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Add Horsepower to Your 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L with Spectre Air Intake System

Performance Air Intake SPE-9013

Spectre Performance Air Intake SPE-9013

The Toyota Tacoma might not be the cheapest small truck on the market, but you certainly get your money's worth. Depending on the cab/bed configuration, the little 'Taco' can haul lots of people and lots of stuff. There's several insanely capable off-road "Grades" for the Tacoma 4x4, and opting for the Toyota 4.0L V6 with the towing package (transmission/oil coolers etc.) will net you a tow capacity of 6,400 lbs. Even with dual overhead cams and variable valve timing, the 1GR-FE V6 is relativity simple by today's standards. The 236-hp that it produces is also a bit behind the times, as many modern 4-cylinder engines can easily eclipse that figure. You can however, increase the horsepower and torque on your 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L, by simply installing a Spectre 9013 Cold Air Intake System.

An engine makes power by igniting gasoline inside the cylinders. In order to make the fuel burn, air is mixed with the gas, and the two are compressed as the piston travels upward. This pressurized cocktail is then lit by the spark plug, and the resulting explosion forces the piston back down, turning the crankshaft, and ultimately the wheels. This explosive force is where horsepower comes from, and you can increase it by simply adding more oxygen molecules to the air/fuel mixture. Cold air contains this additional oxygen, and the Spectre 9013 Intake System is designed to feed a high volume this catalyst, directly into the throttle body.

The stock intake on a 2012 - 2015 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L, limits airflow by using restrictive components. Air first has to enter a tiny hole at the bottom of the resonator, before being forced down a narrow flex-tube that bends around to the side of the throttle body. Once it arrives, the air then has to pass through a thick paper air filter, which can reduce the airflow even further (depending on how dirty it is). All of these obstacles cause the air to heat up, which reduces the oxygen content.

Toyota Tacoma Engine Bay with Spectre Air Intake

Toyota Tacoma Engine Bay with Spectre Air Intake

To increase the horsepower in a Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0L V6, the Spectre 9013 Cold Air Intake System uses a special airbox cover that clamps onto the side of the throttle body, eliminating the OEM air filter placement. An extremely short, wide diameter intake tube is then fitted between the cover and a metal heat shield, which seals against the underside of the hood to separate the air filter from the hot engine bay. The oversized Spectre performance air filter is positioned to collect cooler air coming into the engine compartment, and its high-flow design is able to flow more clean air into the system. It can also be cleaned and reused, allowing you to quickly restore performance after stomping through dusty/muddy terrain.

Toyota Tacoma with Spectre Air Intake

Toyota Tacoma with Spectre Air Intake

Thanks to its direct, relatively unobstructed airflow path, the Spectre 9013 Cold Air Intake allows your engine to make more power, and respond to throttle inputs much faster. The systems is also street-legal in all 50-states, and comes with a C.A.R.B. Exemption number and decal for smog testing compliance. Plus, the direct-fit design allows you to easily install this Spectre intake in about 90 minutes, without making any modifications or software changes.

Besides cold air intake systems, Spectre Performance makes an entire line of performance parts for your 2012-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4.0L. To see all of the parts that we make for your Taco, enter the year, make, model and engine size into the Search by Vehicle tool, or you can click here to find a Spectre Performance dealer near you.

Spectre Performance Driver Lynda Jacobs takes the win at Goodguys Texas in a 1954 Bel Air

1966 Chevelle known as “Whimpy”

The Spectre Performance equipped 1966 Chevelle known as “Whimpy” has raced in several Goodguys autocross events across the country

Lynda Jacobs joins the Spectre Performance Team

Lynda Jacobs joins the Spectre Performance Team for the 2016 race season

Lynda Jacobs is no stranger to an autocross, but that was not the case for the 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air Lynda and her husband, Chris Jacobs, brought to the Fort Worth, Texas Goodguys event.  Lynda is usually behind the wheel of a 1966 Chevelle named “Whimpy.”  Do not let the name fool you.  Lynda and the ’66 Chevelle have not only competed in several races across the country, they bring some fierce competition come race day.  Lynda has been racing on the Goodguys autocross circuit for several years, acquiring plenty of seat time along the way.  This defiantly showed, as she was able to jump into the 1954 Bel Air and take the lead in the Hot Rod Class.

When the 1954 Bel Air rolled up to the starting line, all focus was directed on car and driver.  It was rare to see a Bel Air racing around an autocross, especially one that handled well.  Texas brought tough competition.  A handful of competitors had raced the weekend before at the Goodguys Scottsdale, Arizona event, allowing them to shakedown their vehicles and prepare for the race the following weekend. 

