Latest News

Prepping For Optima NCM Motorsport Park With Spectre Driver Rodney Prouty

Rodney Prouty’s 1968 Camaro RS, known as Plain Jane, is about to return to the track for its first Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car Race of the 2016 season.

Rodney Prouty’s 1968 Camaro RS, known as Plain Jane, is about to return to the track for its first Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car Race of the 2016 season.

Rodney Prouty is no stranger to the pro-touring community nor is his 1968 Camaro RS named Plain Jane. The ’68 Camaro has been participating in local autocross and track events since 2009 including SCCA, the Goodguys Autocross Series, and a handful of Optima Ultimate Street Car events.

Routine maintenance and upgrades were in order for the Spectre sponsored Camaro before hitting the track, including new Spectre header gaskets and a Spectre Performance diff cover.

Routine maintenance and upgrades were in order for the Spectre sponsored Camaro before hitting the track, including new Spectre header gaskets and a Spectre Performance diff cover.

The new year brought a new look for Jane. The Spectre Performance-sponsored ’68 Camaro had not been driven since August of last year. With the race season closing in as spring approached, some much-needed maintenance was in order before the Camaro hit the track. Repairs like fixing a busted header, replacing the gaskets with Spectre Performance header gaskets, installing a new Spectre Performance differential cover and changing fluids were all in order before the upcoming Optima race.

This would be the Camaro’s first Optima event of the season, though this would not be Jane’s first time out this year. Suzy Bauter got behind the wheel of the ’68 Camaro to attend the Cruisin the Smokies event, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. After overcoming some problems with the car, Suzy was able to hit the autocross and shake down the car for the first time this race season. From there she joined the Road Trip Cars and Cones Tour only to have fuel pump problems that needed immediate attention. Once she successfully repaired the problem, Suzy competed the tour and arrived back home just in time to prepare for another race two weeks later.

Co-Driver Suzy Bauter had an opportunity to shake down the 1968 Camaro at Cruisin the Smokies, though a fuel pump problem left her fixing the car before the next race

Co-Driver Suzy Bauter had an opportunity to shake down the 1968 Camaro at Cruisin the Smokies, though a fuel pump problem left her fixing the car before the next race

Back in the garage, Rodney prepped the Camaro once again to hit the autocross for the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association Nashville, Tennessee show. Though competition was tough, Rodney placed in the top five overall in the Street Machine Class with less than a three second gap between him and the overall leader Mike Junior Johnson in his C3 Corvette.

The Spectre sponsored Camaro had a busy month in May, attending the Goodguys Nashville Autocross as well as the NSRA Autocross in Springfield, Missouri.

The Spectre sponsored Camaro had a busy month in May, attending the Goodguys Nashville Autocross as well as the NSRA Autocross in Springfield, Missouri.

This was the first of two autocross events the Spectre-sponsored Camaro attended last month. Shortly after the Goodguys Autocross, the Camaro competed in another autocross at the NSRA Springfield, Missouri Show. This would be the first event where Plane Jane sported her new wheel/tire combo.

As the month of June came around, Rodney wasted no time prepping for his first Optima Series event for the 2016 season. Rodney has even gone as far as posting a series of pre-race preparation photos on social media. The photos have gone viral as they provide some much needed comical relief for the upcoming race. With only seven events left before the final showdown in Vegas, racers are preparing across the country for this weekend’s big event. Many have attended other Optima events, optimistic of winning an invitation to compete at the 2016 Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in November. For other drivers like Rodney, this will be their first time out on track for the 2016 season, though they too share the same goal in securing a spot to compete in Las Vegas at the end of the year.

As Rodney preps for the upcoming Optima race, he has taken to social media with several race-prep updates that have gone viral due to their comical twist on what to do before a race event.

As Rodney preps for the upcoming Optima race, he has taken to social media with several race-prep updates that have gone viral due to their comical twist on what to do before a race event.

Rodney has caught the attention of many social media followers as he continues to post updates on how he is prepping for the big event. The updates will most likely continue through the remainder of the week and into the race reminding racers that though competition is tough, having a good time is what the Optima series is all about.

We will continue to follow Rodney and Suzy as they compete in several different race series events throughout the 2016 season.

We will continue to follow Rodney and Suzy as they compete in several different race series events throughout the 2016 season.

We will continue to follow Rodney, Suzy, and the other Spectre-sponsored drivers as they compete in several events across the country this race season. Updates will follow including the final results of the Optima NCM Motorsports Park race.

