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Enclosed Air Box Intake for 2019 Chevrolet Silverado & GMC Sierra 1500/2500 V8

The 63-3109

Help protect the engine of your Silverado or Sierra and gain a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque with the K&N® 63-3109 air intake system, engineered specifically for 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500/2500 5.3L/6.2L V8 models. The K&N® 63-3109 roto-molded air box intake system boasts an estimated power increase of 15.7-horsepower and 32.5 lb./ft. of torque*, and up to 25% more airflow than the factory intake system.

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Spectre Air Intake Ups Power & Improves Response In 2015-2017 Ford F150 V6 Pickups

The heat shield seals tightly with the hood closed through the use of durable automotive gaskets

Designed for 3.5L V6-powered Ford F150 pickups the Spectre air intake system adds power and response

The sturdy and proven Duratec 35 3.5L V6 engine was available in 2015 – 2017 Ford F150 models. The Duratec 35 featured a sophisticated design that included double overhead camshafts operating four valves per cylinder heads through direct acting mechanical bucket camshaft tappets. The camshaft were components of the twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) system that increased power while improving fuel economy.

Although named Duratech in advertising distributed to the public, it was a clean sheet of paper design internally designated as the Cyclone; it had nothing in common with earlier generations of Duratech engines. The Duratech 35 developed 282 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. Not surprising it was selected by the automotive industry magazine Wards Auto for its 10 Best Engines list.

Introduced in the 13th generation of F150, the Duratech 35 was positioned as the base engine. Above it in the line were the 325 horsepower 2.7L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 and the 385 horsepower 5.0L V8. For 2018 the 3.5L V6 was replaced by a 3.3L V6 that actually produces more power than the 3.5 – an increase of eight horsepower.

With the hood open inspection of the Spectre Filter is a snap

The Spectre HPR air filter utilizes a non-woven synthetic filter media

If you own a 2015-2017 Ford F150 powered by the 3.5L V6 Duratech, consider installing a Spectre 9048 air intake system to make up some of the difference between your truck and more powerful Ford F150 models.

The Spectre 9048 adds performance and response by feeding your Duratech 35 cooler, fresh air than the stock system can provide. Fresh outside air is now fed to an oversized seven-inch tall HPR9892 tapered conical air filter protected within a two-piece heat shield that installs into the space of the factory air box. The HPR9892 is a low-restriction air filter, constructed of a non-woven synthetic filter media.

Once filtered, intake air is directed through a velocity stack into an aerodynamically-verified polished aluminum intake tube that accommodates the factory mass air meter, IAT sensor, and other required hoses. Installation is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in a few hours or less and requires only a few common hand tools and no drilling.

And once you’ve installed your Spectre 9048 air intake system you’ve eliminated the need to buy another air filter for the life of your covered 2015 – 2017 Ford F150 powered by the Duratec 35 3.5 L V6 engine. The only maintenance required is a simple service you can do all by yourself. That’s because the Spectre HPR9892 air filter element is washable and reusable.

The Spectre 9048 is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2017 FORD F150 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - Exc. Turbo
2016 FORD F150 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - Exc. Turbo
2015 FORD F150 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - Exc. Turbo

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Spectre Performance at 10th Anniversary 2017 OUSCI Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Shot of FM3 Performance Marketing CEO/President, Jimi Day out at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Jimi Day, President and CEO of FM3 Performance Marketing and OUSCI Director of Racing

This year, the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational celebrates its 10th Anniversary. The event, OUSCI, immediately following the SEMA show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the brainchild of Optima’s Director of Product Development and Marketing, Cam Douglass. Along with veteran racer and President/CEO of FM3 Performance Marketing, Inc. these two gentlemen changed the way many builders, vendors, and attendees look at SEMA today.

The “Invitational” has become the ultimate street car event by which a participant can earn his or her way in on points garnered at qualifying events. OR by receiving a golden ticket invitation, at the SEMA show, should your badass built streetcar capture the attention of the likes of Cam himself or partner Jimi Day.

SHot of the 1965 Candy Tangerine Chevrolet Corvette owner/driver by Greg Thurmond in Optima Alley

Greg Thurmond's 1965 Candy Tangerine Chevrolet Corvette - SCAR in Optima Alley at SEMA

And this year it seemed as though it was bigger than ever. The stakes were higher, the competition was stiffer and the drivers were ready to rock and roll.

