Latest News

Dan Tallant created the air flow tube and inserted the engine's MAF sensor for Cozad’s ’54

With enough time and care a lump of coal becomes a diamond, a field of grapes transforms into wine, and a 1954 Chevy Del Ray 210 converts into a rolling expression of recollections for a life lived well. Karl Cozad is approaching 70 and his interest for automobiles has been a joyous lifelong journey.

“My two brothers and I had this 'seed' implanted in us by our father, an aerospace engineer who ran a garage after WWII in a small town south of Kansas City, before he gave up and went back to the aircraft industry,” Cozad summons up. “Cars were always a just enjoyable hobby.”

The Del Ray 210 isn’t daily commuter but this year’s Hot Rod Power Tour 2014 will be its sixth long haul event of the season

Cozad joined the Navy and ultimately went into aviation as his father had. After obtaining his degree he flew as a bombardier/navigator in the A-6 Intruder, a twin jet-engine, mid-wing all-weather attack aircraft built by Grumman Aerospace. Then, after retiring from the Navy, Cozad went to law school and worked another 30 years as a lawyer. “Cars were always an outside interest,” he recurs, “In retirement I can now enjoy this hobby full-time.”

When he was 16, Cozad’s dad helped him get a 1954 Chevy Del Ray 210, but then when he enlisted in the Navy, he had to sell the car, the one that Cozad and his wife started dating in.

In 2001, Cozad had the opportunity to buy a project car from his oldest brother – a 1954 Chevy Del Ray 210! “Being that it belonged to my brother I knew its history for the previous 14 years, so I thought that it would be the perfect car with which to finish my car hobby/career,” he chuckles. “This particular 'career' is not over until you are looking up at the grass!”

Cozad uses a short filter on the outside of his engine compartment, behind the grill

The car was completed in January 2005. “But are they ever really finished?” Cozad asks rhetorically. “I had it in the World of Wheels car show a few times. It had a crate 290 horsepower 350, a 700R transmission with a 1956 Chevy 3.55 rear end. It was a nice highway driver, but not a lot of pickup for a 3,400 pound car. But it was still way, way more than the 6-cylinder 235.”

The Chevy underwent its latest transformation in January of this year

In 2007, Cozad met the Spectre group on the Hot Rod Power Tour in Memphis, Tennessee. “Amir saw my '54 and heard that I was looking for a cold air intake, linked to my flow-through fresh air intakes, which had existed at the front of the engine compartment when the car was stock from the factory,” he said. “He offered to sponsor the car with a cold air intake system. After that Amir and Mike (Morrow) became friends of mine.”

In 2008, Cozad upgrade the ’54 once again, this time to a 383/350 putting out 400 horsepower at the flywheel. “It was only about 300 at the rear wheels according to a dynamometer test in Mobile, Alabama, in 2010,” adds Cozad. “The car was not a bad cruiser, and responded well to the throttle. I used an 800 cfm Edlebrock, but not fancy stuff like roller cams, etc. In each HRPT since 2008, I have linked up with Spectre Performance and shown, proudly, their products on my car.”

“This year, in January, I decided to upgrade the whole system. So, with the help of Dan Tallant, of Tallant's Hot Rod Shop in North Kansas City, Missouri, the car has received a complete upgrade. GM Performance LS-3 (480 hp.) and 4L70E transmission, delivered to a Ford 9" running at 3.00 limited slip/31 spline axles. With headers and fuel injection, it should run near 500 horsepower and be quite street-able. I have driven it around for about half a mile and it feels like it will be four times as responsive as before.”

The 1954 Chevy is not an everyday driver, but then, it is a lot more than a just a show car too, according to Cozad. “It is built to be driven to each event it goes to,” he affirms. “This year's Hot Rod Power Tour 2014 will be its sixth long haul event; and, oh yes, my girlfriend and I started dating in this same make and year car back in 1962. While this is a different car, I still have the same girlfriend. We will have been married 47 years this July.”

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

The Toyota Venza and Toyota Camry are built by one of the world’s leading automotive companies known for vehicles that are extremely reliable. Both vehicles have the exact same frame work, wheels and internal machinery. The Venza is a crossover mid-sized SUV with an interior design that is superior to other cotemporary Toyota vehicles, whereas the Toyota Camry was designed to deliver low running costs, hold its value and provide worry free motoring. These two vehicles have something else in common. Both the Toyota Venza and Toyota Camry have models that use Spectre high performance air filter HPR10171.

Spectre Air Filter for Toyota Venza and Toyota Camry

The HPR10171 air filter compliments the low running costs and durability these Toyotas are known for. Spectre air filter HPR10171 uses a synthetic media that delivers outstanding performance and comes pre-oiled and ready to install. Air filter HPR10171 is engineered to fit into the factory air box and can be easily installed with common tools. Give your engine the added performance and protection it needs by minimizing restriction and increasing airflow allowing your car to breathe more efficiently. Your vehicle will thank you once you make the switch to the Spectre HPR10171 air filter.

