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Affordable 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 & 2014 Chevy SS Performance Upgrade From Spectre

Spectre 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 & 2014 Chevy SS Performance air intake system

The Spectre 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 & 2014 Chevy SS Performance air intake system uses high-quality components and is designed to increase horsepower, as well as torque output

Following the discontinuation of the fourth generation Holden-based Pontiac GTO, GM imported another rebadged Holden again in 2008. This time however, Pontiac decided to target the performance sedan market with a Holden Commodore based car known in North America as the Pontiac G8. The G8 was Pontiac’s first rear-wheel-drive full-size sedan since 1986. The G8 had an optional 6.0L V8, and in 2009 a GXP version of the G8 was offered with a 415 horsepower 6.2L LS3 V8 engine. Sadly, a down turn in the global economy hurt sales of the G8 and as with the GM bail-out, came the discontinuation of the Pontiac make as a whole.

2008 and 2009 G8 based on a Holden Commodore in North America

For the 2008 and 2009 model years Pontiac decided to target the performance sedan market with a Holden Commodore based car known in North America as the Pontiac G8

As the health of General Motors recovered, so has its interest in producing performance rear wheel drive cars. The Chevy Camaro made a triumphant return in 2010 and for 2014, Chevrolet introduced the SS model. Slotted in size between the Chevy Malibu and Chevy Impala, the Holden VF Commodore based Chevrolet SS is the first rear-wheel drive Chevy sedan since 1996. The 2014 Chevy SS is powered by a 6.2L V8 derived from the Chevrolet Corvette and the 2009 Pontiac G8.

Owners of 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 6.0L or 6.2L models, as well as the 2014 Chevrolet SS 6.2L V8, tend to be performance minded individuals who must also please their practical side. Hence, the reason why they bought a V8 powered performance car with four doors and comfortable seating for 5. Buying a performance air intake system upgrade from Spectre Performance is kind of like that too. A Spectre Performance air intake system is designed to provide a boost in acceleration, add a performance oriented growl when the accelerator is pressed, and yet leave some spending cash in your wallet.

The Holden VF Commodore based 2014 Chevrolet SS 6.2L V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette

Following the end of the Pontiac marque the Holden VF Commodore based Chevrolet SS was introduced for 2014 and powered by a 6.2L V8 from the Chevrolet Corvette

Spectre Performance 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 and 2014 Chevrolet SS 6.2L V8 performance intake system

The Spectre Performance 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 and 2014 Chevrolet SS 6.2L V8 performance intake system includes all necessary components and can be installed using basic hand tools

Spectre Performance air intake systems use high-quality components throughout and are designed to increase horsepower, as well as torque output. The 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 6.0L or 6.2L, as well as the 2014 Chevrolet SS 6.2L V8, performance air intake from Spectre includes a High Peformance Racing (HPR) Spectre Performance air filter and application specific air filter heat shield in place of the factory air filter box. The red synthetic HPR filter, # HPR9606, of Spectre Performance air intake, number 9017, is clamped onto a high-quality polished aluminum air intake tube to aerodynamically direct air into the engine while also adding a bright shiny conversation piece under the hood.

The Spectre Performance 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 6.0L or 6.2L, as well as the 2014 Chevrolet SS 6.2L V8, performance intake system includes all necessary components and can be installed using basic hand tools in a short 90-minutes in the comfort of a garage or even in a driveway. Additionally, 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 6.0L or 6.2L, as well as 2014 Chevrolet SS 6.2L V8, owners can rest assured knowing that Spectre Performance warrants its products to be free from workmanship and material defects with a limited 90 day warranty.

Spectre Performance air intake system, number 9017, will provide one of the most cost effective and easy to install bolt-on performance upgrades for the following Pontiac and Chevrolet models:

2014 CHEVROLET SS 6.2L V8 F/I - All
2009 PONTIAC G8 6.2L V8 F/I - All
2009 PONTIAC G8 6.0L V8 F/I - All
2008 PONTIAC G8 6.0L V8 F/I – All

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

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Wickham Racing Wrecks In Qualifying But Finishes Ultra4 National Championship Strong

Spectre Performance sponsored Wickham Racing team of brothers Kyle and Jade Wickham compete in the 4800 Legends Class of the Ultra4 Racing Series

The Spectre Performance sponsored Wickham Racing team of brothers Kyle and Jade Wickham compete in the 4800 Legends Class of the Ultra4 Racing Series (Photo by: Thom Kingston)

Hammerking Productions is the force behind the toughest one-day off-road race on the planet: King of The Hammers. Due to the incredible success of King of the Hammers, Hammerking created the ULTRA4 Racing Series with seven races held throughout the country. The Spectre Performance sponsored Wickham Racing team of brothers Kyle and Jade Wickham compete in the 4800 Legends Class of the Ultra4 Racing Series. Due to time constraints the limited classes do not normally start their heat races based on qualifying times. Instead, their half hour heat race starting position is based on the luck of the draw.