This would be the first event out for Spectre Performance driver Lynda Jacobs during the 2016 race season.  The 1954 Bel Air, owned by Harold and Tracy Chapman, made its way to Texas for a complete shakedown before heading south to Hot Rods and Customs of Andice.

454 supercharged 1954 Bel Air

With a Roadster Shop chassis and 454 supercharged motor, the 1954 Bel Air was the center of attention as it pulled up to the starting line

Lynda and the ’54 Bel Air took first in the Hot Rod Class at the Goodguys Texas Autocross

Lynda and the ’54 Bel Air took first in the Hot Rod Class at the Goodguys Texas Autocross

The 1954 Chevy Bel Air is anything but stock.  Equipped with a complete Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, the Bel Air has a Donald Hardy LSX 454 supercharged engine with a Bowler 4L80E transmission.  The only thing holding the car back may be weight, which came in at 4,199 lbs.  Though the Bel Air weighs more than most vehicles that participate in the Goodguys Autocross, it did not phase Lynda as she threw the car around the track.

Placing first in the Hot Rod Class meant Lynda would move into the Pro Class for the remainder of the year.  Getting into this class is an accomplishment within itself.  Many racers attend several Goodguys autocross events with the hopes of making it into the Pro Class, but often fall short.

Bel Air weighed in at 4,199 lbs

The Bel Air weighed in at 4,199 lbs, making it one of the heaviest cars to compete in a Goodguys Autocross and win

It is always a good feeling to start the year with a win.  We will most likely see Lynda back behind the wheel of her Spectre Performance sponsored ’66 Chevelle in the upcoming months.  As Lynda continues to race in the Pro Class, she will be facing some tough competition including drivers like Chris Smith and the Spectre Performance sponsored RideTech 48 Hour Corvette, two-time champion Danny Popp in his K&N 1972 Corvette, Kyle Tucker and the DSE equipped 1970 Camaro, and the virtually unstoppable Scott Fraser in his 1966 Cobra.  Regardless the outcome, one thing is for sure, Lynda will definitely put on a show no matter what vehicle she brings to the track. 

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 modern muscle, Spectre will help fuel your passion for performance. Please use the vehicle search tool to find additional vehicle specific parts, or browse the wide array of custom Spectre Performance products. If assistance is required please feel free to call Spectre Performance at 909-673-9800.

Full-Size 2004-08 Ford Trucks, SUVs Get Performance Boost with Spectre Air Filter

Ford F150, F250, F350 replacement air filter

Spectre Performance's panel shaped replacement air filter is designed to fit a number of Ford truck, SUV, Class C and luxury truck vehicles built between 2004 and 2008.

Consult your favorite dictionary for the definition of "American pickup truck" and you'll most likely see a photo of a Ford F150, perhaps the most iconic of our full-size automotive work horses. Now in its 13th generation, it has been North American Truck of the Year (2004), Car and Driver magazine's Best Pickup Tuck (2004 and 2005), 2006 Fleet Truck of the Year and winner of the Travolta Family Entertainment Golden Icon Award for Best Truck. In 2005, more than 900,000 F-Series trucks were sold, a single-year sales record for trucks.

The F150 also helped grow a different, "luxury truck" branch of the Ford family tree, when it was used as the base for the Lincoln LT pickup starting in 2005.

Thumb through a few more "truck" pages and the F350 will probably pop up as well. And what about special Class C cutaway versions for mini-motorhome, cargo, emergency vehicle and construction conversions?

The 2004-2008 Ford F-150 family of trucks gets increased airflow and protection  with a Spectre air filter

The 2004-2008 Ford F-150 family of trucks gets increased airflow and protection with a Spectre air filter

The F250 3/4-ton pickup fills in whatever gaps there may be between the F150 and F350, with a stout frame and a towing capacity of up to 12,000 lb.

These and other truck-based vehicles built between 2004 and 2008, including the Navigator, Expedition and Excursion, share Ford's 5.4L V8 power plant, a "Ford Modular" engine that has served this group in two- and three-valve, single overhead cam, fuel-injected versions since 1993. A four-valve double overhead cam version powered the Navigator between 1999 and 2004.

Such long-running, hard-working engines rely on a good supply of clean, fresh air for cooling and protection from particles making their way into the fuel delivery system. Dirty and clogged air filters, especially on injected engines, can rob power and hamper performance. Depending on driving conditions, an air filter needs to be replaced at least once a year. Now that can be accomplished with the washable, reusable HPR9687 Spectre Performance Replacement Air Filter.