Predicting a full week that began with a midnight load into Optima Alley at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the OUSCI participants spent time with their sponsors and other competitors. They attended SEMA build unveilings, stood in line to meet some iconic and legendary movers and shakers in the automotive industry. They attended educational seminars and mixers hosted by SEMA’s 10 diverse councils learning and exploring all the workings that SEMA has to offer. They took part in OPTIMA’s most recent virtual reality experience at the OPTIMA Booth and even made appearances of their own at OPTIMA’s Annual SEMA Press Conference. Finally, these competitors would endure the gut-wrenching critique of the judges for the Lingenfelter Design and Engineering segment the first of five segments of this monumental event. Seriously this was a big deal! You can bet they were all itching to get out to Las Vegas Motor Speedway to see if the improvements they made to their rides would actually make a difference in their final position when it was all said and done.

Photo of SCAR in the 2015 SEMA Show Spectre Booth

SCAR sitting front and center at the 2015 SEMA Show in the Spectre Performance Booth

This year, OUSCI saw a couple big changes starting with event format. The drivers would have the bulk of Saturday dedicated to autocross. The field was divided into their respective classes; GTV (Vintage), GTS (Sports Car), GTL (Lights), GTE (Electric), GTC (Compacts), GT (think Heavyweights like Camaro, Mustang, etc.) and to keep things fair, they would race in multiple run groups throughout the morning and afternoon in side by side competition. After a full day of Detroit Speed & Engineering Autocross to prove these drivers weren’t simply slapping license plates on race cars, the competitors would prove the car’s roadworthiness in the Lucas Oil/MAV TV Road Rally.

Photo of Greg and Scar just after the big SEMA Show and his first OUSCI

Greg Thurmond with SCAR in 2015 post SEMA Thrash

On Sunday, the participants would compete in the Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop and Falken Tires Hot Lap Challenges throughout the day, pushing the limits of braking and suspension in multiple run groups on road course and speed stop sessions, culminating in the OPTIMA Ultimate Street Car Invitational group photo and awards ceremony. One very exciting and very welcome change is the addition of the Class Cups awarded to the “Top Dog” in each class at this incredible event. Yes, that means not just one award, that means 7 very happy award winners.

Shot of Lynda Jacobs behind the wheel of Wimpy on the autocross at OUSCI 2017

The midwest sweetheart, Lynda Jacobs in "Wimpy" on the autocross track at OUSCI 2017

In fact, the 10th Anniversary of OUSCI saw a very diverse field of more than 100 competitors with the largest field in OUSCI history; the GTV Class with 34 registered drivers!

Spectre Performance had great representation at OUSCI this year in the GTV Class with returning competitor Greg Thurmond in his 1965 Candy Tangerine Corvette Stingray Resto-Mod known throughout the pro-touring world as SCAR. Along with midwest sweetheart, Linda Jacobs and her incredible Spectre Performance-equipped 1966 Butter Yellow Convertible Chevelle affectionately named “Wimpy”. Both Greg and Linda came to the 10th Anniversary ready to race with their “A” Game.

This is the third consecutive year that Spectre Performance team driver Greg Thurmond made the big show. You might remember in 2015, Thurmond’s Vette sat front and center in the Spectre Performance booth at SEMA where it did indeed catch the eye of possibly tens of thousands of SEMA show goers. More importantly, he nabbed a golden ticket invite. For 2016 and 2017 Thurmond raced his way into OUSCI and has been a force in the GTV Class each time, bringing home an 8th place GTV overall finish at this years OUSCI. When we caught up with him he shared that the Detroit Speed and Engineering Autocross, “was a bit tougher for us this year and finished up 11th in the GTV Class,” Thurmond said. However, he was rather pleased with his success at the Powerstop Brakes Speed Stop securing a 6th Place position in his class.

Photo of Lynda Jacobs in her 1966 Butter Yellow Convertible Chevelle, "Wimpy"

Jacobs 1966 Butter Yellow Convertible Chevelle Wimpy

Husband and crew chief, Chris Jacob’s, had this to say about his and Lynda's experience at OUSCI, “This year's event had it's ups and downs, but we had a great time. Lynda constantly improved and her Chevelle performed flawlessly. Always great to head home with a car that just requires a wipe down.” But Lynda’s no stranger to OUSCI. In fact, this was her second go-round behind the wheel but her first driving this new and improved OUSCI format. Also a GTV Class competitor, Lynda has proven she can throw down with the best of them. Maneuvering her Chevelle with ease and confidence Lynda would come away with a fantastic finish and was one of only three female competitors. That’s definitely something to brag about!

This year OUSCI saw the crowning of a new Grand Champion, Ken Thwaits in his 2006 Mitsubishi EVO. The racing was tight and the competition worthy. Ken also took the GTL Class Win.

