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This K&N XStream air filter assembly fits perfectly under the hood of this 1968 Ford Mustang displayed at SEMA 2012
The annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas is the hot rodding equivalent to blending the NFL Super Bowl, the Motion Picture Academy Awards, and The World's Fair. Hosted by the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association, the SEMA Show is the industry's largest trade show; and besides showcasing all the greatest and newest go-fast goodies, it is also a Valhalla for car customizers. Only the very best, the most unique or the wildest of one-offs are on display.
The interior was the focus on this 1968 Ford Mustang GT SEMA show vehicle
Walking the halls of the SEMA Show is a custom car lover's dream; acres of blindingly polished, electrifyingly hued machines lined up for all to see and drool over; showing off the very best in performance equipment. That was precisely why K&N air filters were featured on Larry Ashley's stunning 1968 Ford Mustang GT-CS "resto-mod." Larry is the Marketing Director for TMI Products, an aftermarket supplier for vintage Ford, Chevrolet and Volkswagen interior components, so he's got first-hand knowledge of what it takes to build - or rebuild - a classic into something special.
This 1968 Ford Mustang mixes new and old styling for a nicely blended SEMA show car
A twenty-year veteran of the SEMA show, Larry admitted to a battery of late nights and last minute builds required to get a car ready - and worthy - of the prestige of showing at SEMA. And his efforts have not gone unnoticed. "I have won the Ford Design Award 2002, GM Design Award 2003 and Hyundai Award 2003. My specialty is always coming up with something unique, something new."
The SEMA Show 2012 displays some amazing vehicles like this 1968 Ford Mustang GT-CS
This time around, Larry stuck with the classics; a vintage GT-CS ("California Special") '68 Mustang notchback. The whole of the custom 'Stang's appearance came from the inside out. "I was playing off of the idea of introducing a Resto Mod interior line that we are debuting at SEMA," Larry explained. The interior has been redone in a 'resto mod' feel. The best part is that anyone can buy these parts for their own ride."
2012 SEMA attendees had nothing but great things to say about Larry Ashley's 1968 Ford Mustang
When it came to getting the custom-built small block Ford mill to breathe easier, the answer was simple. "I chose K&N Filters' XStream Air flow top. I first used K&N Filters in 1987 when I installed a replacement filter on my '87 Acura Integra that I purchased from Jackson racing. I chose them because they were the leaders in filtration then and still are today."
Air filtration is critical even for a 2012 SEMA show vehicle like this 1968 Ford Mustang GT-CS
The warmth of the Nevada desert received a chill during the 2012 SEMA show with the presence of Chris Payne's custom themed 2011 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Liter V8. Located in the Westin automotive feature spot, Payne has been deeply involved with the auto industry 6 years, and has been attending the SEMA show for 3 of them. Bringing a truly unique snow recovery theme and concept for the Tundra, Payne was able to talk about his SEMA build.
Many aftermarket parts were used to transform this 2011 Toyota Tundra for SEMA 2012
When asked what it takes to make a successful build, Chris stated, "So much time, preparation, money and sponsor backing, good fab guys and knowledge of the product that's out there to fit a custom theme and design. It's been a solid hobby of mine for 6 years. I love it. I have mod fever. It's something I enjoy doing and learning from. Times change so do mods and what's hot. I just love being able to do what I love to do and enjoy seeing people appreciate the builds," reported Payne.
Obvious to the eye, one of the most radical customizations on the Tundra is the custom wrap and T.B. Customz Gat products. When asked what type of intake was used on the Tundra, Payne replied that it was a K&N cold air intake. "The CAI, it gave me greater hp boost, a nice throttle response and it's an all-time great must have performance product!" A K&N filter fan since high school, Payne used all quality products for this build. Featured in multiple magazines, Payne has reported a great amount of popularity for the Tundra anywhere it goes. When asked about upcoming projects, Payne stated that his next project may to build up a custom Duramax.
The wrap on this 2011 Toyota Tundra 5.7 liter really stood out at SEMA 2012
A full list of modifications to the Tundra are listed below:
Rock & Roll Offroad's 2011 Dodge Ram 6.7 liter diesel display vehicle for SEMA 2012
Recently, the Las Vegas Convention Center was turned into the custom car capitol of the world as it hosted the 2012 SEMA show. Manufacturers, racers and custom vehicles from every corner of the globe made the pilgrimage for a full week of honoring the patrons, dealers and vehicles of the aftermarket. Among the hundreds of unique cars and trucks spanning nearly every make and model was Jared Pugh and Kha Ly of Rock & Roll Offroad with a newly completed project 2011 Dodge 6.7L diesel.