Designed and manufactured to fit into the stock airbox of the 5.4L V8, the Spectre Performance HPR9687 seats securely and provides excellent protection with its synthetic filter media and sturdy construction. It is engineered to add horsepower and quicker acceleration with a larger surface area that allows more airflow into your engine than ordinary paper filters. The filter comes pre-oiled and is ready to install, with no special tools are required.

Because the HPR9687 can be cleaned and reinstalled, owners save on maintenance expenses and keep disposable paper filters out of landfills. With all the work the F150, F250, F350, Class C and their Super Duty cousins do, this service can be performed more frequently than once a year, ensuring better airflow and cleaner intakes on a regular basis.

Spectre Performance also backs its filters with a limited 90 day warranty, so Ford truck owners can have confidence that they will be free of any material or workmanship defects.

Thanks to Ford's tough construction and durability, thousands of this generation are still on the road today. With clean air and a performance boost from the Spectre Performance HPR9687 air filter, they can be there for years to come. 

To verify the correct air filter for vehicle, browse the Spectre Performance Search by Car or Truck, then refer to the Spectre Performance Dealer Search to find a retailer near you.

The Spectre Performance HPR9687 replaces this part:
K&N 332287

The following vehicles can be fitted with a Spectre Performance HPR9687 REplacement Air Filter:
2008 LINCOLN MARK LT 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2008 FORD F150 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2007 LINCOLN MARK LT 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2007 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2007 FORD F350 CUTAWAY 5.4L V8 F/I - Class C
2007 FORD F350 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2007 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2007 FORD F150 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2006 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2006 LINCOLN MARK LT 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2006 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2006 FORD F350 CUTAWAY 5.4L V8 F/I - Class C
2006 FORD F350 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2006 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2006 FORD F150 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2006 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2005 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2005 FORD F350 SUPER DUTY 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2005 FORD F350 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2005 FORD F250 SUPER DUTY 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2005 FORD F150 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2005 FORD EXPEDITION 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2005 FORD EXCURSION 5.4L V8 F/I - w/Panel Filter
2004 FORD F150 LIGHTNING 5.4L V8 F/I - All
2004 FORD F150 5.4L V8 F/I - All

Racing For A Cause: Brandy Phillips Races To Help Goodguys Autocross For Kids

Austin Hatcher Foundation to help raise money for pediatric cancer

The Spectre Performance sponsored C10R teams up with the Austin Hatcher Foundation to help raise money for pediatric cancer

Several Goodguys autocross competitors race to win, but racing for a good cause can be just as rewarding.  Goodguys Rod and Custom Association teamed up with the Austin Hatcher Foundation by creating the Goodguys Autocross for Kids.  The mission is to raise funds and awareness for Pediatric Cancer, helping those children currently diagnosed with cancer, survivors and their families.  The Goodguys Autocross for Kids fundraiser encourages participants to donate a minimum of $20 for a ride with a Goodguys Pro Class Driver on the autocross.  The program was started last year and with much success, has expanded to several of the Goodguys West Coast events for the 2016 season.

People who made donations for a ride with Brandy Phillips

People who made donations had the opportunity to go for a ride with Brandy Phillips throughout the weekend

Spectre Performance driver Brandy Phillips earned her way into the Goodguys Autocross Pro Class after competing in her 1972 Spectre equipped C-10, known as the PCHRODS C10R.  The Goodguys Duel in the Desert Shootout, held in Scottsdale, Arizona at the end of last year, is one of the biggest events for the pro-touring community.  A power steering failure right before the shootout left Phillips questioning if she could even compete in the thirty-two-car bracket race.  Phillips had to place one run in the shootout in order to automatically qualify as a 2016 Pro Class Driver.  Though getting knocked out in the beginning of the shootout, Phillips powered through the race, securing her spot on the 2016 Pro Class team.

Phillips and the C10R

People who made donations had the opportunity to go for a ride with Brandy Phillips throughout the weekend

Phillips returned to Scottsdale, Arizona for the first Goodguys Rod and Custom event of the year, the 7th Spring Nationals.  Upon arriving in the pits, members of the Austin Hatcher Foundation approached Phillips asking if she would participate in the program throughout the weekend.  Unfortunately, power steering problems set Phillips back once again, while the PCHRODS team struggled to replace the power steering pump and get the truck back up and running before the end of Friday.  With the help of Detroit Speed and Engineering, Phillips was able to run two test laps Friday evening, making sure the truck was safe for passengers come Saturday morning.

With only a couple Pro Class vehicles available for ride-alongs, Phillips joined the small group of drivers; giving Autocross rides to Kids passengers both Saturday and Sunday.  By the end of Sunday Phillips had given approximately a dozen rides for the Austin Hatcher Foundation.   Phillips recalls, “By the end of Saturday there were no Pro Class drivers left, so we started doing round-robin laps as one passenger got out and the next strapped in until all the people who donated had gone for a ride.  Of course I did not mind because I was able to get some much needed seat time along with giving these passengers a unique and memorable experience they could take home and share with their friends and family.”

