Spectre Performance looks forward to seeing what this incredible racing family comes up with next. They say the family that plays together, stays together. And it looks like this family will be hanging in for the fun of it.

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Spectre's Cliff Elliott & His 2016 Ford Mustang GTPP Blue - Code Blu

Driver side shot of Code_blu

Code_blu, the heart pounding 2016 Ford Mustang GTPP of Spectre-sponsored Cliff Elliott

In the medical field the term Code Blue refers to the “declaration of or a state of medical emergency” as in response to a patient who is in cardiac arrest. Spectre Performance ambassador, Cliff Elliott, pilots his heart pounding 2016 Ford Mustang GTPP that if lucky enough to ride shotgun will elevate your blood pressure and may even elicit a figurative code blue for some lucky passenger!

In all seriousness Spectre Performance Driver Cliff Elliott’s 2016 Ford Mustang GTPP, affectionately referred to as Code_Blu is a force out on the course. Whether he’s behind the wheel attacking the autocross, pulling out all the stops on the Texas Mile reaching speeds of 170 mph and more, or stopping Code_blu on a dime in the Speed Stop Challenge putting his Brembo 6 piston calipers with Girodisc 15” rotors to the test on his meaty BFGoodrich Rival S tires that feature 315s up front with 335s out back! This combination is made for the track!

Shot of Code_blu getting some pre-race love

A little pre-race car prep for Code_blu

Originally Code_blu was Cliff’s second choice. You see he had ordered a Ford Shelby GT350R to play with at the OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series and other events like the Texas Mile, the Sand Hills Open Road Race, Shelby Mid-America, and more. But waiting became very hard to do and it seems our friend Cliff needed an “in the meantime” car to putter around with as to not miss any great events. That’s where the 2016 Mustang GTPP came in.

And so began the metamorphosis and birth of Code_blu. He started where every racer starts, with the engine and drivetrain. Cliff took a 2016 Ford 5.2L Voodoo engine with aluminum block and fully customized, balanced, blueprinted, polished, and lightly ported this bad boy to lay down some serious power to the tune of 600 hp and 465 lb ft torque. Then he added a crank balanced by Nickens Brothers. Using the OEM heads and cam with 14mm lift and 270 duration he maintained the Ford Voodoo spec for the conventional Coyote firing order. He upgraded to a billet oil pump and gears along with a billet crankshaft gear. A Getrag MT82 transmission get’s all that mind bending horsepower to the wheels. He maintained the OEM driveshaft and rearend but did upgrade the headers to 1-7/8" longtube versions and added a 3-inch MBRP Custom exhaust. Did we mention that he did all of the mod assembly himself in his home garage?

Shot of the Carbon Fiber Spectre caps

To shave as much weight as possible, Elliott prefers the lightweight Carbon Fiber Spectre Caps

Elliott takes weight seriously and shaves it wherever he can to keep his competitive edge. He opted to swap out the original body panels, deck lid, and hood and added carbon fiber duplicates by Anderson Composites everywhere and anywhere including the grille! And that weight loss has paid off in spades for him. Code_blu comes in at a paltry 3595 lbs, allowing the GTPP to be lightweight and nimble on the big track or the autocross. In fact, Spectre-supported team driver Cliff Elliott has 3 different lightweight carbon fiber deck lids: an OEM style, one w/ a wing, and one w/a built in spoiler. Each of them serving a different purpose come race day depending on the event. But he didn’t just leave the carbon fiber exposed. In the OPTIMA Series drivers are rewarded for style in the Lingenfelter Design and Engineering segment of the event. Elliott, having a clear understanding of what looks good, and has the potential to earn some style points, opted for Deep Impact Blue Pearl and House of Colors Blue Candy to make the body lines pop on this heart stopping 2016 Ford Mustang! Painted by Larry’s Paint and Body out of Rockport, Texas, it’s easy to see where the name Code_blu came from! For the uncarriage, the swaybars and suspension links were powder coated by Protective Powder Coat to match. In fact the interior trim along with the rollbar features DIB powder coating really tying in the theme of this incredible ride.

Passenger side photo of Code_blu staged for OPTIMA'S AutoX

Staged for AutoX at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Let the games begin!

Finally, you can’t have great looks and all that power without considering how the car handles. This Mustang GTPP came with a pretty substantial frame and merely needed some tweaks to get it to handle just the way Cliff wanted. He started by lowering the stance just 1-1/2 inches from stock. Then he added some RideTech goodness. In the front he added the RideTech Coilover Triple Adjustable shocks with Hyperco springs. Then for good measure installed a BMR adjustable 35mm swaybar. In the rear, he stuck with the same RideTech Coilover Triple Adjustable shocks, Hyperco springs, and added a BMR 25mm 3-way adjustable swaybar.

You’re probably wondering if all the off-season modifications and effort were worth it. And the answer is a resounding YES. In fact you might even wonder how the GTPP stacks up against the Shelby GT350R that Elliott had ordered initially. Well, according to Elliott, Bloo_Doo, the Shelby GT350R, is a great looking car but doesn’t hold a candle to Code_blu.