Since 1983 Spectre Performance has designed and offered unique, innovative, parts and components to fuel your car or truck obsession. Whether your fixation happens to be a classic muscle car or a late model pickup truck, Spectre will help fuel your passion for performance. Please use the Spectre Performance vehicle search tool to find parts specific to your vehicle.

Spectre Black Powdercoated Exhaust Tip Offers Alternative to Raw Stainless Steel

Spectre 22360 black powder-coated exhaust tip

The Spectre 22360 black powder-coated exhaust tip features stainless steel construction and offers all the advantages of a stainless steel exhaust tip with a different cosmetic option.

Under that sharp black powder coating is a true stainless steel exhaust tip with all the advantages of other Spectre bare stainless steel tips. Just as in the case of the bare stainless steel tips, the Spectre 22360 black powder coated stainless steel exhaust tip features a built-in acoustic resonator that reduces noise by canceling out sound waves and offering a deeper and less harsh tone.

Designed to fit 1-3/4-inch to 2-3/4-inch exhaust tubing, the 8-1/2-inch long exhaust tip weighs 1.9 pounds and has three mounting screws or it can be tack welded in place. It also includes a rolled edge and slant cut design with an outside diameter body that measures 3-1/2-inches. It is compatible to a maximum pipe size of 2-3/4-inches.

The stainless steel construction assures that the exhaust tips can take care of themselves regardless of the conditions. That’s why Spectre Performance backs the tips with a limited 90-day warranty.

Spectre also offers five bare stainless steel universal exhaust system tips in three styles and three sizes. Styles include pencil and slant tips and oval body.

Spectre Performance has been designing and selling innovative parts and components for cars and trucks since 1983 and has a part for almost any car, be it a classic muscle, modern pickup truck, or import.

Check out Spectre Performance automotive products category list at SpectrePerformance.com. You can use the products by vehicle search to find Spectre Performance products specifically designed and manufactured for your vehicle. To find a Spectre dealer near you use the Spectre Dealer Locator.

LS Clearance Solution With Spectre Straight LSX Water Neck

Spectre Straight LSX Water Neck 4932

Spectre Performance 4932 straight water neck relocates the OEM water pump thermostat housing to point straight forward.

Clearance can easily become an issue in custom application LS motor swaps. LS motor conversions have become easier over the years with the numerous options and parts available for these motors, but obstacles can still arise when swapping to an LS motor. Applications such as older Corvettes, Street Rods and vehicles with narrow frame rails can leave you with little to no space for your LS swap. This can require the use of additional parts to achieve proper fitment of your LS motor.

In addition, a bigger motor may result in more cooling needed to keep temperatures under control. Regardless how often you drive your vehicle, it is important to use components that will work under pressure and provide proper fitment in tighter situations.

With the Spectre Performance 4932 straight LSX water neck, you can relocate the OEM water pump thermostat housing to point straight forward, avoiding clearance issues that may limit spacing during your LS engine conversion.

Spectre Straight LSX Water Neck

The Spectre straight LSX water neck can be used on any 1997 and later LS vehicle application

The Spectre straight LSX water neck can be used on any 1997 and later LS vehicle application that requires the water neck point straight forward. The water neck is made from polished aluminum and is designed to use OEM style thermostats. Stainless steel bolts are also included in Spectre 4932 for installation.

Spectre Performance offers replacement water necks for various Chevy, Ford, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, and Chrysler engines. Find the right application of Spectre water neck or browse all Spectre automotive products by category at SpectrePerformance.com.

While you are there use the Search by Vehicle function to find Spectre Performance products specifically made for your vehicle. To find a Spectre dealer near you use the Spectre Dealer Search.

Spectre Swivel Design LSX Water Neck Used In Custom Engine Conversion Applications

Spectre LSX Water Neck 4939

The Spectre Performance LSX water neck 4939 swivel design water neck can accommodate engine conversions that are limited in space.

It was common to see a big block, small block, or even an LT motor under the hood of most Chevrolets, but this would soon change with the growth of the pro-touring movement. The introduction and popularity of the LS motor would revolutionize the automotive aftermarket industry. LS motor swaps have become a common sight over the years. Several advantages including a wide variety of upgradable options, better fuel economy, more power, and major technology advancements have all contributed in making LS motors some of the most sought after motor conversions.

