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Improve Towing Power for Your 2007-2010 Silverado and Sierra Diesel Truck

May 18, 2017

The 6.6L Duramax Diesel LMM engine, nearly identical to the previous generation LBZ, shares its increased piston pin diameter and thicker connecting rod section width over earlier versions. The biggest change of the LBZ motor, which saw service for just two model areas, was the addition of a Diesel Particulate filter (DPF) along with required hardware and software. General Motors reported at the time that the changes that created the LMM cut diesel particulate emissions by up to 90 percent over the LBZ.

The 6.6L (403 CID) Duramax LMM is a 90-degree V8 diesel engine produced from 2007 through 2010 and feature aluminum cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder. Unlike other engines in the category instead of utilizing double overhead camshafts in each head, with its related complexity, GM achieved equivalent breathing capabilities with a single camshaft, pushrods, and dual rockers. Compression ratio is a heavy 16.8:1 while the cylinder configuration is oversquare – unusual for a diesel engine, with a bore of 4.055" (103 mm) and a stroke: 3.897" (99 mm) inside the cast iron block.

Intake air is compressed by a Garrett variable vane turbocharger (VVT and air-to-air intercooler. Fuel is delivered by a 26,000 psi Bosch high pressure common rail with CP3 injection pump. The Duramax 6.2L LMM engine offered a slight increase in horsepower (+5) and torque (+10) over the LBZ. 2010 was the last model year that the LMM was available, as it was replaced by the more powerful, more efficient LML for the 2011 model year. The LMM develops 365 horsepower at 3,100 rpm and torque of 660 lb-ft at 1,800 rpm.

A sealed heat shield protects cool incoming air from contaminating hot underhood temperatures

The LML version of the 6.2L engine developed 397 horsepower at 3000 rpm and torque of 765 lb-ft at 1600 rpm, which is an increase of 33 flywheel horsepower over the 2010 LMM configuration.

There’s a simple solution to gain back some of that horsepower and torque. The Spectre 9982 air intake system for 2007 – 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 6.2L diesel, brings performance increases that can be achieved by a DIY installation that takes under an hour with simple hand tools and no re-calibration of engine electronics required.

The way to achieve increased horsepower and torque, particularly with a turbocharged diesel engine, is to deliver more and cooler air. The electronics will feed fuel into the cylinder to match the detected temperature and volume of the intake flow. The greater volume of cooler air that can be fed into the cylinder will result in greater volume of fuel being injected, delivering the sought-after increase in power.

The kit comes complete with fittings for the factory mass airflow sensor so no tuning is required

The improvements in incoming air flow begins with the Spectre HPR (High Performance Racing) HPR0891 8.5-inch cone air filter which is designed specifically for the air flow and filtration needs of a diesel engine. The air filter was designed and developed for exceptional air filtration to protect diesel engines while still providing increased air flow over a standard paper air filter. This washable cone filter come factory pre-oiled and ready to install.

In addition, the powdercoated heat shield protects the intake flow from under-hood temperatures so only cold, fresh, outside air is directed to the engine intake. A velocity stack draws air in from the filter and into the textured black cast aluminum air intake tube that’s smoother with fewer bends providing higher air flow capacity that the OEM hose, which connects directly to the Duramax throttle body.

The Spectre 9982 air intake system utilizes a non-woven synthetic filter media to help protect your engine from harmful debris.

The installation is both professional-looking and draws the eye of bystanders as you pop the hood

The air intake system comes with the above-mentioned reusable low restriction air filter, high quality tubing and a black powder coated heat shield to help prevent hot engine air from entering the intake inlet. Spectre Air Intake Systems come with the necessary boots, clamps and hardware for an OE fit and finish. The kit also accommodates all factory emissions and vacuum lines. OEM mounting brackets and hardware are utilized to allow for quick and easy installation. No holes to drill!

The Spectre HPR air filter element is washable and reusable. To maintain its performance, clean your Spectre filter after every 30,000 to 50,000 miles of normal driving, or more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions. The Spectre AccuCharge Precision Air Filter Cleaning and Oiling System part number HPR4820 was formulated specifically for Spectre HPR air filters and its precision oiling system features graduations on the bottle for precise measuring and an easy-to-use squirt top making the application a breeze. The system comes complete with a pump spray bottle of filter cleaner and one of filter oil, which is made from only pure food grade mineral oil.