Rear shot of Code_blu at the Speed Stop Challenge

On track at LVMS at the Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop Challenge

March was a big month for Cliff and Code_blu starting with the 2017 season opener for OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Cliff came in 2nd in GT Class with 446 points beating his friend, yet worthy adversary, Jordan Priestley in his 6th Gen Camaro, and coming in just one point behind fellow competitor, Mike Maier in his 2017 Ford Mustang. He earned a 1st Place in D&E in his class yielding him a 4th Place overall. He placed First in the Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop Challenge, 3rd in the Falken Tires Hotlap Challenge and 5th in the Detroit Speed & Engineering AutoX in the Franklin Road sponsored GT Class. He did suffer a couple of minor set backs with going off the track on the road course messing up his splitter, and a minor oil issue with his catch can. But all in all he is thrilled with how the car came out of the gate at the season opener. It was the perfect shake down event to carry him into the Texas Mile where he came in 1st Place in his Class and threw down an incredible run at 171.0 miles per hour!

Looks like Spectre driver, Cliff Elliott and his heart pounding Code_blu are on course to have an incredible 2017 race season. Congratulations Cliff on a great start and being such a great ambassador for Spectre Performance.

Overhead shot of Code_blu at the Texas Mile

The Deep Impact Blue paint makes this 2016 Mustang GTPP a real stand out

Photo of the time slip for Code_blu and the Texas Mile speeds

No stranger to speed or the Texas Mile, Code_blu and Elliott and their first pass at the mile

Inside shot of Code_blu's interior - done by Cliff Elliott

Having done 95% of ALL the work and mods made to Code_blu, Cliff is pleased with this interior!

Interior shot showing the color detail of the aftermarket rollbar

Down to the last detail, Code_blu features a powder coated matching Deep Impact Blue roll-bar

Photo of the GTS Class Podium, Mike Maier in 1st, Cliff Elliott in 2nd and Jordan Priestley in 3rd

Cliff Elliot, left, in 2nd, Jordan Priestley, middle, w/ 3rd and the winner by 1 point, Mike Maier

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Paved Road Course to the Dusty, Coarse Terrain, Spectre's Brian Finch Does it All

Brian, at the podium with microphone, at the SEMA Pro-Touring Dinner chatting with the drivers

Brian taking time after pre-run practice in Las Vegas to chat at the SEMA Pro-Touring Dinner

Brian Finch is one of those folks that does it all — and does it well, too. He's won autocross and road races as well as the Baja 1000. Oh and he’s also a TV personality and a pro car builder. His latest project? A 1963 Split Window Corvette — light weight and all business. Well maybe not all business!

After a few minutes chatting with Brian you are immediately engaged. He’s witty, charismatic, down to earth, has passion for life and incredible energy. Just take a look at what this young man has accomplished in ten short years —

Co-Owner and founder of the American Street Car Series

Cast Member on PowerNation, R U Faster Than a Redneck, and featured on multiple shows

Featured in Chevy High Performance, Hot Rod, Camaro Performers, and Popular Hot Rodding

Champion autocrosser, road racer, and Baja 1000 competitor

Artist Rendering of the Finch Performance 1967 Mustang "Mustake"

Finch Performance will debut the "Mustake" at SEMA 2017 Battle of the Builders

Finch has been a team driver for Spectre for 3 years but a loyal brand enthusiast for close to seven years. Spectre is a Brand that has been behind the Pro-Touring movement from the start. They have supported racers and most importantly events that let drivers like Brian go out and enjoy their cars. Brian says that being selected to represent the brand is something he is very proud of and also something to not take lightly. Having the responsibility and honor of flying the Spectre flag helps keep him focused and drives him to keep reinventing what and how he does things; reminded of how easy it can be to get a sponsor, but much harder to keep them year over year.

Spectre Performance Banner showcasing the Team Driver's

The 2016 SEMA Spectre Performance banner with team drivers and their cars

His very first ever Goodguys Autocross was at the First Annual Nashville Goodguys show. He took his 1971 Camaro, which at the time was a Pro-Street Build with a blown 454 and 6 speed and had it in the Home Built Heaven corral. He heard the tire squealing and saw the tire smoke from the autocross so he walked over to check it out on Friday afternoon. It looked like a blast but he was way too nervous about making a fool of himself since he’d never done anything like that before. Fast forward to Saturday afternoon where he finally worked up enough nerve to go try it. He remembered that he could barely keep the car pointed straight due to the lack of grip with all the power it was making. The one thing he did know was that he liked it and had to have more. So he kept jumping back in line to run over and over again. He started getting a little faster with each run as he learned to tame the beast and in the last hour of the event made that glory pass that put him ahead of the G-Force Cuda of Bob Johnson for the event win. From there he exploded onto the scene and started converting the pro-street car to pro-touring and the rest is history. Bottom line it was just getting off the fence and making that first pass that started him down the path of a racing career.

Finch and his team had another great year with continued success in the Spectre 1971 Camaro. Here are some of the 2016 Race Season highlights:

Summit Racing Motorama Autocross, set fastest time of the event;

Shot of the studio/set of TV Show POWERNATION where Brian will appear throughout 2017

Brian, also a TV personality, will appear on POWERNATION throughout the 2017 Season

Midwest Muscle Car Challenge, Vintage Class winner;

Nashville Goodguys, Street Machine Champion and second fastest time of the event;

USCA National Corvette Museum Event, Overall GTV champion (second year in a row) Road Course winner, Speed Stop winner, 2nd Place on Autocross, OUSCI invite;

NSRA Springfield, Fastest Autocross time of the event.