Wickham Brothers in the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in Reno, Nevada

At the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in Reno, Nevada the Wickham Brothers had to run a qualifying lap for their first time and it was one they will never forget (Photo by: Vision X Lighting - Danny Adair)

At the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in Reno, Nevada the Wickham Brothers had to run a qualifying lap for their first time in the 4800 class and it would be a qualifying lap they will never forget. As soon as the green flag dropped on their qualifying run, driver Kyle Wickham got on the gas hard in their Spectre HPR air filter equipped 4823 car and the duo was on their way to a pretty fast lap time. As they shot down the final straight away, Kyle and Jade hit the whoops section a bit too fast and slightly crooked. Things felt fine when they hit the first whoop, but as their buggy landed on the next one things got ugly.

Wickham Brothers in the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in Reno, Nevada

When the green flag dropped on their qualifying run, driver Kyle Wickham got on the gas hard in their Spectre HPR air filter equipped 4823 car and the duo was on a pretty fast lap time (Photo by: Thom Kingston)

"When we came down onto the second whoop the suspension loaded up and sent the rear end over the top of us," said Jade Wickham. "The car rolled forward, to the side, cartwheeled, and spun around like a top before it landed on the driver’s side across the finish line. We both just remember seeing dirt flying at our helmets." Fortunately the recovery and safety crews arrived quickly and helped the Wickham brothers out of the car. Both Jade and Kyle Wickham came through the crash without harm, but the same couldn’t be said for the car. "The car was hauled back with a forklift, and it looked like we were finished for the weekend," said Jade.

Wickham Brothers in the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in Reno, Nevada

As they shot down the final straight away in qualifying, Kyle and Jade Wickham hit the whoops section a bit too fast and slightly crooked resulting in a roll, spin, and cartwheel maneuver (Photo by: Thom Kingston)

But that’s when the real work started for the entire Wickham Racing team. Kyle and Jade’s father Doug Wickham met the brothers back at the pits. After making sure they were okay, Doug asked his sons what they wanted to do. "He told us if we feel like we can still race the next day the buggy will be ready," said Jade. After assessing the damage to the buggy the team felt confident they could make the necessary repairs in time for the main event. But with only one of their 4 shocks left in usable condition it was going to be tough. "That’s when Ultra4 sportsmanship showed up in full force. First someone came by offering some parts for shocks, then Anthony Arreola (driver of the #4861 car) came over offering his extra set of shocks to get us back on the track," said Jade Wickham.

Wickham Brothers in the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in Reno, Nevada

Just 45 minutes before the start of the main event Wickham Racing had the car back together and with the adrenaline pumping started the 2015 Nitto National Championship main in last (Photo by: White Collar Publishing)

Repairs were going as planned and on schedule until Wickham Racing noticed that the tail housing on their GM TH400 transmission was broken. The team could have given up, but instead they removed their transmission and went team to team asking if anyone had a transmission they could borrow. Kyle Wickham scored sometime after dark when Travis Cook was kind enough to lend them a transmission. Only difference was that this borrowed transmission had a reverse shift pattern and Kyle would have to re-learn how to drive. Things like shifting become an unconscious reflex while racing and training himself to shift differently would not be an easy task.

With the new transmission in place Wickham Racing was able to see just how hard they crashed. The transmission mounts didn’t line up because the chassis was tweaked just enough to cause a misalignment. This was around 2 am and Wickham Racing decided to get some rest; hoping for better luck in the morning. The next day another helpful member of the Ultra4 family, Andrew McLaughlin of LetzRoll Offroad Racing, showed up and loaned Wickham Racing a plasma cutter, welder, and generator.