The large 8.5" conical filter was designed specifically for diesel engine applications

For almost 35 years Spectre has designed and sold unique and innovative parts and components to fuel your car or truck obsession. Our products are designed and tested to perform and last. We have a modern, computer-controlled chassis dynamometer that accurately measures horsepower and torque at the wheels. We also utilize a top of the line SuperFlow SF-1020 flow bench with airflow, pressure, and velocity measuring capabilities in both intake and exhaust modes to help develop our state-of-the-art products.

The Spectre 9982 intake system is designed for the following vehicles:

2010 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2009 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2009 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2008 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2008 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2008 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2007 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2007 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models

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A Spectre Air Intake Can Boost Power and Response In 2010-2012 6.7L RAM Diesels

May 16, 2017

The 2010-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups equipped with the Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel offered heavy-duty truck buyers outstanding horsepower and torque, with a proven combination of advanced technologies.

The Cummins B-series is a 6.7L (408 CID) six-cylinder inline turbo diesel engine. It is of an undersquare configuration, typical for a diesel and for generating torque, with a bore of 4.21-inches and a stroke of 4.88-inches. The compression ratio is 17.3:1 with incoming fuel delivered through a Bosch electronically-controlled high pressure direct injection system and air fed through Holset variable geometry turbocharger with air-to-air intercooler.

The Cummins 6.7 L in the 2010-2012 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks were rated with 350 horsepower at a relatively low 3013 rpm. The torque ratings ranged from 610 lb-ft to 800 lb-ft in the High Output option that was limited to only the automatic transmission.

Spectre Cold Air Intake Systems are designed to add horsepower and torque

The heat shield isolates the filter from underhood heat, allowing only cold air to flow to the motor

Since 2010-2012 horsepower and torque levels in newer Ram 2500 and 3500 diesels have continued to rise. For those owners who are seeking more power from their Cummins, we have a solution. For less than the cost of a set of monogrammed floor mats, a Spectre air intake system is designed to boost both horsepower and torque in your Ram 2500 or 3500 diesel pickup truck.

And the Spectre 9991 air intake system for diesel RAM 2500 and 3500 pickups brings performance increases that can be achieved with a DIY installation that takes less than a Saturday morning with simple hand tools and no need to re-calibrate engine electronics.

Even more so than gasoline engines, turbocharged diesels need a voluminous supply of air to operate a peak efficiency and power. With a Spectre air intake system you’re opening up that path to power by feeding the engine more than the stock system ever could.

The Spectre air intake system smooths the flow of intake air into the throttle body

The Spectre 9991 air intake system utilizes a Spectre HPR0891 8.5-inch non-woven synthetic filter that’s designed specifically for the air flow and filtration needs of a diesel engine.

Also included in the Spectre 9991 air intake system is a powdercoated heat shield that protects the incoming air from the hot engine so only cold outside air can reach the air filter. Cooler air is denser, carrying additional oxygen prompting your engine’s ECU to add more fuel, increasing horsepower.

Incoming air is directed toward the cast aluminum intake tube via a velocity stack that helps speeds the intake air into the engine.

Installation of the Spectre Air Intake System should take less than a Saturday morning

Installation in the engine bay is clean and impressive, yet requires no cutting or drilling

Spectre air intake systems come complete with all needed clamps, screws, and bolts for the look of an OE installation. OEM brackets and hardware are used so that no holes need to be drilled, making for a quick and easy installation. The kit also accommodates all factory emissions and vacuum lines.

The Spectre HPR air filter element is washable and reusable. To maintain its performance, clean your Spectre filter after every 30,000 to 50,000 miles of normal driving, or more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions. The Spectre AccuCharge Precision Air Filter Cleaning and Oiling System part number HPR4820 was formulated specifically for Spectre HPR air filters and its precision oiling system features graduations on the bottle for precise measuring and an easy-to-use squirt top making the application a breeze. The system comes complete with a pump spray bottle of filter cleaner and one of filter oil, which is made from only pure food grade mineral oil.