Phillips and the C10R

You can find Phillips and the C10R back on course at the Gooduys Del Mar, California autocross the first weekend of April

Phillips will continue to participate in the Autocross for Kids Program throughout the year, hoping to raise more money for the cause, while also encouraging other drivers to join in on the program and make a difference.  Phillips plans to attend next month’s Goodguys Del Mar, California race with the Spectre Performance PCHRODS C10R.  If all goes as planned, the C10R should see quite a few laps around the autocross in Del Mar. Meanwhile, Phillips continues to raise money for the Austin Hatcher Foundation before the program heads back East.

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 modern muscle, Spectre will help fuel your passion for performance. Please use the vehicle search tool to find additional vehicle specific parts, or browse the wide array of custom Spectre Performance products. If assistance is required please feel free to call Spectre Performance at 909-673-9800.

 

Chris Smith Takes the Podium Once Again in the RideTech 48 Hour Corvette

Chris Smith

Spectre Performance driver Chris Smith spent the winter months making modifications to the Corvette to maintain a competitive edge over the other Pro Class drivers

48 Hour Corvette built at the RideTech facility

It was exactly one year since the 48 Hour Corvette was built at the RideTech facility

The Goodguys 7th Spring Nationals marked the second debut of the Spectre Performance sponsored RideTech 48 Hour Corvette.  The 48 Hour Corvette, driven by Chris Smith, underwent some modifications over winter, widening the front and rear fenders to accommodate wider tires on the front and an overall wider track width.  The car was updated with a fresh coat of paint, replacing the yellow vinyl that was used during the original build.  Smith also made some minor under hood changes before loading the car and sending it off to Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Spectre Performance equipped 48 Hour Corvette was built at the RideTech facility last March.  The build was held over a three day, forty-eight hour time period while streaming live on the web during the complete process. Chris Smith and the Corvette had done extremely well during the 2015 race season considering the vehicle was built in forty-eight hours, but some changes were needed if Smith wanted the Corvette to compete at its full potential.

No one knew what to expect from the 48 hour Corvette as it drove into the Goodguys autocross pits Friday mornings.  The changes made to the vehicle were crucial modifications if Smith wanted to keep up with his fellow Pro Class competition.  Competitors like Scotts Fraser in an authentic 1966 Cobra and Kyle Tucker of Detorit Speed and Engineering with his 1970 Camaro were on their game first thing Friday morning, but Smith and the 48 Hour Corvette were prepared.  The Spectre equipped 48 Hour Corvette did exactly what Smith hoped it would do.  Though Fraser and the ’66 Cobra took a strong lead and remained in first place throughout the weekend, Smith and the Corvette were not far behind.

48 Hour Corvette

Wider fenders on the front and rear of the 48 Hour Corvette allowed for a bigger tires with better traction

Chris Smith and RideTech at Goodguys 7th Spring Nationals

Chris Smith and RideTech would debut the Corvette for a second time at Goodguys 7th Spring Nationals

Smith ran into a couple minor setbacks throughout the weekend, but overall the car handled exceptionally well for its first event of the year.  Smith has seen the podium several times throughout the past race season, but placing third in a very close and competitive race left Smith feeling confident that the Corvette will be a big contender in the 2016 race season.  For a car that had some major modifications and little testing beforehand, the RideTech 48 Hour Corvette will definitely be a car to watch throughout the season.

Spectre Performance driver Chris Smith plans to compete in several other races series throughout the year including Optima’s Search for the Ultimate Street Car, the Goodguys Autocross Series, Holley LS Fest, and a handful of other small races across the country.  We will continue to follow Chris Smith and the RideTech 48 Hour Corvette throughout the year as Smith faces some tough competition in the upcoming months.  The Corvette shouldn’t have any problem keeping up with the stiff competition and we will most likely see Smith back on the podium very soon.

Corvette

A fresh coat of bright yellow paint was added to the Corvette right before the car was loaded and on its way to Scottsdale, Arizona

Chris Smith and the Spectre Performance sponsored 48 Hour Corvette

Chris Smith and the Spectre Performance sponsored 48 Hour Corvette had a great start to the 2016 season, placing third in the Pro Class

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 modern muscle, Spectre will help fuel your passion for performance. Please use the vehicle search tool to find additional vehicle specific parts, or browse the wide array of custom Spectre Performance products. If assistance is required please feel free to call Spectre Performance at 909-673-9800.