Spectre HPR1017 performance air filter fits the following Toyota Venza and Toyota Camry models:

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

Compact cars are known for their economic gas mileage and affordability. Many compact cars have a mpg that is competitive even with hybrid vehicles. Regardless of their size, these vehicles will still fit 4 to 5 adults. Compact cars are easy to maneuver and will stand the test of time. With proper maintenance these durable and reliable vehicles will be a part of your family for decades to come.

Spectre Air Filter for select 1992 - 2002 Toyota Corolla, Mazda Millenia and Chevrolet Prizm models.

Spectre offers the HPR5466 replacement air filter for select 1992 through 2002 Toyota Corolla, Mazda Millenia and Chevrolet Prizm models. With this Spectre air filter you can increase performance and protect your car’s engine so that it will continue to operate efficiently. This filter replaces your factory paper air filter. Spectre air filters are made from pre-dyed synthetic media. The increased performace will help give your car better acceleration and power by allowing more air flow into your engine. It is easy to install and will fit right into your factory air box.

The Spectre HPR5466 air filter is a great addition to any of the select 1992 to 2002 Toyota Corolla, Mazda Millenia and Chevrolet Prizm models listed below. Your vehicle’s engine will have the tool that it needs so that it can freely inhale clean air and keep the dust out. The Spectre HPR5466 performance air filter fits the following 1992 to 2002 Toyota Corolla, Mazda Millenia and Chevrolet Prizm models:

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

2014 started well for Jim Tway, with two wins, a pole and class lap record in the SCCA Major Conference opener at Auto Club Speedway.

"This season started out well, with two wins, a pole and class lap record in the SCCA Major Conference opener at Auto Club Speedway," said Jim Tway. "The highlight of the event was racing hard against my competitor and friend Bill Brinkop (top-dog from Northern California). It was a good preview of what we hope to see later this year at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs at Laguna Seca."

After laying the radiator down for better cooling Tway discovered Spectre's universal line of air intake components was a perfect fit.

The SCCA's first West Coast Major was held at Auto Club Speedway's roval course where Tway Motorsports entered the Spectre backed P.A. Construction Corvette into Touring 1, a class that hadn't run since 2012. It was a statement making race for Tway as he dominated the event, pulling out to a 10 second lead by lap-3. Tway won outright by over 35 seconds, earning the victory lap and champagne.

The second round of the 2014 SCCA Majors was contested at Inde Motorsports Ranch in Willcox, Arizona, and Tway was once again on fire, both figuratively and literally. With two laps to go, and holding another commanding lead, Tway's motor gave up the ghost in dramatic fashion.

"I got hot quickly. Fire was shooting up through the hood and into the cockpit, as well as 50-feet out the back of the car. I was doing close to 100 mph. Spectators from the tower said they felt the heat. My fire system and safety gear worked perfectly. I didn't have one singed hair."

With only two laps remaining and holding a commanding lead, a fireball erupted from the rear of Tway's Corvette ending his clear path to another victory.

"We lost either a rod bolt or had a rod failure," Tway explains. "By mid race I had a huge lead, so I started short shifting to save the motor, but I guess the motor was terminal at that point. Before the race, I had the heads and valve-train completely rebuilt by the experts at Superior Automotive in Placentia, California. The motor had almost three years of track use and it was time, a precautionary measure to rebuild the top end. But I didn't rebuild the lower end. I was able to run almost five years out of the previous motor, so figured I was still good for another two. Wrong! When the rod let go, it punctured two fist sized holes on either side of the block, instantly dumping seven quarts of oil on the headers and igniting the fire."

Tway received his Novice license in 2011 with Cal Club's Super School at Buttonwillow Raceway in Kern County, California. He had been running Time Attacks and Time Trials for a few years at that point, so he already felt comfortable on a track at speed. The school however put him through actual race scenarios with starts, overtaking, two wide and even three wide through corners, to prepare him for real racing. "Needless to say I was hooked and couldn't wait to start racing," he adds. "I went on to win my first race the very next day, and many after."

"I converted my showroom Touring Corvette to a Super Touring class car last year. The more open rule set allowed me to finally ditch the stock airbox. At the same time, I laid the radiator down for better cooling. Consequently, all the ready to bolt-in air intake products on market wouldn't fit. With Spectre's universal line of air intake components, I was able to piece together a custom solution that bolted right in. Spectre's engineering department even did some air intake calculations to ensure I had good enough airflow to keep my 450(rear-wheel) horsepower V-8 happy."