The Spectre filter can be removed, washed and reinstalled when dirty

Designed for diesel engines the large 8.5" filter is extensively pleated for increased surface area

For almost 35 years Spectre has designed and sold unique and innovative parts and components to fuel your car or truck obsession. Our products are designed and tested to perform and last. We have a modern, computer-controlled chassis dynamometer that accurately measures horsepower and torque at the wheels. We also utilize a top of the line SuperFlow SF-1020 flow bench with airflow, pressure, and velocity measuring capabilities in both intake and exhaust modes to help develop our state-of-the-art products. So you can be assured that when you purchase a Spectre system, it’s well-engineered, well-tested, and should provide you years of service life.

The Spectre 9991 is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2012 RAM 3500 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2012 RAM 2500 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2012 DODGE RAM 3500 PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2012 DODGE RAM 2500 PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 RAM RAM PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 RAM 3500 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 RAM 2500 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 DODGE RAM 3500 PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2011 DODGE RAM 2500 PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 RAM RAM PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 RAM 2500 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 DODGE RAM 3500 PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models
2010 DODGE RAM 2500 PICKUP 6.7L L6 Diesel Engine - All Models

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Spectre Air Intake is Designed to Boost Horsepower in 2013-2015 Ram Trucks with 3.6L V6

May 4, 2017

The cold air intake kit is comprised of the aluminum intake tube, heat shield, and HPR filter

The RAM name has long been associated with Dodge trucks. It began to be used as a model name in 1981 in upgraded versions of the Dodge D Series which had been sold since 1972. Today’s RAM trucks share little with their predecessors. Take the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine that produced 305 horsepower, more than most V8s in previous RAM trucks ever developed. And if you happen to own a 2013 – 2015 RAM powered by this sophisticated engine, you can improve its performance with the installation of either a Spectre SPE-9016K or SPE-9016B air intake kit.

The Pentastar is actually the third in a series of V6 engines fitted to RAM trucks. First was the Magnum 3.9L pushrod V6, which was based on the old Chrysler LA 318 V8 design that dated back to the early 1960s. The 3.7L PowerTech V6 that replaced it was a more sophisticated engine with SOHC aluminum cylinder heads, SFI fuel injection, roller rockers, HD connecting rods, and a 90 degree architecture.

The Fourth Generation RAM truck was unveiled at the 2008 Detroit Show. Features added for the 2009 model included a new four-door cab, a five-link coil spring rear suspension on the 1500, and the Rambox, which provides for secure storage inside the truck’s bed walls, and the PowerTech as the base engine. In 2013, the PowerTech V6 was replaced by the Pentastar V6, an engine that then-owner Daimler-Benz had a significant hand in its development.

The air filter and heat shield install in the original location of the factory air box

The heat shield isolates the filter from underhood heat, allowing only cold air to flow to the motor

The Pentastar V6 was tweaked for the RAM truck application. The V6 utilizes a lightweight high-pressure die cast aluminum block. This block features cross-bolted mains, aluminum cylinder heads with cast-in exhaust manifolds, variable cam timing with dual independent cam phasing, roller rocker arms, delivers 42% more horsepower than the 3.7L V6 it replaced. THis allows it to achieve best-in-class V6 towing of 6,500 lbs. The torque peak also comes earlier in the RAM version of the Pentastar. Even though the 3.6L Pentastar had been selected twice as a Ward’s 10 Best Engines, it earned a third award for the first year the Pentastar was adapted to, and installed in, the new Ram 1500 pickup.

Even though the Pentastar V6 produces 305 horsepower in the RAM 1500, there’s always room for improvement, which is where the Spectre SPE-9016K and SPE-9016B cold air intake kits come in. Everything about the Pentastar was designed so that the engine could breathe. From the low-restriction intake manifold to the sophisticated valve timing, it’s all about fresh air in and exhaust out. Ferrari even developed a twin-turbocharged 3.0L version of the Pentastar for use in the Maserati Ghibli and other models, so there’s plenty of performance potential.

Spectre engineers have developed a kit that's as attractive as it is functional

Installation in the engine bay is clean and impressive, yet requires no cutting or drilling

What’s great about the Spectre SPE-9016K and SPE-9016B intake kits for Pentastar-powered RAMs is that it brings performance increases that can be achieved by a simple DIY installation that takes less than 90 minutes with basic hand tools with no re-calibration of the engine electronics required. And with Spectre cold air intake kits, you get your choice of filter color. SPE-9016K has a black filter, while the SPE-9016B comes with a blue filter.