Wickham Brothers take 4ht place  in the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in Reno, Nevada

Wickham Racing was proud to have finished the Ultra4 race in their broken and battered Spectre equipped 4823 car; and as it turns out, they also came from 20th to finish 4th (Photo by: White Collar Publishing)

The plan was to cut off the brackets and reweld them so that the transmission mounts would line up. Just 45 minutes before the start of the main event Wickham Racing had the car back together. A quick test drive revealed that the right front spindle was badly bent and the brake was hanging up. With no time to find another spindle the team removed the right front brake, capped the brake line and forged on. Between the whole crew, over 100 man hours were put into the Wickham Racing #4823 car to get it back together.

Because Jade and Kyle missed their heat race they were forced to start from the back of the pack in the main. "We knew it was not going to be easy to make it back up to the front and be able to keep up with the leaders with a car that is far from 100%. But we had a strong motor and a lot of motivation from a team that stayed up all night getting us back on the track," said Jade Wickham. With the adrenaline pumping, the Wickham brothers made it past a couple of cars almost immediately after the green flag dropped. "We had no idea where we were in the field of 20 cars due to the other classes on the track. We just focused on keeping the car together, making the next pass, and finishing the race," said Jade.

Around the race’s mid-point Kyle’s intercom cord came unplugged and they were unable to plug it back in while driving. Jade was forced to use hand signals to communicate with Kyle and help him navigate the track. "Kyle was so focused he did not see the white flag come out and I couldn’t get that across to him. So I just kept signaling to go faster by hitting his leg and pointing ahead," said Jade. Coming around the track one last time, Doug Wickham was able to warn Jade about a traffic jam in the last rock section and that if they stayed right, they could make it past. Again Jade struggled to communicate this to Kyle, doing everything he could short of grabbing the steering wheel. It paid off for the Wickham brothers as they slid past the pile up and crossed the finish line hard on the gas. Kyle, in his sleep deprived and focused state of mind failed to notice the checkered flag. "He wanted to keep racing. It took me punching him in the arm and a track official waiving the red flag to get him to stop. It took Kyle a while to realize that the race was over and we finished," said Jade.

Wickham Racing was proud just to have finished the 2015 Nitto National Championship Ultra4 race in their broken and battered Spectre equipped 4823 car. But as it turns out, they also came from 20th place to finish a very solid 4th in the 4800 class. "We couldn’t be happier with that finish. Thank you to all that stopped by, helped us out and showed their support. This is what Ultra4 racing was built on. We will see everyone on the lakebed," said Jade. The lakebed Jade refers to is Means Dry Lake in the Johnson Valley OHV area near Landers, California. Here Hammerking Productions has held the infamous King of the Hammers race every year since 2007. The next King of the Hammers week will begin January 31st, 2016 with the King of the Motos race and will conclude on February 5th, 2016 with the Nitto King of The Hammers Presented by 4 Wheel Parts.

GTS Customs 1963 Widebody C2 Chevy Corvette Debuts at 2015 SEMA Show Spectre Booth

Greg Thurmond founder of Outrageous Paint by GTS Customs

GTS Customs, also known as Outrageous Paint by GTS Customs, was founded by Greg Thurmond in 1987 and his personal passion for the Chevrolet Corvette has earned him a reputation

GTS Customs, also known as Outrageous Paint by GTS Customs, was founded by Greg Thurmond in 1987. Greg and his shop have experience with all kinds, and all levels, of automotive repair and restoration. However, Greg's personal passion for the Chevrolet Corvette has earned him a reputation among 'Vette enthusiasts. Greg said "I've been a Corvette enthusiast as long as I can remember! My passion for Corvettes goes back to my childhood where there was always a Corvette in the garage." One of Greg Thurmond's first paint jobs, at the ripe old age of 15 years old, was on his father's 1963 Corvette convertible. This same Corvette went on to win numerous shows and awards.

Greg Thurmond and GTS Customs corvette

Greg Thurmond and GTS Customs has changed the Corvette resto-mod scene by combining the classic lines of early Vettes with the performance and drivability of late model cars

The beauty of the early Corvette hasn't aged despite the fact that the Corvette is old enough to collect social security. But Greg admits, "The styling of the early generation Corvette has remained classic. But as technology has improved over the years, many of us have wanted more comfort and more performance from our classic Corvettes." Before Greg's work on the early Corvette resto-mod scene options for early Corvette owners were very limited. GTS Customs has changed that by combining the classic lines of early Vettes with the performance and drivability of late model cars.