It is not uncommon to see LS motors in several of your late model muscle cars, many of your classics, a handful of import cars, and even a small selection of Fords. Yet, installing these motors is not just a direct replacement to the original big block. Over the years those who have converted to LS power know that some customization is always required. Depending on your application, clearance can become an issue, resulting in little to no room for your OEM water neck. Upgrading to an aftermarket water neck may be required depending on the type of application.

Spectre Swivel LSX Water Neck

The Spectre swivel design LSX water neck is made from polished aluminum and includes two stainless steel bolts

The Spectre Performance 4939 swivel design LSX water neck can be used on any 1997 or newer LS vehicle application. The swivel designed thermostat housing allows you to position the outlet of the water pump to your desired location for the best fitment. The 30-degree neck can be rotated 360 degrees to point in any direction, accommodating LS engine conversions where the water pump thermostat housing may be in a position other than the factory location.

The polished aluminum Spectre swivel design water neck is designed to use the OEM style thermostat. Radiator hose inlet sizing for the Spectre 4939 water neck fits the standard 1.5-inch diameter. The Spectre Performance swivel neck LSX water neck also includes two stainless steel bolts for a proper fit and finish.

Regardless if you are retrofitting an LS motor into an older vehicle or upgrading your current modern muscle, the Spectre Performance 4939 water neck is designed to work under pressure while also looking great.

Browse all Spectre automotive products by category at SpectrePerformance.com. While you are there, Search by Vehicle to find Spectre Performance products specifically made for your vehicle. To find a Spectre dealer near you use the Spectre Dealer Search.

Spectre Offers Tubes For Custom One-Off Air Intake Systems

There are several levels of automotive enthusiasts. Everything from the ones who perform basic upgrades to their vehicles all the way up to the full blown custom car builders.

Spectre Performance is offering a lot of help to those of you who swap out engines or build custom cars. Offering the deepest and widest assortment of tubes that can be used to design and build a custom one-off air intake system.

The tubes are available in various sizes and are made of a variety of materials. There are:

Moreover, the tubes are made from various materials and come in all kinds of configurations and degrees of bend

2-1/2-inch Tubes

  • Made of aluminum
  • Features various tube angles including straight, 22°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, and 180° “U” bend tubes
  • 3-inch Tubes

    • Available in aluminum and chrome ABS
    • Features an assortment of tube angles including straight, 22°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, and 180° “U” bend

    3-1/2-inch Tubes

    • Made of aluminum
    • Features a plethora of tube angles including straight, 22°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, and 180° “U” bend

    2-1/2-inch Aluminum Tube

    2-1/2-inch Aluminum Tubes

    3-inch Aluminum Tube

    3-inch Aluminum Tubes

    3-inch Chrome ABS Tube

    3-inch Chrome ABS Tubes

    4-inch Tubes

    • Made of aluminum
    • Features an array of tube angles including straight, 22°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, and 180° “U” shaped bend.
    • S-style bend tubes
    • Tubes with mass air flow sensor adapter
    • Y-tubes
    • Extended Y-tubes

    5-inch Tubes

    • Made of aluminum
    • Available in various angles including straight, 22°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, and 180° “U” bend

    Many Spectre tubes include a 6063 grade polished aluminum finish and many tubes are mandrel bent. Weights run from 0.3 lbs. to 8.3 lbs. Some tubes can be welded or connected to other tubing with couplers.  Y-tubes have 6-inch long legs and 90°, 100°, or 110° leg degree angle. Extended Y-tubes feature 16-inch long legs and 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, and 180° Y-pipe angles. Various angles permit the formation of a two-into-one style air intake system.

    Spectre also offers a universal intake bracket kit for use with any Spectre air intake kit or components. Its universal and adjustable design permits infinite angles for attachment to existing engines or body bolts to assure a secure mounting.

    4-inch Aluminum Tube

    4-inch Aluminum Tubes

    5-inch Aluminum Tube

    5-inch Aluminum Tubes

    Universal Intake Bracket Kit

    Universal Intake Bracket Kit

    Mass Air Flow Adapter Kit

    Mass Air Flow Adapter Kit

    Included in the tube stock is the Spectre 9705 4-inch aluminum mass air flow sensor adapter kit with three flow calibration tubes measuring 2-1/4-inch, 2-1/2-inch, and 2-3/4-inch. It also includes five different sensor adapters and works in a majority of GM, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and other vehicles with drop-in style mass air flow sensors. The Spectre 9718 18-inch long mass air sensor tube is designed for GM and Ford blade style mass air flow sensors.