The Spectre SPE-9016K and SPE-9016B systems move the air intake away from the hot engine and protect it with a heat shield so only fresh, outside air can reach the air filter. Cooler air is denser, carrying additional oxygen prompting your ECU to add more fuel, increasing horsepower. You may have noticed something similar when driving your truck on a cool morning.

The air filter is comprised of a non-woven material often used in hospital HVAC systems

The Spectre HPR air filter is engineered for increased airflow and comes pre-oiled and ready to use

Key to the system is the Spectre HPR air filter, which utilizes a non-woven, washable synthetic media to help protect your engine from drawing in harmful dirt, dust, and debris. Further the synthetic media is less restrictive than traditional paper elements, and assures excellent filtration. The reusable pre-oiled Spectre HPR9892K (black) and HPR9892B (blue) seven-inch conical filters are manufactured using high quality materials including the synthetic media, durable urethane, and powdercoated steel mesh.

Completing the kits are the mandrel-bent polished aluminum intake coupler and a black powder coated heat shield to isolate the intake inlet from high under-hood temperatures. Spectre air intake systems come complete with all necessary clamps, screws, and bolts for the look of an OE installation. OEM brackets and hardware are used so that no holes need to be drilled, making for a quick and easy installation. The kit also accommodates all factory emissions and vacuum lines.

The Spectre HPR air filter element is washable and reusable. To maintain its performance, clean your Spectre filter after every 30,000 to 50,000 miles of normal driving, or more often for off-road and heavy dust conditions. The Spectre HPR4820 AccuCharge precision air filter cleaning and oiling system was formulated specifically for Spectre HPR air filters. It is a precision oiling system featuring graduation on the bottle for precise measuring and an easy-to-use squirt top bottle making the application a breeze. The system comes complete with a pump spray bottle of filter cleaner and one of filter oil.

The Spectre Air Intake Kits SPE-9016K and SPE-9016B fit the following vehicles:

2015 RAM 1500 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 DODGE 1500 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 RAM 1500 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 RAM 1500 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 DODGE RAM 1500 PICKUP 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Spectre Air Intake Designed to Add Horsepower to Jeep Grand Cherokee & Dodge Durango 5.7L

May 4, 2017

Jeep Grand Cherokee

We are in the third and definitely most prolific generation of Hemi engines. And like all Hemi engines, the 5.7L engine in the 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and 2011-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee respond well to incremental air flow into the cylinders, which is why Spectre developed its 9021K intake kit.

The first generation of Hemi engines spanned the period of 1951 until 1958 when various versions, names, and displacements were fitted to DeSoto, Dodge, and Chrysler models. The most powerful Hemi of the first generation was the Chrysler 392 V8 that not only became the standard in drag racing for several years, but also the inspiration for the later 392 engine. Interestingly enough, Plymouth, did not have a street Hemi engine in its line until 1966.

Then came the 426 Hemi, nicknamed “The Elephant” by company engineers. Designed to dominate NASCAR racing, the Mopar folks were told to take their engine back to Detroit and install it in some cars available to the public before they could race it again.

While Chrysler tamed The Elephant for the street and geared up to build enough cars to satisfy NASCAR, it took the 426 drag racing, where it quickly supplanted the 326. To this day all Top Fuel and Funny Car motors, regardless of what brand is on the valve cover, use the architecture of the 426 Hemi.

The Spectre Air Intake Systems helps the 5.7 L Hemi breathe better and make more power

The Spectre 9021K air intake system adds power and response to your Durango and Grand Cherokee

The third generation of the Hemi, now actually marketed under that name (which Chrysler has wisely trademarked), was the 5.7L V8 in Dodge Ram trucks beginning in 2003. From there the line has grown into four different engine incarnations.

Currently, Fiat Chrysler of America (FCA) offers supercharged 6.2L Demon and 6.2L Hellcat Hemis, plus the modern 392 Hemi that shares the name of its famous predecessor, and the original third-generation 5.7L Hemi engine.

It's the original 5.7L Hemi that revived the tradition and the name Hemi to which we turn our attention. The 5.7L Hemi engine is based loosely on The Elephant engine of the 1960s. Design updates were suggested by some of the same engineers who worked on the second generation 426 Hemi.