Cruisin the Coast Biloxi, with the Top 3 fastest autocross times of the event in 3 different cars (Finch Performance C5 – Spectre-sponsored 1971 Camaro – and Tyler Powell’s 1963 Grand Sport in that order);

Shot of Finch's next project, a '63 split window Corvette

Ready to be ultra competitive in an "ultra light" 1963 Split Window Corvette

And at the 2016 SCORE Baja 1000, Second place finish in the Baja Challenge class. (Over the last 4 years he and his team have 2 class wins, a second place and third place finish)

At this year’s Baja 1000 race, BFGoodrich had 2 team vehicles entered. Brian and his team were tasked with using the race to test a new tire that will be launching in 2018. Before BFG can stamp Baja Champion on the tire they first must win the race on that tire and having 2 BFG cars in the class of 11 entries increased those odds. The team mission was a 1-2 finish and that is exactly what they delivered. It was not without challenges, but they were not mechanical nor course related issues. Sadly they were plagued with over half of the two BFG race teams coming down with a very bad intestinal virus the morning of the race. Several drivers had to exit the car early, stop to expel fluids on the side of the race course or even not get into the vehicle at all. This required some quick adjustments to the driver assignments but in the end they made it through. Both teams were neck and neck up to the last pit stop when Brian’s team found a torn CV boot on his car that had to be changed. The 45 min swap took he and his team out of contention for the win, but they had enough of a gap over the 3rd place car to stay in 2nd place. Brian was driving the last leg of the race this year so he enjoyed that great moment of crossing the finish line.

Shot of Brian on the road course at Optima's National Corvette Museum Qualifying event

Out on the road course during the Optima event at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY

2017 looks to be another growth year for Brian on many levels. His event promotion company, Autocrossguys.com, has 10 events on the calendar for 2017 with 5 of them coming from a new NSRA partnership. His parts line, Finch Performance, is growing and making the move to Summit Racing for distribution. Finch Performance is also in the development stage on their first line of suspension products for the C5, C6, and C7 Corvettes, starting with a full tubular control arm swap kit.

Shot of the Start Line at this years Baja 1000 presented by SCORE

The start line at this year's Baja 1000 presented by SCORE

Finch is well underway on the build of a 1967 Ford Mustang that Spectre Performance is collaborating on, which will be making its debut at the 2017 SEMA show. The suspension is complete, body mods are at 90% and now they are working with Precision Turbo on the fun part of the build and in his words, should be slinging mud soon. Brian, no stranger to competition, will showcase this 1967 “Mustake” in the SEMA Battle of the Builders® competition. Now in its fourth year, this competition, open only to vehicles displayed at the SEMA Show, features the best builders in the country who come to SEMA in seek of the coveted title of ultimate builder.

The Baja 1000 and off road desert racing in general has quickly become his favorite type racing. Kyle Tucker, of Detroit Speed and Engineering, and Brian are in the throes of building a trophy truck team to compete in the 50th running of the Baja 1000 with BFGoodrich which will be a major bucket list item for them both. “The race is not just about who can go fast but is about who can go fast and get the car a thousand miles to the finish line”, said Brian.

Photo pf Finch's 1971 Camaro and the OSUSC GTV Class Trophy for his win at NCM.

Finch wins the OUSCI invite at Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car in Bowling Green, KY

Already on the calendar for 2017, Brian will be making several appearances on Powernation shows as the official BFGoodrich rep and will continue to support them in his Brand Ambassador role. As in years past he will be out and about at events all over the Midwest, competing for the win, keeping his skills honed, and taking care to do his very best when representing sponsors, like Spectre Performance. He said, “I am proud to have great sponsors, like Spectre, behind me. I still consider myself a regular guy and never try to get a big head. I always make sure I give back more than I get and never take sponsorship from companies if I know I cannot return the value to them in what I do.”

Brian will continue this year with his on track “Share the Ride” program that he started with his American Street Car events and with the BFG “Are You Driver Enough” tour that allows for their dealers to come and experience the new product offerings. As one of the programs lead spokespersons, Brian provides instruction both in the classroom and on the track offering the driver an opportunity to safely drive as hard as they want to!

The '68 Camaro of Spectre Driver, Rodney Prouty & the '71 Camaro of Spectre Driver Brian

Spectre team drivers Rodney Prouty and Brian Finch at NSRA American Street Rod Challenge

The '71 Camaro out front on the road course at Putnam Park for Midwest Muscle Car Challenge

Finch out front on the Road Course at Putnam Park for the Midwest Muscle Car Challenge

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Bret Voelkel: From Autocross to Innovator, RideTech's Common Sense Fearless Leader

View of Bret Voelkel's Car Collection in front of the RideTech HQ.

The RideTech HQ in Jasper, Indiana, with Bret Voelkel's beautiful car collection

Bret Voelkel seriously can do it all. Not only does he own and operate RideTech, the successful suspension company, he’s a published author, an avid car collector and car builder, plus a serious wheelman in virtually anything he builds or drives. The catalyst for the very popular “Goodguys Autocross” that launched in 2008, Voelkel has teamed up with Spectre Performance to create Team RideTech that features a group of competitors that can be regularly seen at Goodguys shows and autocross, OPTIMA’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car Events, Cars & Cones, and even the Hot Rod Power Tour. They have a bold presence throughout the automotive industry and with Bret at the helm it seems there’s nothing that this team can’t do.

Voelkel says he didn’t grow up with a passion for hot rods. In fact, no one in his family even liked cars when he was a kid. Enter the teen years and that all changed. This marching band tuba player is a first generation hot rodder and says that he and a few friends developed a need for speed while in high school because it was “cool”. Today, RideTech employs over 50 people and Voelkel attributes his success to hard work and a lot of help along the way.