SEMA welcomes all sorts of show vehicles, even this 2011 Dodge Ram 6.7 liter diesel
R&R Offroad is no rookie when it comes to SEMA. "R&R has been a part of SEMA for 9 years now. We rely on a team to come together last minute for SEMA projects," said Jared. "We are the experts at making a project from a dream on paper to the finished project."
This 2011 Dodge Ram Diesel was selcted for display during the 2012 SEMA show
When asked about the inspiration and theme of the Ram, Pugh stated that they wanted something that hasn't been done before. "We wanted… a vehicle that turned heads for our industry." And Jared and his team have done just that. With modifications to the intake, exhaust, wheels, suspension, along with other extensive performance, external and interior mods, this 2011 Ram is a monster to be reckoned with.
Suspension, wheels, tires, paint and accessories is all it took for this 2011 Ram 6.7 liter diesel to be displayed at SEMA 2012
Rock & Roll Offroad also knows how important a role quality plays in a build by using some of the best aftermarket parts available, like K&N performance air filters. "We used K&N products when we first started using an FIPK kit on a 1999 Chevy 5.3 with huge gains and results."
Sponsors were proud to help R&R Offroad build this 2011 Dodge Ram diesel for SEMA 2012
Rock and Roll went on to say that they were excited to continue being the best in the industry and looking forward to turning out some awesome projects and "live life to the fullest." R&R Offroad's Dodge can also be seen in select issues of 8Lug magazine among other industry periodicals.
The twin turbo setup on this 1932 Ford displayed at SEMA 2012 takes advantage of the room in front of the motor, to get the optimum air flow
Dave Timm and Brian Walker are more than just co-workers and business partners, they are brothers as well. They own 2 Brothers Custom Trucks out of Springfield, Illinois, and also work full time as Deputies at the local Sheriff's office. 2 Brothers Custom Trucks was started in 2006, and has been growing ever since. While they specialize in the restoration of classic trucks, they are no strangers to other projects like this 1932 Ford Roadster.
A universal K&N Filter peeking over the headlights on the 1932 Ford during 2012 SEMA Show
In 2010, Brian's Uncle, Jim Walker started restoring the car. Jim started this project as a traditional hot rod development, and completed about 50% of it until he passed away in early 2012 due to cancer. Brian purchased the car, and the two brothers made it their mission to get this Hot Rod to SEMA. Brian was motivated to finish this build in time, even while juggling his running business, being a full-time sheriff, and spending time with his wife and kids. With over 17 years of SEMA experience between them, they're sure to end up in the spotlight. The past five vehicles built by 2 Brothers Custom Trucks have drawn a lot of attention at the show and have been featured in magazines as well.
When building this project, Dave and Brian made it a point to keep the classic "Hot Rod" looks while adding a little bit of style to the build as well. From the twin turbo LS motor to the Teas Designs bench seat, this 1932 has the best of both worlds; speed and beauty! On top of that, each turbo is equipped with a K&N universal cone air filter (part number RC-5149) to provide premium filtration and maximum airflow. K&N filters were also used on this hot rod for the valve cover breathers, fuel cell vent breather, and rear axle vent. Dave explained that he chooses K&N because of its quality product and affordable price and claims, "K&N performs to the level it says it will."
K&N remains supportive of builders like Dave and Brian. It takes a lot of hard work, time, and patience to complete a project like this. Dave and Brian not only completed this build on time, but also completed their duties at the Sheriff's Office, and maintained their relationships with their families as well. They deserve a load of credit for that accomplishment.
1932 Ford Roadster modifications:
-Kilboure fiberglass body
-Heidts Hot Rod and Muscle Car Parts super ride ifs and four link rear suspension with a 9 inch ford rearend
-Raceline burst wheels, 22x10 rear, 20x8.5 front
The 1932 Ford looks great in the Autometer booth at SEMA 2012
-BFG kdw 2 tires, 305 40 22 rear, 245 30 20 front
-Turn Key Engine Supply 5.3 liter aluminum block (400 horse naturally aspirated )
-Turbo 350 transmission built by Steves Transmissions springfield illinois
-Holley hi ram intake with holley 90mm throttle body,polished valve covers and fuel rails
-Aeromotive stealth fuel system including a 1000 pgh pump, filters, 8an steel braided line and fittings
-Twin Turbonetics billet GTK turbos, Turbonetics Godzilla blow off valve and Turbonetics Evolution 35 wastegates
-Tuff stuff performance accessories chrome starter, water pump, alternator and master cylinder/booster combo
-Msd plug wires, Msd coil packs
-Auto Meter custom shop gauges, Auto Meter gps speedo interface module
-Kicker audio comp vx 10 inch subwoofer, ks 65.2 components, ix1000.5 amplifier, pxi 50.2 ipod controller, wiring
-Raceline burst steering wheel
-Teas Designs bench seat
-Schroth seat belts
-BASF Diamont paint with BASF Glamour clear, body work and paint by Nick Kieffer
-Lokar throttle cable and transmission dipstick
-K & N air filters
-B & M magnum grip shifter
-Billet Badges
-American Autowire Highway 22
-Action Machine Inc aluminum driveshaft
With countless hours of thought and work behind them, Crawford Performance recently headed to Las Vegas, Nevada with the finished product trailered behind them. Rolling into the SEMA show, they were eager to show the build - a 2013 Subaru Spec C BR-Z.