While not a pure Hemi like its predecessors, the 5.7L engine’s combustion chamber is pretty close. There’s a revised squish area within the combustion chamber and the accommodation for two spark plugs, all of which increase power, lower emissions, and increased fuel economy. In fact, the combustion chamber somewhat resembles that of one of today’s 500 CID Top Fuel second generation Hemi-based race motors.

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

Spectre's HPR cone filters are factory pre-oiled and come ready to install

Designed from the ground up to accommodate a Multiple Displacement System (MDS), the electronics shut down four cylinders of the 5.7L Hemi when driving at cruising speeds in order to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Both the 2011-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2011 – 2014 Dodge Durango feature the MDS function.

And if there’s one thing known about Hemi engines, it’s how well they respond to upgrades, particularly ones that feed the engine more air, like the Spectre SPE-9021K intake system, with its black filter element.

The Spectre SPE-9021K cold air intake system moves the air intake away from the hot engine and protects it with a heat shield so only cold, fresh, outside air can reach the air filter. Cooler air is denser, carrying more oxygen that prompts the engine’s ECU to add more fuel, thereby increasing horsepower. You’ve probably noticed the effect when driving your truck on a cool morning.

The Spectre intake system utilizes a seven-inch non-woven synthetic filter media to help protect your engine from harmful dirt, dust, and debris. The system comes with the reusable free-flowing tapered conical Spectre HPR9892K air filter, velocity stack, mandrel-bent polished aluminum intake coupler, and a black powder coated heat shield to help prevent hot engine air from entering the intake inlet. OEM brackets and hardware are used so that no holes need to be drilled, and accommodates all factory emissions and vacuum lines.

All components of the kit utilize existing mounting brackets

Installation in the engine bay is clean and impressive, yet requires no cutting or drilling

While the Spectre SPE-9021K air intake system for Hemi-powered Grand Cherokees and Durangos comes with a black filter, Spectre Performance also offers 9021B, which comes with a blue filter, and SPE-9021 which comes with a red filter. All three versions offer the same outstanding airflow and filtration capabilities and are constructed of high quality materials including washable synthetic media, urethane and steel mesh. They’re available in different colors to meet each customers’ particular preferences.

The Spectre SPE-9021K air intake system for 5.7L Hemi-powered Grand Cherokees and Dakotas brings performance increases that can be achieved by a simple DIY installation that takes under an hour with common hand tools and with no need to re-calibrate engine electronics. The kits come complete with all required hardware for the look of an OE installation.

Inspect your Spectre filter every 7,000 miles and as it becomes dirty, give it a good cleaning with the Spectre HPR4820 Accucharge precision air filter cleaning and oiling system, which was developed specifically for all Spectre HPR air filters. Spectre’s AccuCharge precision oiling system features graduation on the bottle for precise measuring and an easy-to-use squirt top bottle making the application both effortless and accurate. The system comes complete with a pump spray bottle of cleaner and one of filter oil.

The Spectre SPE-9021K is designed and engineered to fit the following vehicles:

With the hood down, the air filter is cut-off from engine heat and draws only cool outside air

2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Spectre, RideTech, and Chris Smith Take Racing to the Next Level in 2017

Apr 26, 2017

Behind every great man is a great lady. Chris Smith featured with wife, Lynn

Spectre Performance teamed up with the suspension experts at RideTech to sponsor multiple performance vehicles with some of the industries top drivers from all over the nation. RideTech’s 48 Hour Corvette, 1969 Mustang, and 1st Gen Camaro are not only marketing vehicles, but rolling product development test beds to boot. In fact, last year Spectre Performance elected to be a part of another RideTech collaboration with Chris “Smitty” Smith of Smitty’s Custom Automotive to get a 2nd Gen Camaro out on the track. Spectre Performance, RideTech, and these vehicles are regulars at Goodguys Rod and Customs shows and OPTIMA events nationwide, along with being featured in national ads year after year. Then, throw an accomplished driver like “Smitty” behind the wheel and you have got yourself a serious show stopper and crowd pleaser all rolled up into one. Not only is he an incredible driver and car builder, he is happiest when he has a chance to share his setup and suspension knowledge and experience to make his competition faster, making it more fun for everyone. The 48-Hours series of builds have garnered so much press coverage as part of the Spectre Performance race team partnership, it’s fitting that Chris Smith is the object of our affection this month having dominated the Goodguys events while the 2017 race season has literally just begun.

