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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:

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

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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More Power & Better Response For 2016 Chevy & GMC 2500/3500 With A Spectre Intake

Apr 26, 2017

The key to the system is the oversized Spectre HPR reusable low restriction air filter

Spectre air intake systems get more HP from your truck while protecting your engine

The 2016 Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 are among the most capable pickup trucks on the market, with trim ranging from the base level Work Truck to the luxurious High Country and Denali models. The available gasoline engine in all models is the 6.0L V8 Vortec L96 produced by General Motors for use in its full-size heavy duty trucks and SUVs.

The L96 is part of the Vortec engine family, which is also known as the Generation IV small block. Designed as a workhorse, the engine block features a deep-skirt, six-bolt main bearing caps, and a structural oil pan all of which provide reinforcement to the engine assembly.

GM engineers paid a great deal of attention to the L96 intake and exhaust airflow in an effort to make the engine as powerful and efficient as possible. The L96 features variable valve timing to match airflow to driving conditions. The air flow path was modified from intake manifold to the cylinder heads intake ports, which were derived from the C5 Corvette, while D-shaped exhaust ports have been optimized for greater out flow.

Components includes a polished aluminum intake tube fited to accept the truck's MAF sensor

Installation of the Spectre 9058 kit takes less than 90 minutes and requires only a few hand tools

While much design attention has been paid from the intake manifold to the combustion chamber, there’s little in either Chevrolet’s or GMC’s literature that addresses the optimization of air flow to the intake itself. That’s where Spectre Performance comes in.

By installing a Spectre 9058 air intake system, you’ll increase the horsepower and torque of your 2500 or 3500 pickup. The Spectre 9058 air intake system creates extra power by routing intake air away from the hot engine so cool outside air arrives at the manifold. As cooler air is denser, it has the ability to carry more oxygen, improving combustion.

The HPR9891 Spectre HPR air filter is the key to the system. The filter utilizes 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, but still assures excellent filtration.

The reusable pre-oiled seven-inch conical filter is manufactured using only the highest-quality materials like non-woven synthetic media, durable urethane, and powdercoated steel mesh. Completing the kit are the polished aluminum tubing (with a fitting for the MAF sensor), intake coupler, and a black powdercoated two-piece heat shield to isolate the intake inlet from engine-generated heat.

Quality materials are used in the Spectre HPR filter including synthetic media urethane & steel

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

The 9058 Spectre air intake system comes complete with hardware required for an OE-style installation. Stock brackets and hardware are utilized, so drilling is not required, making installation a simple process, requiring the use of only a few simple hand tools.

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 HPR4820 AccuCharge precision air filter cleaning and oiling system 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.

The Spectre 9058 intake system is designed for the following vehicles:

2016 GMC SIERRA 3500 HD 6.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500 HD 6.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 HD 6.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Spectre Air Intake is Designed to Boost Horsepower on 2015 & 2016 GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado

Apr 10, 2017

The Spectre 9030 includes the HPR9891 air filter, aluminum tube, and powder-coated heat shield.

The Spectre 9030 air intake for the 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado

General Motors Corporation introduced the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks in 2004 to replace the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC Sonoma compact pickups. The front-engine, rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles come in three styles –- a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and a 4-door crew cab.

Whether you use your 2015 or 2016 GMC Canyon or Chevrolet Colorado as a work truck or your daily driver you may want to enhance its performance. That’s where the Spectre 9030 air intake kit comes in. The intake is designed to boost horsepower and torque on the 3.6-liter V6 powered Colorado and Canyon.

The air intake includes a Spectre HPR9891 washable and reusable conical air filter. The filter features a non-woven synthetic media that is designed for superb airflow.

Spectre also offers the HPR4820 air filter cleaning kit that is specially formulated to cleanse and recharge the filter so that it can be used over and over again for the life of the vehicle.

The spectre HPR9891 air filter offer superior airflow due to its non-woven synthetic media.

A red Spectre HPR9891 washable and reusable air filter is included in the air intake kit

The air intake has a polished aluminum tube, a black powdercoated heat shield that blocks the hot engine air from invading the intake inlet, six stainless steel clamps and two couplers. The kit is easy to install using common hand tools.

The Spectre 9030 Air Intake Kit is designed for the following vehicles:

2016 GMC CANYON 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 CHEVROLET COLORADO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 GMC CANYON 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 CHEVROLET COLORADO 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Air Intake Boosts Horsepower, Torque on F-150 Platinum and SVT Raptor

Apr 7, 2017

The Spectre 9977 Air Intake is for the 2011 Ford F-150 Plantinum and 2011-2014 SVT Raptor.

The Spectre 9977 air intake kit works on 2011 Ford F-150 Platinum and 2011-2014 F-150 SVT Raptor

Perhaps one of the most celebrated pickup trucks ever made is the Ford F-Series. The pickup was unveiled as the F-Series in 1948 and has been considered to be the best selling vehicle in the United States since 1981 and the best selling pickup since 1977. It is also the best selling vehicle in Canada.

In 2011, Ford introduced a more robust version of the F-150 and dubbed it the F-150 Platinum. A 3.5-liter V6 engine that included a turbocharger was used to power the vehicle, which provided faster acceleration.

Ford introduced the F-150 SVT Raptor, which was based on the Ford 1000 baja truck. It included modifications to enhanced off-road performance, and was considered as the most capable off-road, mass-produced vehicle on Earth. Its base engine was a 5.4-liter V8 that generated 310-horsepower (230 kW). Between 2011 and 2014, the base engine was upgraded to a 411-horsepower (306 kW) 6.2-liter V8.

If you are looking to heighten the performance of your 2011-2014 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor or your 2011 Ford F-150 Platinum pickup, then you should look into the new Spectre 9977 air intake kit.

The Spectre 9977 intake has a red air filter, aluminum tube, and heat shield.

The Spectre 9977 air intake includes a HPR9892 red air filter, aluminum tube and heat shield.

The kit is engineered to provide more horsepower and torque than the factory system and includes a Spectre HPR9892 red tapered conical air filter with non-woven synthetic media. The air filter is washable and reusable.

Spectre also offers the Accucharge Precision Air Filter Cleaning and Oiling System that is specially formulated to cleanse and recharge the air filter so that it can be used over and over again for the life of the car.

The air intake kit includes a polished aluminum tube, a black powder-coated heat shield that prevents hot engine air from getting into the intake, five stainless steel clamps and two couplers. The installation process is fast and easy and can be performed with common hand tools.

The Spectre 9977 Air Intake Kit is designed for the following vehicles:

2014 FORD F150 SVT RAPTOR 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 FORD F150 SVT RAPTOR 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 FORD F150 SVT RAPTOR 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 FORD F150 SVT RAPTOR 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 FORD F150 PLATINUM 6.2L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models

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