Now in their 21st year, RideTech continues to design and manufacture shocks and suspension systems for a variety of vehicles including hot rods, muscle cars, Corvettes, and OEM/defense projects. All RideTech products are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA. Forward thinking and a common sense business model employed by hot rod owners seems to be their recipe for success.

Shot of Bret Voelkels '33 Ford on track at Goodguys Del Mar.

Bret Voelkel and his 1933 Ford, Grouchy, slaying the Goodguys autocross track in Del Mar

Last year alone Bret Voelkel competed in more than 15 competitive events, including RideTech-sponsored events like Cars & Cones and the Hot Rod Power Tour, developed an innovative suspension package RideTech calls Instinct, and has partnered with the National Corvette Museum that includes the install of RideTech triple adjustable coilovers and Delrin bushing components on the NCM track cars, offering RideTech suspension components for sale at the track, and various track support activities.

Instrumental in the creation of the Goodguys autocross back in 2008 you can see he is pretty proud of that success. It certainly helps to allow for he and his friends to get out and slay some tires and the occasional cone or two. In the beginning, he was the fastest guy there. But now, the people who finish ahead of him happen to be his customers. He provides fellow competitors with advice and the suspension components they need to create a successful autocross car. For Bret Voelkel, autocrossing is not just a passion, it’s his job and that’s really cool. While Voelkel has his choice of competition cars, it seems he prefers the styling and feel of his 1969 Mustang and maybe even his new C7 Corvette that he seems to be killing it in.

Shot of Bret Voelkel with his 1st Place Finish awards for the Baer Brakes 3s Challenge at LS Fest

Bret Voelkel wins the Baer Brakes 3S Challenge at the 2016 Holley LS Fest

Best known for their Air Ride Technologies suspension components, RideTech has developed a product line far beyond their humble beginnings. Voelkel has brilliantly retuned and virtually reinvented everyday technology and created easy-to-use, but intricate, control systems in both analog and digital formats. RideTech’s product lines are for use in hot rods, ATVs, and even powerboats, with equipment like the air-over-leaf-spring suspension, anti-sway bars, shocks, and roll cages. These are just a few of the goodies they offer. With Voelkel’s experience and talent in designing and manufacturing performance suspension components, it seems only natural that he and the RideTech team would come up with Instinct line, which is an intuitive suspension system that anticipates road conditions and improves the ride instinctively offering greater customer satisfaction.

RideTech’s plans don’t seem to be slowing down in any way, shape or form. After the incredible success of the build of the 48 Hour Camaro back in May 2011, and the 48 Hour Corvette, in 2015, they are at it again in an even bigger way. The crew from RideTech are heading to the Barrett-Jackson Auction at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they will build out an existing 1968 GMC C10 truck over the duration of the auction and transform it into a complete, upgraded version to send over to the auction block for sale on the final day! The RideTech 48 Hour build will be part of the new Barrett-Jackson Do-It-Yourself Pavilion, where select automotive companies will provide hands on demonstrations and exhibitions on a variety of projects being conducted in real time. They are starting the year off with a bang.

View of Chris Smith and Bret Voelkel on track at National Corvette Museum in the 48 Hour Corvette

RideTech Team Driver, "Smitty" in the 48 Hour Corvette & Bret in his C7 at National Corvette Museum

For the 2017 race season we will see Bret Voelkel and his Team RideTech competitors once again at the Goodguys events across the nation. You can also catch up with Bret at the OPTIMA Search for the Ultimate Street Car qualifying events, Holley LS Fest, Midwest Muscle Car Challenge, 9th Annual Motor State Challenge along with select SCCA/CAM Events.

Spectre Performance is honored to be in partnership with Bret Voelkel and RideTech. Their dedication to the consumer, commitment to performance, and simply being leaders in the automotive industry at the forefront of technology speaks volumes. Congratulations to you Bret Voelkel on your 2016 race season. We look forward to watching your continued success as it unfolds in 2017.

Shot of the Spectre and RideTech equipped C7 driven by Bret Voelkel on track at LS Fest

Bret Voelkel and his beautiful Spectre and RideTech equipped C7 on track at Holley's LS Fest

Picture of the RideTech built '69 Camaro of Goodguys Marc Meadors

Goodguys Marc Meadors beautiful 1969 Camaro built by RideTech featured at SEMA

Picture of Bret Voelkel accepting his award for 2nd place finish at the Motor State Challenge

Bret accepting his award at the 8th annual Motor State Challenge for his 2nd place finish

Shot of the 48 Hour Corvette and the RideTech '69 Ford Mustang Texas Motor Speedway with drivers

RideTech's 48 Hour Corvette and Bret's 1969 Ford Mustang at Texas Motor Speedway winner circle

Picture of the 48 Hour C-10 before and after rendering for the Barrett-Jackson Auction at Westworld

RideTech's next 48 hour build, the 1968 GMC C10 heading to Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale

Picture of ad for the Live Install of RideTech equipment at the Scottsdale Goodguys show.

RideTech live install at Goodguys afforded driver, Jeremiah Stotler an 8 second track improvement

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Spectre Offers a Full Line of Air Intake Solutions From Full Kits to Intake Components

Spectre cold air intake systems are designed to add horsepower and torque

Spectre air intake kits are custom designed for each vehicle to provide the enhanced performance

Whether you’re looking for an OE replacement air filter or you’re planning the air intake system for a ground-up custom car build, Spectre Performance has the high quality, high performing components you need. Spectre Performance offers a complete line of air intake systems, air filters, and performance accessories that will meet the needs of the most demanding automotive enthusiast.