Greg Thurmond and GTS Customs custom quarter panel and fender kits

Another of Greg's accomplishments in the world of early Corvettes is the introduction of his custom quarter panel and fender kits that retain the original styling, but increase the car's width

Corvette owners categorize each generation with a C and the generation number, i.e. C1 for the first gen Corvette. In this case Greg begins with an original C1, C2, or even C3 Corvette and modifies, or replaces, the chassis to accommodate later model Corvette suspension and drivetrain. Much more modern engine choices, from the LS1 up to an LS9 are installed in these cars and mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Another of Greg's accomplishments in the world of early Corvettes is the introduction of his custom quarter panel and fender kits. These kits retain the original styling cues, but increase the car's width to allow installation of modern suspension, wheels, tires, and brakes.

Greg Thurmond is set to debut his latest personal Corvette at the 2015 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Las Vegas Convention Center on November 3, 2015. Greg's 1963 widebody Corvette will be placed inside the Spectre Performance booth, number 22557, in the Central Hall. The Spectre Performance SEMA Show booth is located centrally in the Performance Hall not far from the enormous Ford Motor Company SEMA Booth. In fact, Greg's Corvette will be very near some of his other sponsors including Holley Performance Products, and Optima Batteries. Enjoy these build photos of Greg's Corvette. Photos and details of the finished car will be available after the car's debut.


Greg Thurmond begins a resto-mod with an original C1, C2, or even C3 Corvette and modifies, or replaces, the chassis to accommodate later model Corvette suspension and drivetrain


GTS Customs installs much more modern engine choices, from the LS1 up to an LS9, in these resto-mod C1, C2, or C3 Corvettes and mates it to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission


Greg Thurmond's 1963 widebody Chevrolet C2 Corvette will debut at the 2015 SEMA Show inside the Spectre Performance booth, number 22557, very near some of his other sponsors

2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 Upgrade With Performance Spectre Intake

Spectre Performance air intake, number 9016, includes a red HPR synthetic air filter, and will improve performance of 2013 & 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 models

Spectre Performance air intake, number 9016, includes a red HPR synthetic air filter, and will improve performance of 2013 & 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 models

The Dodge Ram, now sold under the Ram Trucks brand, has won several awards over the years. Most recently the 2013 and 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 won Motor Trend magazine’s Truck of the Year. Perhaps it wasn’t coincident that at this same time the Ram 1500 received the increasingly popular corporate engine known as the 3.6L Pentastar V6. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine has found its way into several Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, and Fiat models as well as the Volkswagen Routan minivan. Horsepower ratings vary from model to model, however the Dodge Ram 1500 has received the most highly tuned version rated at 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. Even at 305 horsepower many owners of 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 models are looking to quickly upgrade the power delivery and acceleration of this award winning truck with an air intake system from Spectre Performance.

Dual overhead camshafts with dual variable valve timing, and all aluminum construction help the Pentastar V6 engine produce more horsepower than many V8 engines

Dual overhead camshafts with dual variable valve timing, and all aluminum construction help the Pentastar V6 engine produce more horsepower than many V8 engines

Spectre Performance 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 air intake system 9016 is designed to add horsepower and torque without compromising engine protection from harmful debris. In addition to a Spectre Performance HPR reusable synthetic air filter, this 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 air intake system includes a high quality polished aluminum air intake tube to direct air into the engine. It also includes an application specific air filter heat shield, finished in a textured black powder coat, to help deflect hot air from entering the synthetic performance air filter. Cooler air helps to promote more efficient combustion and improved power delivery.

Engine protection from Spectre Performance 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 air intake system 9016 comes in the form of a Spectre High Performance Racing (HPR) universal cone air filter. Spectre HPR performance air filters are designed for high airflow without sacrificing engine protection. A Spectre HPR performance air filter is manufactured using high quality materials throughout, including a pre-dyed synthetic filter media that will not fade, top quality urethane, and steel mesh. Spectre High Performance Racing air filters are pre-oiled and ready to use. These air filters can be serviced when dirty, using part number 884820, and used again. A reusable air filter, like the one found in the Spectre Performance 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 air intake system can help reduce waste and save money in the long run.

