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While Dave Cavanah’s 1969 Camaro looks subtle, its performance is anything but.

When Mike Cavanah started out to build his ultimate Pro Touring car, he bought a 1969 Camaro off of eBay as a starting point. While a huge fan of the Camaro and the ‘69 sheet metal in particular, Mike felt that perhaps there were enough Pro Touring ’69 Camaros already in existence and changed his plans. Instead he built his now famous 1966 Chevelle Grand Sport.

The cockpit is set up for serious driving with supportive seats and an array of analog gauges.

Fast toward a few years. Construction of the Chevelle was completed and Mike was enjoying driving it around in the Santa Monica mountains as well as at track days and autocross events. And then another 1969 Camaro sort of dropped into his lap. The car was stunning, the price was right, and it needed virtually nothing, and since he wasn’t faced with a three-year build as there was to get the Chevelle on the road, he bought it.

Before we get into specifics, the car has a history about as unique as you’ll find. It was purchased by Major League pitcher Brad Penny, then playing for the Dodgers, with the intent to have it rebuilt and modified. He took it to the shop of late Boyd Coddington where it was stripped to a bare shell and all rust and damage repaired. After the master builder passed away Penny moved the project to Timeless Kustoms, where it was completed in 2013. Distracted by his career, Penny sold the car to another party who then brought the car back to Timeless Kustoms. In turn Timeless Kustoms, knowing his fondness for 1969 Camaros, contacted Mike.

Check out the custom diffuser with integrated exhaust ports and rear wing designed to keep the car planted at speed.

Beyond the 1969 body, Mike was attracted to the car because of the high level of workmanship and attention to detail of Timeless Kustoms and the fact the car was ready to drive as it sat. Mike ordered a few changes to suit his personal preferences and soon he was out running the canyons near his home.

Headlight doors hide the front headlamps, just like those found on some first generation Camaros.

Back to the build: Timeless Kustoms cut out the floor of the Camaro’s OEM unibody (firewall back) and replaced it with a body on frame configuration with a custom floor pan. The Camaro shell now sits on an Art Morrison 2×4 Max G chassis, which features C6 Corvette front suspension and a four link solid axle rear suspension. To improve rigidity, a 10-point roll cage was fabricated and installed in a manner as to not draw attention to itself. Out on the corners are Corvette Z06 wheels bolted to 15.5? Brembo carbon ceramic brakes all around.

Under the hood sits a Chevy LSX small block assembled by Times Kustoms, which is fed by twin turbos. The LSX block measures 380 CID with a 4.125? bore and 3.620? stroke with a rational (for a turbo) 9.0:1 compression ratio. A camshaft was custom-ground to match the characteristics of the turbo LSX. Atop the block are a set of CNC machined LS7 cylinder heads. Air is drawn in through a K&N 69-series air intake system, utilizing the MAF sensor connector to tie into the GM engine harness and E-67 computer.

The twin-turbo 380 CID Chevrolet LSX small block is fed by a K&N filter at the end of a custom intake tube and produces in excess of 750 horsepower.

Past the filter, two Precision Turbo water-cooled turbochargers upgraded to ball bearings squeeze the incoming air and then move it through a Spearco intercooler to get rid of as much heat as possible. The pressurized air meets fuel in the cylinders drawn from the custom fabricated fuel cell by a Fuelab boost referenced, in-tank, 1200 HP fuel pump system.

Taking all the abuse is a Tremec wide ratio six-speed transmission from American Powertrain. Between the engine and the gearbox is a Centerforce twin disc clutch set-up. A 4-inch aluminum driveshaft transfers all that grunt back to a Ford 9? rear end, carrying a Detroit Tru-Trac limited slip differential fitted with a 3.50:1 ring and pinion.

Enough about what’s under the body shell. Let’s talk about the exterior, because if the mechanicals are fascinating the exterior is stunning. As is common practice these days, the bumpers were tucked tight to the body. Further, the drip rails were shaved for both aesthetics and aerodynamics. A custom rear wing was fabricated by Timesless Kustoms as well as an undercar diffuser, to help keep the car planted at speed. To help pull heat through the intercoolers, a set of subtle heat extractors were fitted in the hood. Detroit Speed powered headlamp doors are fitted to the grille, much like the option on some first generation Camaros. If you can’t name the paint color, don’t worry as it’s not in your typical hot rodders’ repertoire. It’s actually based on BMW’s Luscious Sparkling Graphite.