Vehicle Specific Cold Air Intake Kits

These Spectre vehicle specific cold air intake kits are an easy way to add performance to your stock late model car or truck, hot rod or classic muscle car. Designed to be a direct fit bolt-on replacement to the stock intake system, installation can be quick and easy. Manufactured from high quality polished aluminum tubing, each system is designed to give you an added increase in performance by routing the intake inlet away from heat sources like the radiator and headers. Powdercoated heat shields, where applicable, can also help prevent hot air from entering the intake inlet. Available with Spectre HPR air filters engineered for increased flow for greater performance. Find vehicle specific air intake systems using our vehicle search tool.

Chevy LS Engine Swap Intake Kit

Spectre has designed air intake systems for the LS engines swapped into classic Chevies

LS engine swap kits provide a modern filtration solution for classic Chevys with LS motor swaps

Chevrolet has made it a relatively easy task to install one of its modernized LS crate motors into classic Chevy models from the early 1960s through the early 1970s. The LS provides modern driveability with more power and surprisingly better fuel economy in most cases.

However, one area left for the installer to develop his own solution is the air intake system. For this reason Spectre has designed LS engine intake systems for certain model years of the Chevrolet Biscayne, Caprice, Camaro, Chevelle, Impala, Nova, and C/K pickup. These LS-specific air intake systems are available in several different configurations, taking into account the model, engine, and mass airflow sensor configuration. In addition, each air intake features one or more heat shields to keep hot underhood air from contaminating the cool intake flow.

Universal Air Intakes

Spectre’s muscle car air intake systems are designed to increase performance

Spectre muscle car air intake systems route the intake away from underhood heat sources

Spectre’s universal air intake systems are designed for muscle car and truck owners seeking to increase the performance of their rides. Heat rises, so the standard air cleaner location is actually limiting your engine’s ability to generate maximum power. And if you’re using a high-rise manifold that limits underhood clearance, instead of having to fit an air scoop, a low profile or an ultra low profile Spectre universal air intake system will provide hood clearance as well as increased performance. All of the Spectre universal intake systems draw intake air from the front of the vehicle where it’s not been contaminated by intake heat sources like the radiator and headers. Manufactured from high quality polished four-inch diameter aluminum tubing, these air intake systems are available in single and dual plenum and V6 and V8 motors fitted with throttle body fuel injection (TBI).

Air Boxes

Spectre offers several different styles of air boxes and inline air filter housings to meet your specific air induction needs. These air boxes offer an enclosed housing for the air filter that is designed to help block engine heat.

Spectre offers three snorkel air boxes: a single oval opening, and two with dual openings

Spectre 14 inch snorkel low-profile air boxes outflow housings with two four-inch inlets

Our 16-inch and 14-inch low profile round air boxes are available in single inlet or dual inlet openings that are set at 120 degree, 135 degree, 150 degree, or 180 degree separation between the openings to mate with your air intake configuration. These inlets are designed to accommodate different air intake tube and engine configurations, and come in a polished aluminum or chrome plated finish.

Spectre also offers 14-inch snorkel low-profile air boxes that feature high quality polished aluminum and are available in three different styles: a single 10-inch by 2.4-inch oval opening, dual openings set at 90 degrees, and another with dual openings set at 180 degrees, both with 8-inch by 2.4-inch oval openings, providing better airflow than a filter housing with two four-inch round inlets.

Spectre offers inline air boxes with three different size inlet and outlet options

Spectre inline air boxes allow you to remotely mount the air filter anywhere in the intake tract

Spectre also offers inline air boxes that give you the flexibility to remotely mount the air filter and housing away from your engine when space, access, or heat is an issue. Spectre inline air boxes can be located away from engine or even as part of a snorkel system for off-roading.

Spectre offers inline air boxes with three sizes: three-inch inlet with a four-inch outside diameter, four-inch inlet with a five-inch outside diameter, and five-inch inlet with a six-inch outside diameter. These housings have a polished aluminum finish and come with a high flow inline cone air filter.

Each of the air box assemblies feature a Spectre HPR washable and reusable air filter. Manufactured using high quality materials throughout including washable synthetic media, so you shouldn’t ever need to purchase another disposable paper filter for your car, truck, or SUV.

Spectre offers air intake components for enthusiasts so they create their own intake

If you're building a one-off custom air intake system, Spectre has the components you need

Air Intake Components

Spectre offers a vast range of intake components for custom car and truck builders to facilitate the construction of a unique designed cold air intake system. Available products range from air ducting components in three-inch and four-inch diameters, aluminum tubes in 2.5” to 5” diameters, a wide range of mounting brackets and mounting plates, couplers and reducers, clamps, air inlet funnels, including ones that replace headlamps, velocity stacks, single and dual plenums, and components for mounting and wiring mass air flow sensors. Virtually everything a builder would require to install a custom cold air intake system.

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Spectre Offers Air Intake Engineered For 1967-1969 Camaro LS Engine Swap

The Spectre 900235 air intake kit is designed for engine swaps on 1967-1969 Chevy Camaros.

The Spectre 900235 air intake kit enhances the LS engine on Chevrolet Camaro engine swaps

Now in its sixth generation, the Chevrolet Camaro is probably one of the most iconic cars to come out of Detroit. It was Chevrolet’s answer to the Ford Mustang when introduced in the 1967 model year and the first generation of the car was produced through the 1969 model year.

It is not uncommon for Chevrolet Camaro enthusiasts to get a hold of a first generation Camaro and swap the original engine out for a more powerful General Motors LS engine. Spectre is now offering the Spectre 900235 air intake kit to boost the horsepower, acceleration, throttle response, and torque of the engine and is ideal for those who want to swap in a modern LS engine for the original factory engine of a 1967 through 1969 Camaro.