Photo of Smitty in the Black '67 GMC Truck at the Street Car Challenge at Putnam Park

Smitty's first go at the road course at Putnam Park for the inaugural Street Car Challenge

Smitty's Custom Automotive was established in 1999 by Chris and Mike Smith. Smitty’s dad, Mike, toyed around with cars and was the occasional drag racer who could seriously make anything go fast on a shoestring budget. When Smitty was 12 or 13 years old his dad picked up a 1967 GMC truck that would haul dad’s 1956 210 wagon to the drags. Smitty recalls dad lowering that truck and adding pinstripe tape to make it just a little cool.

Photo of Chris Smith's red 1967 C-10 truck.

Chris really out did himself when it came to this 1967 C-10. Stance is everything!

When Chris was just 14 years old he managed to get himself a job at McDonald's and by the time he was 15 he had saved enough money to buy that old black truck from dear ole dad. Wanting to make his new truck look really cool, Chris taught himself how to do paint and body work. By his freshman year in high school he discovered he was less impressed with status, clothes, or sports and found his fit in the car culture. As a junior he was able to enter the high school's auto shop program and within 7 months wound up working at a bodyshop as a result of his natural talent. By the time he was a senior, he had far surpassed what the shop teacher could offer and he was perhaps the youngest employee running the collision department at a local dealership, putting in 7 hours a day at work with just one class at school. Quite the achiever then and still now.

Photo of the Red 1967 C-10 700 hp 434 cubic inch small block engine.

Making over 700 HP, this C10 features a 434 cubic inch small block with all the bells & whistles

In no time it seemed that dad’s friends and friends of friends wanted Smitty to do a little work on their cars. It started with a repair here and there then turned into paint jobs on classic cars and trucks. Lucky for Chris that dad’s friend, Gary Holman, had an old farm shop where he could go to paint and hone his skills.

Photo of the RideTech Triple Adjustable Shockwaves

Triple adjustable Shockwaves from RideTech made Smitty's C10 handle the big track like a pro

In 1999, due to union contracts, Smitty’s dad, Mike found himself forced into early retirement. He was only 50 years old. An accomplished and certified welder and fabricator, this man was not ready to stop. That’s when Smitty and dad decided to take that leap of faith and open their own shop. Dad would do the welding and fab, along with managing the paperwork and Chris would handle the artistic stuff, like body and paint. In fact, 1999 proved to be an amazing and memorable year for Chris as this was the year he opened his shop, finished the 1967 pickup and married Lynn, the love of his life.

Photo of RideTech's owner Bret Voelkel & Chris "Smitty" Smith watch as a team driv

Part of being a great race team leader means watching how your driver's cars handle on track

In no time the 1967 GMC truck built by Smitty’s Custom Automotive was seriously sought after. With 11 full magazine features it seemed Smitty had taken the truck world by storm. But this truck wasn’t just about looks. It functioned like a modern truck, not the old sixties truck that was simply in service for hauling bales of hay. No, Smitty knew a thing or two about handling and chose parts and products that allowed him and his customers to actually enjoy the ride. Air Ride Technologies afforded folks a comfortable ride and Smitty offered their products and parts at his shop. Fast forward to 2003 at one of the first Street Car Challenges that Chris would take part in, held at Putnam Park where RideTech, formerly Air Ride Technologies, featured their suspension on three of Smitty’s builds. Turned out this was just the beginning of what would become a business relationship that would afford Smitty an opportunity to race, head an amatuer race program, and be an integral part in advancing the RideTech catalog of performance suspension parts. What’s more, Smitty had never even been on a road course before that event, much less race a car or truck that actually turned! Needless to say as time progressed he figured out that running a car through the cones or on a road course was a lot of fun and he got pretty darn good at.