Of course the interior is up to the standards set by the mechanicals and the exterior. One of the first things you notice is the Marquez design dash packed full of fully analog Auto Meter gauges, tracking virtually every function on the car. The seats were custom built and designed for fast road or track day use. The interior upholstery is by Eric Thorson, along with a one piece suede headliner and Accu-Mat sound deadening. It does get a little warm from time to time where Mike lives, so a Vintage Air air conditioning system was installed.

As impressive as the list of components and modifications are, they’re little substitute for the impact the car makes in person on your eyes and your ears. For the time being, you’ll have to catch Mike driving the canyons to spot the car as he’s decided that he prefers to bring his Chevelle Grand Sport to shows and competitions. But with a fantastic as this Camaro, you never know – he may change his mind.

Spectre Performance will be attending the Goodguys 19th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio this weekend.

The Goodguys PPG Nationals takes place every July in Columbus, Ohio.  The show brings in over 6,000 vehicles along with over 75,000 people throughout the three-day event.  Hundreds of vendors line the midway showcasing new products and competing for awards like the Best New Product and Best Booth Display.  The Saturday evening award gala includes two of the biggest awards all year, the Street Machine and Street Rod of the Year while the autocross includes the ultimate showdown between vendors.

Staff will be present in four different locations across the fairgrounds to answer questions and talk about product.

Spectre Performance has attended the PPG Nationals since 2010.  Though the show was known for its number in participants and spectators back then, the growth over the last six years has been extremely impressive.  Though, with so many spectators walking the midway and endless aisles of show vehicles, how can one see it all?

One of two K&N and Spectre truck and trailers will be set up by the autocross to provide a pit area for all the Spectre ambassadors racing throughout the weekend.

Rather than displaying in one location during the PPG Nationals as they had done in the past, Spectre Performance will be displaying in four different locations across the entire show.  The main booth featuring all four brands names including K&N, AIRAID, and Spectre will be located in the main vendor midway.  This is where you can find several products on display, talk to brand representatives and check out some beautiful builds.

The Spectre booth near the autocross will also host on-site custom air intake design and installations.

Near the autocross, Spectre Performance has another truck and trailer display that will be flying the K&N and Spectre banner.  This trailer will be home base to several autocross participants throughout the weekend.  The autocross is where you can catch a glimpse of the competition along with several fast cars and screeching tires.  The autocross is always one place that is guaranteed to provide entertainment to all ages.

Spectre has done several custom air intake installations at events such as the PPG Nationals.

Five Spectre sponsored drivers will be in the Spectre Performance booth with their vehicles as brand ambassadors throughout the weekend.  You can find hero cards on each of these drives at the Spectre Performance/K&N trailer.  Drivers are available for questions, pictures and autographs so make sure to get your hero cards and get them signed by each of the drivers.

The huge K&N and Spectre awning near the autocross will provide shade to live demonstrations and on-site air intake installs.  In the past, Spectre has been known to build one-off custom air intakes for most applications.  Customers would often bring their cars into the booth so a Spectre representative could fabricate a unique and custom air intake system for their car.  Goodguys Columbus will mark the return of this popular service.

Make sure to check out the Spectre and K&N displays to see the latest products and spin the wheel to win a prize.

As you enter into the Goodguys PPG Nationals, you might find a small pop-up with the Spectre, AIRAID and K&N name.  Here you can find product brochures along with information on the displays across the show, raffles held at the main Spectre Performance/K&N Booth and info about show attendee discounts.

When wandering through the event, it is hard not to get lost among all the cars.  Spectre Performance and Autometer Products put a trailer together that travels across the county displaying their latest products at car shows and race events.  This trailer will also be on display at the Goodguys PPG Nationals on the opposite side of the venue from the main Midway.

From intakes on display to raffle prizes, Spectre has brought a little bit of everything to the Goodguys PPG Nationals.  If you plan on attending, make sure to stop by the Spectre and K&N trailers to spin-the-wheel, see the latest products or check out some of the fastest autocross racers on the Goodguys circuit.  If you have to live vicariously through our newsletters, make sure to sign up for the Spectre Performance Newsletter and check back for more event updates.