The Spectre 900235 air intake kit includes the HPR9891 red filter. If you desire another color, Spectre offers the HPR9891B in blue, HPR9891K in black, and the HPR9891W in white.

All four filters are washable and reusable and have a tapered conical shape. They feature a non-woven synthetic media with a urethane frame and reinforced steel mesh. The non-woven synthetic material is pre-oiled in the factory so it is ready to use straight out of the box.

The air intake system is designed to fit into the first generation Camaro’s engine bay and fender area when using the LS engine and blade style mass airflow sensor. The system places the air filter on the passenger side of the engine compartment and includes a heat shield that blocks hot air from the engine from entering the intake. It is designed to use the existing vehicle mounting points and can be installed using common hand tools.

The Spectre 900235 air intake kit fits the following vehicles:

1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO 427 V8 CARB - All Models
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO 396 V8 CARB - All Models
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO 350 V8 4 BBL. - All Models
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO 350 V8 2 BBL. - All Models
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO 327 V8 CARB - All Models
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO 307 V8 CARB - All Models
1969 CHEVROLET CAMARO 302 V8 CARB - All Models
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 396 V8 CARB - All Models
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 350 V8 CARB - All Models
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 327 V8 4 BBL. - All Models
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 327 V8 2 BBL. - All Models
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 307 V8 CARB - All Models
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO 302 V8 CARB - All Models
1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO 396 V8 CARB - All Models
1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO 350 V8 CARB - All Models
1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO 327 V8 4 BBL. - All Models
1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO 327 V8 2 BBL. - All Models
1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO 302 V8 CARB - All Models
1967 CHEVROLET CAMARO 283 V8 CARB - All Models

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Stunning 1967 Chevy C10 From Former Mini Truck Specialist, Tre 5 Customs

The 1967 Tre 5 Customs Chevrolet C10 rides on a full air suspension

Even from this angle, the quality of Tre 5 Custom's work is easily visible.

This stunning 1967 Chevrolet C10 pickup came out of the tiny shop of a builder known mostly for his earlier mini truck creations and has impressed the crowds with the level of detail every place it’s been shown.

Tre 5 Customs, out of Peoria, Arizona, is not a big name yet, but expect big things out of this small-scale builder - just a two-person 2700-square foot shop. And don’t bother to ask what Tre 5 means, as owner Jeremy Rice won’t tell you. In fact, he’s not even told his wife.

While Jeremy started out in the world of mini trucks years ago, he's been working on full-size trucks and customs starting about 2.5 years ago, adding his right hand Hector Garcia about two years ago.

The C10 you see here was built for Mike Baldwin, of Dallas, Texas. It’s the fourth vehicle Jeremy has built for Mike over the last year, so clearly he has good reason to keep coming back.

The metamorphosis began with the engine, a 5.3L LM7 Vortec 5300. While based on the famous LT1, it was developed as a truck engine, so there are several advantages for this application. The biggest shortcoming of the engine though is the incredibly mild cam, so after the engine was completely cleaned, machined, and refitted with several pages of new parts, it received a more aggressive cam along with upgraded rockers, springs, and pushrods more up to the task. LS3 injectors were swapped in to provide a higher volume of fuel flow. Topping the engine is a Pro Products intake manifold fitting to the stock throttle body.

The intake system is comproised of components available through the Spectre catalog

Under the hood, everything starts with fresh air drawn in by the Spectre 4" conical filter

Delivering all the needed air are a Spectre conical air filter, heat shield, and 90-degree coupler – all straight out of the catalog. A thorough test on the dyno and the engine was approved for installation.

Little remains of the original frame with the exception of the rails forward of the cab. At the rear is a Choppin’ Block rear back half kit, new framerails from the cab rearward, and the rear body mount. The rear axle is mounted via a triangulated four-link system, with air bags mounted on the link bars. Cleverly, components are kept inboard, to allow for up to 12" wide wheels.

Replacing the front crossmember and pretty much everything attached to it is a Choppin’ Block front crossmember system, designed with improved suspension geometry. The tubular double a arm system narrows the front track width by about 2.5" per side and moves the wheels one inch forward from the original location.

The interior is subtle and not too far removed from stock

No deep bucket seats here. The split bench from TMI is both comfortable and traditional

Controlling all changes in altitude is a Slam Specialties controller. Only about the size of a business card, the MC.1-SS remote provides fast, intelligent response and precise manual control at any time.

With all the mechanical work behind us, we can turn our attention to the interior, which is both subtle and sophisticated in its detailing. Seats are from TMI, their Sport Pro-Classic split bench seats, covered in brown ultrasuede (not unlike the material used by Ferrari) with textured insets in the seats and on the door panels. Sound comes courtesy of a well-integrated Powerbass audio system. What was first hinted at under the hood is making more of an appearance in the interior – the secondary copper trim color Jeremy has selected. Check out the steering wheel and dash trim. Others might have been tempted to add more of the color to the interior – the pedals, the shift knob, the door handles, but Jeremy’s restraint in the limited use of copper makes it that much more appealing.