Shot of the Spectre/RideTech Banner featured at the Spectre Performance Booth 2016 SEMA

Spectre Performance and the 48-Hour Corvette along with the rest of the Spectre/RideTech team

In 2012/13, Chris built a 1967 Chevy C10 that featured a 434ci dry sump small block that made over 700hp. Complete with No Limit Engineering suspension and RideTech triple adjustable Shockwaves, Forgeline wheels, Wilwood disc brakes, Flaming River steering components, a Tremec T-56 transmission with Moser rearend. This gorgeous build seemed to aid in revitalizing the truck scene. This happened about the same time OPTIMA Batteries introduced the USCA Series that spearheaded the ever popular OPTIMA’S Search for the Ultimate Street Car series. This street car race reality show features some of the coolest builds from around the country, being pushed to the limits at renowned venues. Drivers compete on acclaimed road courses, epic autocross tracks, punishing speed stop segments, and road rallies testing the roadworthiness of the wannabe race cars on city streets. Not your ordinary weekend hobby. But for an enthusiast like Smitty and hundreds, if not thousands, of other drivers, the pro-touring movement has spawned the need for great equipment that the average Joe or weekend warrior can install him or herself. Between Smitty’s interest and talent coupled with RideTech’s expertise and experience, it seemed only natural that Bret would reach out to Chris to have him officially join the RideTech Team.

Shot of Smitty on the autocross track at Scottsdale 2017

Smitty was tearing up the track at the 8th Spring Nationals in Scottsdale, Arizona

In 2014, RideTech sought the help of Chris to assist in the build and ultimately race the 48-Hour Corvette. Smitty had enjoyed success in his 1967 C10 in events like Goodguys, Motorstate Challenge, Midwest Musclecar Challenge, American Street Car, and OPTIMA’s series. But when time came to get behind the wheel of the 48 Hour Corvette he jumped at the chance. He knew that short wheel base would be nimble on track and with improved suspension and shock technology the Corvette had was a winning combination. Smitty alongside RideTech, Bret, and the crew would use the Corvette as an opportunity to fine tune their products, their skills, and even bring new and exciting trends to market, like the Instinct Electronic Shocks introduced on the 48-Hour Camaro. mid 2016 race season. This partnership would indeed propel RideTech to the next level. Enter Spectre Performance to round out the ultimate race team program headed by none other than Chris “Smitty” Smith.

Photo of Chris Smith in front of the Goodguys Winner banner at the Lone Star Nationals in Texas

Winner winner chicken dinner! Or, if Smitty prefers, winner winner steak dinner!

The 2016 race season was nothing short of epic for Smitty. He saw success both on the race track and in the pits. He effectively helped his RideTech/Spectre co-drivers achieve new heights on the track and masterfully fulfilled customer’s expectations. It was clear that he was in his element as a result of his partnering with two nationally recognized performance brands. His dynamic personality and straightforward no nonsense approach is just what competitors are looking for when it comes to having an edge against the competition.

Photo of the Goodguys 7th Spring Lone Star Nationals with Chris Smith at the Top.

The Goodguys leader board from the 7th Spring Lone Star Nationals, with Smitty at the Top!

As we begin the 2017 race season with the season opener for Goodguys in Scottsdale we saw Smitty in the 48-Hour Corvette set the bar high. The PRO Class action was intense. Smitty took a commanding lead early on and the 48-Hour Corvette drove away with a 1st Place finish at the season opener at the 8th Spring Nationals in Scottsdale. Four of the top five PRO drivers were running RideTech’s new Instinct Electronic Shocks. The new shock design has been in the research and development stages for the past three years and practical testing began in June, 2016, on a 1968 Camaro at RideTech’s Indiana headquarters. But the true test would be seeing how the team would do at the Goodguys 7th Spring Lone Star Nationals the following weekend. Certainly the question that crossed their mind was whether it was luck or if they really did have a product that could outperform the competition. Chris had some seriously stiff competition rolling into Texas with Josh Lysinger and Mike Dusold ready to give him a run for his money. Calm, cool, and collected, Smitty went to work and came out on top, close to half a second ahead of second place finisher Josh Lysinger and more than half a second ahead of third place finisher, Mike Dusold.

Photo of Chris Smith in the "48 Hour Corvette" on the road course at LVMS

Chris Smith behind the wheel of the 48-Hour Corvette getting after it on the road course at LVMS

With two 1st place finishes and more than 20 race events on the schedule, it’s all but certain that Chris Smith is bound to see a few more podium finishes with the RideTech 48-Hour Corvette as part of the Spectre Performance race team. Making this season a bit bittersweet as the team prepares to retire the 48-Hour Corvette and makes available this incredible beast to the highest bidder at the Barrett-Jackson Auction at Westworld in Scottsdale, AZ come February 2018. Not to worry though, Smitty will be behind the wheel of the 2nd Gen Camaro build that will debut at the 9th Spring Nationals in 2018.

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