Spectre sponsored driver Brian Finch will be representing Spectre Performance at the Goodguys Sponsor Shootout in Columbus, Ohio.

Not only is Goodguys PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, the biggest Goodguys event of the year, it will host one of the most competitive autocross shootouts.  The Goodguys Autocross Sponsor Shootout takes place each year at Goodguys Columbus.  When walking the pits, you might see banners from different manufactures hanging around the track.  These manufactures support the autocross throughout the year and often have cars and drivers that race in the series at each event.

After Goodguys PPG Nationals, Brian Finch will start prepping for the Baja 1000 with team BFGoodrich.

Years ago, it was determined that a shootout between sponsors might help draw spectators to the autocross, helping not only the manufactures that sponsor the event, but also the drivers.  Manufactures were allowed to choose one driver to represent them in the shootout.  The shootout was similar to that of a bracket race.  During the first ever PPG Nationals shootout, drivers learned quickly that anything could happen regardless how good they were behind the wheel.  One slight mistake could mean forfeiting the shootout.

When it was Spectre’s turn to decide who would represent them at this year’s shootout, there were quite a few drivers to choose from.  When it came down to the final decision, there was one name that had represented Spectre for several years, long before the Spectre name was popular on the show circuit.  Brian Finch had seen the Goodguys Autocross winner’s circle on several different occasions including his recent win at Goodguys Nashville in the Street Machine Class.  Choosing him was the perfect fit leading up to the big shootout this weekend.

After Goodguys PPG Nationals, Brian Finch will start prepping for the Baja 1000 with team BFGoodrich.

Brian Finch is a name that was and still is quite popular in the pro-touring world.  Over the past couple years Finch has expanded his career beyond the autocross and racetrack to include a little bit of dirt in his life.  As a two-time Baja 1000 champion, Finch will return to Mexico once again this November to race for his third Baja win.  Though Finch’s main focus is on Baja this season, he still brings out his 1971 Camaro to participate in track and autocross events.  The PPG Nationals Sponsor Shootout will be Finch’s biggest and toughest autocross event of the season, but that has not stopped him before.  Finch is definitely one driver that could pull off the win during the Sponsor Shootout.

Smith has done exceptionally well in the Spectre sponsored 1972 Corvette throughout the 2016 race season.

There are a handful of other drivers selected to compete in the Sponsor Shootout this weekend alongside Brian Finch.  Spectre sponsored driver Chris Smith will be racing his 1972 Corvette in the Sponsor Shootout on behalf of RideTech.  Smith has had an extremely busy race season, traveling across the country on several different occasions to compete in series like Goodguys and Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car.  Several changes were made to the Corvette over the winter months that made a huge difference on how the car handled.  Smith has been overly impressed with the car and its performance throughout the 2016 race season.  With minor changes throughout the year, Smith has become very competitive in the bright yellow Corvette.  He will be racing against some tough competition this coming weekend, but that has not stopped him from seeing the podium in the past.

Chris and Lynda Jacobs will both be representing Spectre at the Goodguys PPG Nationals.

Though the Sponsor Shootout is one of the main events that take place at the Goodguys PPG Nationals, there is still the typical autocross that takes places throughout the three-day event.  In the past, over one hundred cars have come to participate in the autocross, making it the largest Goodguys autocross event of the year.  Though Finch and Smith are focused on the shootout, they will also be competing in the Pro Class.  This class includes several other Spectre sponsored drivers that will also be attending this weekend’s event.

The Jacobs’ 1966 Chevelle will be doing double duty as both Chris and Lynda get behind the wheel and hit the autocross.

Spectre driver Rodney Prouty has created quite a following as he continues to post updates as the evil Stig on his Facebook page.

Chris and Lynda Jacobs each own a Chevelle that have seen several Goodguys autocross events over the years, but Lynda’s Chevelle will not be attending Goodguys Columbus this weekend.  Instead, the blue 1966 Spectre sponsored Chevelle will be doing double duty while Lynda and Chris both take the wheel.

Though the Jacobs are competitive, they also prove that there is more to racing than just winning.  Chris and Lynda are two of the nicest people you will ever meet.  You will often find them in the pits talking with other drivers and spectators or helping another competitor while they are not racing.