Photo of Jacobs at grid for the Falken Tire Hot Lap Challenge

Jacobs at grid for the Falken Tires Hot Lap Challenge

Additional class champions are:

GTV: Larry Wood, 1968 Chevrolet Camaro

GTS: Austin Barnes, 2010 Dodge Viper

GTL: Ken Thwaits, 2006 Mitsubishi EVO

GTC: Scott Budasalich, 2006 Honda S2000

GTE: Matthew Scott, 2017 Hyundai Ioniq

GT: Bryan Johnson, 2013 Chevrolet Camaro

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Suzy Bauter Brings Her 1963 Rambler Wagon to the 2017 Spectre SEMA Booth

Click the image to see an interview with owner and builder of the Rambler, Suzy Bauter

Click the image to see an interview with owner and builder of the Rambler, Suzy Bauter

If in addition to “Spell Check” there was a program that determined whether the words in a sentence actually fit together it would definitely spit out “Rambler-Station Wagon-Pro Touring-Autocross.” But that hasn't stopped Suzy Bauter from turning what she thought would be a daily driver into the meanest Rambler that’s ever annihilated a cone.

Starting with a solid, straight 1963 Rambler American 440 Station Wagon, complete with engine in the back of the wagon, Suzy started by having the flathead 6 rebuilt. With all of 130 horsepower and a three-on-the-tree gearbox, Suzy took the Rambler out to autocross with her husband and ace autocrosser Rodney Prouty. Rodney, by the way, is well-known for killing cones in his “Plain Jane” 1968 Camaro.

So Suzy’s Plan A wasn’t working, so it was time to move to Plan B.

The intake assembly was pieced together from components available in the Spectre catalog

Easily spotted are the Spectre intake components that easily fit within the confines under the hood

That involved gutting the car, re-positioning the car on the frame (more in a minute), replacing the front end with a first generation Camaro subframe and the rear suspension with a full IRS from a fifth-generation Camaro, then stuffing an LS V8 under the hood, a full seven inches rearward from stock. Oh, and they did all of this by themselves in their two-car garage.

The Camaro front clip is supplemented by Global West upper control arms and Detroit Speeds lower control arms.

By 1963 parent company AMC, was holding on for dear life. They tried to squeeze as many models out of common components as possible, which is how Suzy ended up with a wagon with a 99-inch wheelbase but 100-inches between wheel well centers. As the plan was to flare the fenders to the extreme, that inch would cause problems. So the wheelbase was stretched to match the car.

The flares are steel with smoothing achieved with a professional body shop filler

The Flair Witch Project was completed inside the Bauter-Prouty family garage

Under the hood, the 5.3L LM7 V8 currently produces around 360 horsepower with its Edelbrock carb conversion, but it sounds like Suzy might be expecting a supercharger under the Christmas tree. Other mods include a Spectre fuel rail, fuel regulator, and crankcase breather. According to Suzy “there are no aftermarket parts available for a 1963 Rambler” so thankfully Spectre offers a wide range of intake components to custom-assemble a high-flow system. The LS is backed by a 700R4 with a TCI valve body, driving back to a fifth-generation Camaro differential.

While under the car, the couple installed 14-inch rotors and six-piston Baer Pro+ 6P brakes with 18x11 wheels from US Mags, fitted with P315/30ZR18 BFGs all around. Perhaps the most trick system on the car is the cutting-edge Viking Berserker ASM (Active Shock Management). It’s an intelligent system that collects data from yaw-rate to steering wheel position through a battalion of sensors and adjusts the damper valving up to 1000 times per second. All variables are adjustable through a laptop-based program, so the tuning can be adjusted for almost every handling state between runs, if needed.

The ginormous fender flares were formed and fitted in the Bauter-Prouty family garage as well, earning the nickname of the “Flare Witch Project” around the garage for the amount of toil required to get them fitted and blended properly. While all the cursing was going on in the garage, Suzy was inside sewing all new seat covers and carpets.

The interior also includes a harness bar from which to hang the shoulder straps

Suzy herself stitched the interior including seat covers and floor mats

The only work not completed inside the Bauter-Prouty garage was paint and final bodywork by Best of Show Coachworks in Escondido, California. Suzy gives high marks to the caliber of the work at Best of Show: “It was never supposed to be a pretty race car but it sure is now.”

Ask about their relationship Spectre, Suzy replied “We been loyal to Spectre for years. They supported us on our Camaro build and have become good industry friends.”

We’d love to report on how the gonzo ‘63 Ramb-aro faired in its first autocross, but that event is still to come. Suzy and Rodney had committed to having the beast on display in the Spectre Booth Number 22755 at the 2017 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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