Tway Motorsports' next race is tentatively the SCCA Major Conference race at Buttonwillow Raceway on April 25th. The uncertainty exists because the car is still being rebuilt after the fire. "The fire related damage was minimal, only losing a few wires and scorching the rear bumper markers and vinyl tow hook, but the short block and front bumper were complete losses," Says Tway.

"Superior Automotive is rebuilding the heads. Luckily only a few valves were bent along with some slight dome damage, all easily repaired. The front end was wiped out when we hit the drainage ditch pulling off. My L5 Motorsports wide body fenders survived, but my Wasp Composites splitter did not. Bryan at Wasp already fabricated us a new one and it will be installed when our new bumper is back from paint. Fingers are crossed we'll make the event, as this is the last local qualifier for the SCCA Championship Runoffs."

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

Brian Hobaugh's 1965 Chevy Corvette

"It started with my dad," recalled San Ramon, California native, Brian Hobaugh. "He started auto-crossing when I was six-years old. I watched him auto-cross a couple different Camaro's. In 1983 he purchased the Corvette that we race right now."

1965 Chevy Corvette driven by Brian Hobaugh at the Ultimate Street Car Challenge

The Corvette was a perfect fit for the Hobaugh family, as the original owner purchased the car with intentions of auto-crossing. Hobaugh's father was confident this would be the best car for the class in which he ran.

Although one would suspect Brian was excited about the Corvette, little did he know at such a young age, he would eventually make a few modifications here and there and display it at a SEMA show.

When asked why he chose the 1965 Corvette as a project car, he said, "We've had the car for 30-years, and it's part of the family. In the last two years, it's gone through a transformation. Not a major one; but a slight transformation from what it has been."

"The car has been beautiful since 1965," explained Hobaugh. "It's never needed a restoration. We're the fourth owners and all of the owners have kept it pristine. It's been well taken care of since day one."

That being said, very few changes were necessary to prepare the ride for showing purposes. According to Brian, a new paint job was the most radical of modifications. Going with a red body, they opted to coat the wheels and exterior chrome components black.

This 1965 Chevy Corvette was displayed at the 2013 SEMA show

"It's not a major modification mechanically, but visually, it's a major change," explained Hobaugh. "However, the color of the car has had an impact on everyone's attitude.When it was a red Corvette with a chrome bumper, people liked it. But something as simple as blacking out everything has made the younger guys really look at the car where they maybe didn't so much before. The exact same car with a color change has gone from, hey that's a nice Corvette to a car people will turn around and stare at for long periods of time. People didn't do that to this extent two years ago."

Although the most noticeable change took place on the outside, Hobaugh did make a few mechanical modifications as well. Having been originally purchased with auto-cross racing in mind, the car has always been maintained to perform.

The car was already equipped with a 364 cubic inch smallblock, juiced up with a high-performance cam. It came off of the showroom floor with a mechanical fuel injection system. To ensure optimal performance, they went with a computer controlled modification, equipping the Corvette with an Accel EFI engine Management System. A TPI intake and runners were also added during the previous modification.

However, a few mechanical changes have been recently added. Hobaugh upgraded with GLI shocks. Brodix aluminum heads provided the builder with extra horsepower.

Having previously installed a cold air intake system to the ride, Hobaugh was pleased with her performance. However, he wasn't satisfied with the makeshift tubing system connecting the engine to the cold air intake.

Referring to the recent improvement, Hobaugh said, "We used Spectre tubing to get from the radiator support to the throttle body," he recalled. "This was my first experience with Spectre parts."

After experiencing the benefits of a variety of custom tubing options, Brian Hobaugh stated, "Spectre has great products. The tubing lends to the opportunity to build a custom intake, regardless of design."

"It's really difficult to make a custom inlet," he ensured. "And with all of the different sizes, angles and bends, Spectre made the modification real easy. It aesthetically looks better. And even though I have no Dyno numbers to prove it, I'm sure it performs better."

Throughout the years, countless hours have been devoted to keeping Brian Hobaugh's 1965 Corvette in tip-top condition. But the fruits of their labors were recognized when he displayed the car at the recent SEMA 2013 show, at Las Vegas, Nevada.

"I wouldn't consider the changes we recently made to the car as a classic build, like you purchase a stock car and modify it. It's literally been a transformation from stock to where it is now that has taken nearly 50 years."

One would suspect that Brian Hobaugh gleamed with pride when his 1965 Corvette turned heads at SEMA 2013, and rightfully so. However, the car is still dazzling car enthusiasts, as it was previously featured in Chevy High Performance, and is featured in this month's issue of Popular Hot Rodding magazine. The Corvette was also a finalist in the Good Guys Street Machine of the Year.

Although SEMA 2013 is behind him, Brian Hobaugh has no intentions of putting his 1975 Corvette on the back burner. When asked if he had any projects planned for the near future, the muscle car enthusiast concluded, "The Corvette will be back, it will be in the Optima booth at SEMA 2014."

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