There is one final driver that has built quite a following with his evil Stig Facebook posts.  Many questioned where Rodney Prouty would go with his social media updates after the buildup he created leading into the Optima event in Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Rodney wasted no time, jumping back on social media with his Spectre driving suit and helmet, announcing how he would prepare for his next event.

Spectre driver Rodney Prouty has created quite a following as he continues to post updates as the evil Stig on his Facebook page.

Prouty’s updates on social media have all lead up this weekend’s autocross showdown where he will most likely be suited up and signing autographs.  Not only has Prouty captured a following with his humorous social media updates, he’s an exceptional driver.  Prouty will be racing his 1968 Camaro at the Goodguys PPG Nationals this weekend in the Pro Class against Finch, Smith, the Jacobs and several other drivers.

All five Spectre Performance drivers will be available for photos, questions and autographs starting Friday through Sunday afternoon.

As one of the biggest events throughout the 2016 season, you can expect that all five of these Spectre drivers will be in the pits prepping both their cars and themselves for one of the toughest autocross events of the year.  If heading to Goodguys PPG Nationals this weekend, make sure to walk the pits of the autocross and check out the Spectre sponsored vehicles.  Don’t forget to stop by the Spectre Performance booth in the Midway or watch on-site air intake installations taking place near the Goodguys Autocross.  We wish all the Spectre drivers the best of luck and will check back with them after the weekend’s events.

The stainless Spectre 4256 Hood Pin Kit offers form and function in one package.

The Spectre 6284 Large Shifter Boot helps to add some flair to an otherwise forgotten area.

Money was scarce during the Great Depression, so car enthusiasts had to get creative. Most couldn't afford a new car, let alone the parts. They had to make stuff, from other stuff. These new creations were called 'hot rods', and they consisted of a bunch of junkyard parts, bolted to a lightweight body. The parts they used were often homemade, and many of the custom details were truly extraordinary. There was real craftsmanship back then, because people took pride in their work. Today's car enthusiasts are no less talented, but they no longer need to scour the salvage yard for the thing they need to make the other thing, that eventually becomes the finishing detail. Hot rodders can simply go to Spectre Performance and browse their catalog of stainless and aluminum interior/exterior accessories. Let's look at a few of them now:

When you're looking for the perfect automotive accessory, you want something that functions as good as it looks. The Spectre Performance catalog is stuffed with things like the Spectre 4256 Hood Pin Kit, the Spectre 6280 Aluminum T-Bar Shifter, and the Spectre 6288 Chrome Gas Pedal. All of these accessories are designed to make any vehicle look good. But Spectre also has specialty items like the Spectre 90022 Aluminum Rear Wing for the 1969 Chevy Camaro, and the Spectre 90104 Aluminum Door Panels & Handles for the 1964-1965 Chevy Chevelle.

The Spectre 4982 Billet GM Column Shift Lever is milled from a single piece of aluminum and made to fit in place of the OE shifter.

What's so special about billet aluminum parts and stainless steel parts?

High quality automotive accessories should be able to withstand lots of abuse. That's why premium auto part manufacturers like Spectre Performance, use durable metals like stainless steel and billet aluminum. These materials come at a higher cost, but the strength and finish are second to none. Billet aluminum auto accessories for example, are made by milling or machining a solid aluminum blank (billet), into the desired part. This allows the particular accessory to be made from one solid piece of aluminum, improving both the strength and number of finish options. Stainless steel auto accessories are made in much the same way, however these parts are often laser cut from a thick sheet of steel, then chrome plated, polished, or a brushed finish is applied.

Examples of different Spectre billet accessories & Spectre stainless accessories:

The Spectre 90022 Aluminum Rear Wing for the 1969 Chevy Camaro will add style and added downforce to the rear of your car.

Under the category 'Shifters', you'll find the Spectre 4982 General Motors Billet Column Shift Lever. Designed for an OE fit in 1973-1994 GM vehicles, this handsome column shifter will add a custom touch to any style interior. It is precision milled from a solid aluminum billet, and features an attractive polished double slot design, capped off by a polished shift knob. Thanks to its OEM replacement design, all you have to do is remove the old shift lever and slide this one into place.