The bed is finished in African Sapele wood, cut, trimmed, and installed by Tre 5 Customs

The bed is finished in a Mahogney-like wood that's finding favor with musical instrument makers

As we move to the exterior, its clear this is a bagged truck, dropped down on its rocker panels, you notice the smoothed bumpers and simplified grille. Back in the exterior of the bed – just in front of the rear tire, is the outlet for the exhaust system. It was fabricated in-house by Hector and Jeremy and fitted with dual three-inch Black Widow mufflers. Exterior paint is by Frank at IKandy, who’s not just a great painter but is just two doors down from the Tre5 shop. It’s very convenient to have an artist next door.

Frank continued the copper theme to the roof of the C10, as well as applied the gorgeous white to the rest of the body. The bed is African Sapele wood, often used in guitars, which was cut and fitted by Hector and Jeremy, then Frank covered it in “about a gallon” Vintage Flatz high gloss automotive clear coat to protect it.

The final pay off are the wheels. They’re from Intro Wheels, 8.5” wide in the front and 12” in the rear, 22” diameter all around, with the centers powder coated copper. The fascinating aspect to the wheels is that at first they appear to have a swirl design in the paint but as you draw closer you realize the design is actually the reflections the wheels are throwing back at you.

It’s that type of attention to detail and subtlety in their work that makes us think that Tre 5 will become an even bigger name in the world of customization than it is right now.

The copper center sections throw off intriguing reflections

The wheels are from Intro and the centers have been powder-coated Copper

Autorevolutiononline.com

A big thank you to our friends at Auto Revolution for the photography of the Tre 5 built C10

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

Spectre Engine Component Covers for Challenger, Charger and Chrysler 300 Displayed at SEMA 2016

2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat at the 2016 SEMA show with custom suspension and wheels

Spectre used this Hellcat Challenger to display their underhood accessories at the 2016 SEMA show

There’s no argument that you’d have to cross the six-figure barrier to find a car more powerful than the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Producing 707 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, the 6.2L V8 approaches the output of the 7.4 L monster motors used by McLaren in their Can-Am series race cars. And while the performance is there, and the styling is a dramatic interpretation of the original Challenger design, a look under the hood of a Hellcat is a bit of a disappointment.

Whereas in the past, you’d pop the hood on a Mopar muscle car and be greeted by massive Hemi valve covers and a chromed air cleaner housing or a 440ci Six Pack with its oval air cleaner cover, it’s pretty staid under the hood of the Hellcat. With the exception of the supercharger much of what’s underhood is molded plastic, which doesn’t convey the brutal power that lurks underneath.

Spectre accessories are available in chrome, silver, black, and bronze

Spectre underhood accessories in black add interest under the hood of the Hellcat show car

If this is the dilemma you face with your 2011 – 2016 Challenger (Hellcat or not), Charger, or Chrysler 300, Spectre Performance has a solution for you. It’s a series of caps and covers, available in a range of finishes, that add luster and sparkle when you lift the hood at the next cruise night or wherever you like to show off your car.

To demonstrate in person what a massive impact these covers can make on your car, Spectre developed a 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat show car and displayed it at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The concept of the car is similar to that of the Spectre covers: minimum changes for maximum impact. For example, Eibach lowering springs instead of coilovers, a wrap by Frontier Graphics rather than custom paint, an aggressive Anderson hood, and Savini 20-inch wheels that complement the graphics.

Spectre accessories cover over the OEM parts so there's no risk to your factory warranty

The Spectre air box cover creates quite an impact in the otherwise mild-looking engine bay

These caps and covers are designed to fit directly on top of the OEM part so that you needn’t worry about an aftermarket replacement cap or cover stripping, failing, or leaking because Spectre components utilize the factory caps as their base. So you know there’ll be no interference with any mechanical functionality or cause any issues with your new vehicle factory warranty.

Available from Spectre in Chrome include the following: 42826, a washer fluid reservoir cap; 42823, a radiator overflow cap cover; 42825, an oil cap cover; 42831, a dipstick handle cover; and 42821, an air box cover accent; and 42827 and 42837 fuse box covers (depending on year). In addition, there’s a three cover kit available, part number 42829. For Silver, Bronze, and Black, the part numbers are the same except that a suffix is added to identify the finish.

Applications for the Chevrolet Camaro are currently available with Ford Mustang due shortly

Available as a set of three, the most popular covers can be purchased together at a discount

These components are designed and tested on numerous different Challengers and Hellcats to check fitment, they’re heat tested both in the lab and on the road to make sure they can withstand the brutal environment under the hood, and finish testing is done to make sure the shine lasts through everyday driving and normal cleaning with approved products.

Furthermore, Spectre offers their covers in a wide variety of colors and finishes. You can choose from several finishes in the sleek Modern design line, available in a range of four colors: silver, chrome, black, and bronze.

And even though these upgrades make a big impact when you pop the hood, they make only a small impact on your wallet. Most of the products in the line have a suggested retail price of $19.99 and the most expensive part is only $69.99. It’s pretty unlikely that you’d be able to add that level of underhood interest for that kind of budget.