Spectre 2013-2014 Ram 1500 V6 air intake 9016 includes an application specific heat shield, finished in a textured black powder coat, to help deflect hot air from entering the air filter

Spectre 2013-2014 Ram 1500 V6 air intake 9016 includes an application specific heat shield, finished in a textured black powder coat, to help deflect hot air from entering the air filter

The washable HPR air filter used in the 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 Spectre air intake uses a pre-dyed synthetic air filter media that won’t fade

The washable HPR air filter used in the 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 Spectre air intake uses a pre-dyed synthetic air filter media that won’t fade

With Spectre Performance air intake system 9016 owners of 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L Pentastar V6 models can afford to bolt on extra performance without emptying their wallets. Spectre Performance 2013-2014 Ram 1500 3.6L V6 air intake system 9016 includes all necessary components and can be installed using basic hand tools in a short 90-minutes in the comfort of a garage or even in a driveway. Additionally, 2013-2014 Dodge Ram 1500 3.6L owners can rest assured knowing that Spectre Performance warrants its products to be free from workmanship and material defects with a limited 90 day warranty.

Spectre Performance air intake number 9016 will replace the stock air filter box and air intake tubes of the fourth generation Ram 1500 pickup trucks listed below. Please use the vehicle search tool to find additional vehicle specific parts, or browse Spectre’s wide array of custom performance products. If assistance is required please feel free to call Spectre Performance at 909-673-9800.

2014 Ram 1500 3.6L V6
2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 3.6L V6
2013 Ram 1500 3.6L V6
2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 3.6L V6

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 Ram pickup truck, Spectre will help fuel your passion for performance.

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USCA Final Event Features Chris Smith & RideTech Spectre Equipped 48-Hour Corvette

Chris Smith and the Spectre HPR Filter equipped 48-Hour Corvette

Chris and the Spectre HPR Filter equipped 48-Hour Corvette ended up 6th in the GTV class Hot Lap Challenge with a time of 1:19.548; only a few short seconds behind the class leader

The Ultimate Street Car Association (USCA) is a sanctioning body formed to create safe, fun and high profile national automotive events for street legal performance vehicles. The USCA, in association with several key sponsors, came together to promote nine nationwide Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car events in 2015. All nine events served as a qualifier for a highly coveted spot in the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational (OUSCI) event held each November in Las Vegas, Nevada following the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. 2015 marks the second year of the Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational being part of the USCA's national points series.

Chris Smith gets 7th place with the Spectre HPR Filter equipped 48-Hour Corvette for the USCA Autocross

Chris Smith found himself in 7th place for the USCA Autocross segment with a time of 47.07 while the GTV class leader held a 46.039, and the overall winner came in at 44.973 seconds

As with any major sporting series, the event leading up to the finals is a huge deal. The last event of the 2015 Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car season took place at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. Nearly 100 cars were in attendance; while there were a few new faces; most of the competitors were points-chasers giving it one last try for a spot at the OUSCI event. This ensured that the competition was fierce, and probably even more so than usual. The heat in Southern California was oppressive, but Chris Smith and the Spectre Performance cold air intake equipped 48-Hour Corvette performed as if they didn't notice the temps.

Chris Smith and the Spectre HPR Filter equipped 48-Hour Corvette getting ready for the OUSCI

After 7 months of travel, tuning, and racing, Chris Smith knows the 48-Hour Corvette like the back of his hand and is prepared to get every last bit of performance out of the car for the OUSCI

Chris Smith and the Spectre performance powered 48-Hour Corvette had already secured an invitation to the OUSCI this summer in Texas. Chris' presence at the final USCA event was for more seat time, rather than the actual competition. Chris and the 48-Hour Corvette ended up 6th in the GTV class Hot Lap Challenge with a time of 1:19.548; only a few short seconds behind the class leader at 1:17.652 and the event leader at 1:15.311. Autocross was next and Chris Smith found himself in 7th place with a time of 47.07. In the Autocross segment, the GTV class leader held a 46.039 and the fast lap of the event was a breezy 44.973.

Chris and the Spectre HPR Air Filter equipped 48-Hour Corvette found their groove in the Speed Stop segment, coming in 3rd in their class with a time of 16.557 seconds. The GTV class leader held a 16.411, and overall fast time was 15.726 seconds. Chris Smith's times in the driving segments of the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car, combined with points for attending the road rally and points for finishing a respectable 8th in the Design & Engineering segment, put Chris Smith and the Spectre powered RideTech 48-Hour Corvette in a 6th place GTV class finish.

After 7 months of travel, tuning, and racing, Chris knows the 48-Hour Corvette inside and out. Chris is prepared to get every last bit of performance out of the car in the upcoming Optima Ultimate Street Car Invitational, immediately following SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The invitational will feature winners from each of the USCA season events as well as Spirit of the Event Award winners, top points finishers, and several Golden Ticket winners to be announced during the show.

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