Under the category 'Shifter Boots', you'll find the Spectre 6284 Large Shifter Boot. If you drive a manual transmission vehicle, you may have never considered the shifter boot to be a design element. Until now that is. The Spectre Large Shifter Boot features a soft black rubber shifter boot, accented by a triple chrome plated stainless ring at them top of the boot beneath the shifter, and one at the base. Not only does it look elegantly understated, the rugged construction will probably outlast the factory shift boot.

No matter what you drive, Spectre Performance can make it look and perform better. To check out the complete line of Spectre interior/exterior accessories, visit the interior/exterior accessories page. Or, you can enter your year/make/model into the search by vehicle tool, to discover everything that Spectre makes for your ride.

Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car Pikes Peak International Raceway is right around the corner

Pikes Peak International Raceway owner, Bob Boileau, has a Datsun 520 and 411 that appeared on the Optima race circuit last year

Some may not recognize the name Pikes Peak International Raceway (PPIR), but that has not stopped Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car Race Series from returning to this track for its second year as part of their ten event race series for 2016.

With almost two decades since its grand opening in 1997, Pikes Peak International Raceway has hosted several different race events over the years. Series like INDY and NASCAR used the track up until 2007/2008. Currently the track holds amateur race events such as the Time Attack Series and the Optima Race Series along with several other local events throughout the year.

Spectre Driver James Shipka will be returning to the Optima Race Series with his 1967 Camaro

With the Optima Series Race around the corner, we took a closer look at the competition that will be attending Optima's Search for the Ultimate Street Car at Pikes Peak International Raceway.

Bob Boileau's 1966 Datsun 520 is unique within itself, but the little truck has grown in popularity even more as it continues to participate in the Optima Race Series

Owner Bob Boileau is no stranger to getting behind the wheel and hitting the track. Bob introduced his 1966 Datsun 520 and his 1967 Datsun 411 at last year's Optima Pikes Peak Raceway event. The little 1966 truck has been quite popular, as it has raced in the 2015 Optima Auto Club Speedway event and Optima's Ultimate Street Car Invitational at Las Vegas last November. Not only does Bob have some impressive skills behind the wheel, he is typically found in the pits offering advice and a helping hand when needed.

Though this will be James' first time behind the wheel of his 1967 Camaro for the 2016 race season, he was also spotted shaking down his 1LE car earlier this year

Besides Bob, several other Spectre Performance drivers will take to the track at PPIR. Matt Alcala announced that he is prepping the "Rental Car," a 2006 Mustang, to compete at PPIR. The Mustang recently competed in the NMCA West Hotchkis Autocross with multiple drivers racing the car throughout the weekend. Over the past week Matt has been testing some new aero on the front of the Mustang along with wider fender flares to accommodate 335's on all four corners. Pikes Peak International Raceway will be the first big event the Mustang will compete in after the upgrades are complete.

Bob Gawlik will be attending Pikes Peak International Raceway in his 1968 AMX

Spectre Performance driver James Shipka will be returning to the race circuit with his 1967 Camaro. With a recent addition to his already family of three, the birth of his second daughter kept James' main focus the first half of the year. This will be James first race in the 1967 Camaro for the 2016 race season, though he has also been racing his 1LE car over the past couple months. James has been participating in the Optima Series for several years before its growth in popularity. Though competition has increased over the years, James is one driver that can keep up with the competition, possibly bringing home a win in the GTV Class.

Bob received his invite to compete at OUSCI after winning the Spectre Performance Spirit of the Event back in April

Previous Spectre Performance Spirit of the Event Winner Bob Gawlik will also be competing in his 1968 Orange AMX. Bob already has an invitation to compete at the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) in November, after winning the Spirit of the Event Award at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this past April. Bob's AMX does not only perform well out on track, it looks great standing still. Several people have asked why Bob takes such a beautiful build out on track and beats on it. Yet, as long as Bob is having fun, he will continue to beat on the car regardless when and where.

As of right now, fifty-three drivers are register to compete at the two-day event for a chance at an invite to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational. With time still left to register for the upcoming race, it is hard to predict who will come out on top and take home an invite. Best of luck goes out to all the drivers competing at Pikes Peak International Speedway and we look forward to seeing who will move on to the final showdown in Vegas this November.