But wait, we haven’t forgot Ford and Chevy fans. Spectre Performance also offers a series of caps and covers in the same finishes and colors for recent model Camaros and Ford Mustangs

The Dodge and Chrysler line of Spectre under hood caps and covers is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2016 DODGE CHARGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2016 DODGE CHARGER 6.2L V8 F/I - All

2016 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2016 DODGE CHARGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 F/I - All

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2016 CHRYSLER 300S 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2016 CHRYSLER 300C 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2016 CHRYSLER 300 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHARGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHARGER 6.2L V8 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHARGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.2L V8 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHALLENGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2015 DODGE CHALLENGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2015 CHRYSLER 300S 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2015 CHRYSLER 300C 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2015 CHRYSLER 300C 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2015 CHRYSLER 300 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2015 CHRYSLER 300 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2014 DODGE CHARGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2014 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2014 DODGE CHARGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2014 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2014 DODGE CHALLENGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2014 DODGE CHALLENGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2014 CHRYSLER 300S 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2014 CHRYSLER 300C 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2014 CHRYSLER 300C 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2014 CHRYSLER 300 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2014 CHRYSLER 300 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2013 DODGE CHARGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2013 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2013 DODGE CHARGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2013 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2013 DODGE CHALLENGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2013 DODGE CHALLENGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2013 CHRYSLER 300S 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2013 CHRYSLER 300C 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2013 CHRYSLER 300 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2013 CHRYSLER 300 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2012 DODGE CHARGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2012 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2012 DODGE CHARGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2012 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2012 DODGE CHALLENGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2012 DODGE CHALLENGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2012 CHRYSLER 300S 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2012 CHRYSLER 300C 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2012 CHRYSLER 300 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2012 CHRYSLER 300 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2011 DODGE CHARGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2011 DODGE CHARGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2011 DODGE CHALLENGER 6.4L V8 F/I - All

2011 DODGE CHALLENGER 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2011 DODGE CHALLENGER 3.6L V6 F/I - All

2011 CHRYSLER 300C 5.7L V8 F/I - All

2011 CHRYSLER 300 3.6L V6 F/I - All

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE

1965 Cadillac Coupe DeVille From Tre 5 Customs Takes SEMA by Storm

In 1965, the last of the garish 1950s styling cues were dropped from Cadillac models

The lines of the 1965 Cadillac Coupe don't need much help, with a tasteful grille and minimal fins

One of the greatest opportunities for a custom car builder is to correct, modify, or upgrade a vehicle as they perceive it should have been delivered from the factory. That’s pretty much what we have here in this 1965 Cadillac DeVille owned by James Chamberlain, of Select Auto Glass and built by Tre 5 Customs.

Tre 5 Customs is a small, two man operation, Jeremy Rice and Hector Garcia, in the suburbs on Phoenix with cars like this Cadillac.

The selection of a 1965 Cadillac is inspired, all on its own. It’s the first year of the stacked front headlights, which allowed for a smaller, less ornate grille than previous models, and the tail fins were now just the horizontal line atop the back of the car, with no real reminder of the baroque fins of a decade earlier, like you find on the 1964. All that adds up to clean crisp lines, plenty of interior room, and a jumping off point for an original project. Unfortunately this particular 1965 required a ground-up rebuild that took six months.

Fitted are both a Spectre 8138 air filter and a Spectre 8130 heat shield

The engine in the Caddy is an LS7 unit with an LS1 intake, fed by a Spectre 8138 conical air filter

Take a walk around the car and you won’t find any exotic lighting, no all-aluminum V8, a trick automatic transmission, or other upgrades that you might find on customized cars of the period. Instead what you’ll find is solid workmanship and an exceptional eye for details.

Under the hood, for example, is a 5.3L GM LSX motor. No aluminum block or heads, no displacement pushed out to 7 liters. The motor is all cast-iron American torque needed to push this 2.25-ton behemoth down the road. There has been maintenance and upgrades, of course, like a more aggressive cam and pretty much every part that touches the cam, an LS-1 intake has been added, flowing through a Spectre 8138 conical filter. Headers are at the other end, pouring spent gases into a custom-fabricated three-inch system built in the shop by Hector and Jeremy moving out through a pair of Black Widow mufflers.

Interior upgrades have significantly updated the nearly 50 year old car

Hard to beliieve that the interior is a 1965 Cadillac and not a more contemporary car

Air conditioning had been added, driven by an All American serpentine billet pulley system.

Underneath, the suspension has all been converted to air, starting with Choppin’ Block components. AccuAir controllers keep tabs on the system while VIAIR compressors provide the lift. Disc brakes are fitted all around. The rig rolls on 22" American Racing wheels.

The interior is most impressive. Gone is any hint of a bench seat, split or otherwise. In their place are four TMI bucket seats, turning the already massive interior into an even more comfortable spot for the three passengers. The steering wheel has been replaced by a unit more in keeping with the 21st century. There’s a center console that’s been custom fabricated that runs from the dash all the way to the rear bulkhead. The craftsman behind this piece is Steve from Definitive Audio who also created the custom door panels, converted the dash to Dakota Digital, and installed the stereo.

The enormous trunk has plenty of room for air suspension and audio components

The hydraulics are neatly packaged in the trunk, just behind a pair of 12" Rockford subwoofers

Opening the trunk lid gives you a good look at Steve’s handiwork, as you’re looking at the backside of two 12” Rockford subwoofers, two amplifiers, the VIAIR compressors, air tank, and controllers. There’s probably still room for a couple of golf bags back there.

Paint was applied by the artist-next-door Frank Rechlin at IKandy Paintworks, who has been painting custom cars for 25 years, who must have sprayed industrial quantities of paint on the Cadillac to get a color that deep. One thing’s for sure, no one is going to mistake this for Don Draper’s 1965 Cadillac.

The car was unveiled at the 2017 SEMA show and spent the whole week snapping necks. Almost nobody could walk by it without taking a picture or turning around to take the beauty in for an extended period of time. And just about everybody walked away from it with a grin from ear to ear. How can you not love a big, black Cadillac laid out in the Las Vegas sun?

Photos by Auto Revolution

clear

SPECTRE PRODUCT SEARCH     WHERE TO BUY SPECTRE