This was the company's seventh year to show at the event, and they were proud to display a model that was a "test-bed" for their performance components. "It takes a lot of work in a short time frame," explained Quirt Crawford.
With very little time to produce the ultimate project car, it was essential that the crew had their ducks in a row and had a direction to travel. "We wanted to build the fastest road racing BR-Z in the United States. We have done project vehicles for Subaru of America and Scion, and we have had vehicles in other company's booths as well," he stated. "Our specialty is building winning race cars that look beautiful."
K&N provided a custom intake for the 2012 SEMA Show late model Subaru BR-Z
Although esthetics were of utmost importance to the company, what they dropped under the hood was of equal significance, as their ultimate goal is fast and showy. That in mind, Crawford Performance fully built a Turbo FA motor for the backbone of the project car's optimal capabilities.
During the build of the engine, it was crucial to install components that could withstand the rigors of screaming RPM's while performing their task flawlessly. That in mind, they attached pistons provided by JE to the crankshaft.
When the pistons popped up in the compression stroke, the NGK spark plugs would provide more than ample fire power to ensure the combustion process would play a role in their quest for speed and reliability.
Sponors played a big role in completing this 2012 Subaru BR-Z for the 2012 SEMA Show
Accepting nothing but perfection, Crawford Performance built a turbo kit for the vehicle as well. Understanding clearly, the rigors a high-performance engine experiences during the heat of a battle, they opted to attach a front mount Crawford Performance intercooler. They also added a high-pressure radiator surge tank to the mix.
The team considered an ECU (electronic control unit) by Vtune as an essential element of the vehicle reaching its peak performance.
The Subaru BR-Z is one of the hottest vehicles on the market and plenty of them were displayed at the 2012 SEMA Show
Also aware of the importance of eliminating restriction, they focused on building the ultimate exhaust system. In turn Crawford Performance designed and mounted a full exhaust under the company demo.
The final piece to the puzzle provided by Crawford Performance was equally as impressive and as essential as the many other in-house parts they provided. The air/oil separator was a result of their ingenuity and know how as well.
For the demo car to achieve the team's goals without fail, it was crucial to choose fluids that could withstand an environment incredibly harsher than those produced by a stock engine. That in mind, they went with Motul for their fluid needs.
Crawford Performance's specilaty is improving performance and the 2013 Subaru BR-Z they displayed at SEMA 2012 is a prime example
Of course, the filtering system was equally as important as any other aspect of the build, and K&N products would fit their needs to the jot and tittle. With K&N filters on board, worries of adequate air and oil flow were not an issue, and no worries had to be wasted on concerns that the internal components of the engine were running contaminant free.
"We use K&N air and oil filters on all of our race vehicles for the durability and performance increases," explained Crawford. "The first championship we won was in 1979, and our vehicle was equipped with a K&N filter."
Crawford Performance depended upon Exedy to provide a clutch that would meet their standards and needs. With the drive train under control, there were still a few more issues that, although not visible from the exterior, they were absolutely necessary.
The suspension was provided by Tein. Crawford Performance is obsessed with sheer speed, but they are no different from the average Joe in the fact that they appreciate the ability to be able to stop when the time arrives. That in mind, they turned to Brembo for the front and back brake needs.
This 2013 Subaru BR-Z was well received during SEMA 2012
The purpose of their next choice was actually two fold, it was crucial to choose wheels and tires that would perform at high speeds and under extreme conditions, but also important to choose products that looked good as well. That said, they went with rims by Work Wheels, and Toyo tires.
One would suspect that even though the build satisfied the crew at Crawford Performance, it was only human nature for them to anticipate how SEMA attendees would receive this stunning vehicle. On the other hand, this was not the company's first rodeo, and in turn their project was a hit.
The SEMA 2012 display vehicle for Motul was a 2013 Subaru BR-Z
"We were most impressed with the power output of the new FA motor found in this car," recalled Quirt Crawford. "The attendees were most impressed with the turbo system and the power it produces"
When asked about Crawford Performance's future goals, Crawford concluded, "We have a few irons in the fire, and expect next year to be a fun one."
Take a look at this 2012 Subaru STi from the 2011 SEMA Show.
