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AIRAID Team Driver Randy Johnson and His Take on this Year's OUSCI

Jan 17, 2017

View of Randy Johnson in front of the Orange Peeler Camaro t his shop D&Z Customs

AIRAID team driver, Randy Johnson and the Orange Peeler

AIRAID Team Driver, Randy Johnson, is accustomed to being in the public eye. Whether in print, on television, or even at the track the one of a kind builds that come out of his shop are meant to be played with! D and Z Customs, named after his children Dylan & Zoey, has been featured in and on more than a dozen top performance magazines.

Randy and wife, Tobie, opened their shop in January 2007. Randy’s passion for mechanical tinkering began at a very young age like so many others playing with Hot Wheels and building models. As a boy he spent his days watching and helping friends rebuild classic cars. When he wasn’t working on cars he was buried in his most recent issues of car magazines brushing up on the latest vehicle restoration techniques and dreaming of his next “toy”. His mother now says the only way she could get young Randy interested in reading was to let him read car magazines.

Driver side view of D&Z Customs built Orange Peeler Camaro

Built by Randy Johnson and D&Z Customs, the Camaro is affectionately known as Orange Peeler

Back in 1993 a friend of Randy's took him to a Porsche Club autocross event and had Randy ride along. From that moment on he was hooked. Back then he started autocrossing his daily driver, a Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Since the early days racing was on and off until 2009, when OUSCI came calling. OPTIMA's Ultimate Street Car Invitational these days is the annual season finale to OPTIMA's Search for the Ultimate Street Car Series. As the series has grown so has the desire to get your hands on a coveted invite. And there are a couple of ways to do that. You can win your way in through a series qualifying events, charm your way in through the Spirit of the Event Award, point your way in at the end of the season having earned enough points or have a car on the SEMA Show floor that captures the attention of the likes of Jimi Day and Cam Douglass of Optima Batteries and receive a Golden Ticket. Back in 2009, the Golden Ticket was the ONLY way to earn an invite to this incredible event. And that's just what Randy Johnson did is his 1970 Camaro. Then he did it again in the AMX built for Jimi Day, affectionately named AMXess. And then again in his 1973 Camaro in 2012. You see where we are going with this. Randy Johnson knows OUSCI.

Front view of Randy Johnson is his '73 Camaro at the 2009 OUSCI Speed Stop Challenge in Nevada

Randy Johnson, in his 1973 Camaro at 2009 OUSCI Speed Stop Challenge at Spring Mountain in Nevada

But wait a minute. In 2014, the crew at OPTIMA introduced a new series that would allow them to double the size of the OUSCI field by introducing qualifying events that would take place all over the country. Once described as USCA, the Ultimate Street Car Association, this series has morphed into an action packed, televised, race reality show with more than 400 drivers having participated to earn a spot in the field of 100 cars that round out OUSCI. Even though the format changed from early days the premise remains the same; get some radical cars out on to the track and see what they can do. With this new format we have seen the competition get a little tougher and the cars get a little faster, year after year. This is definitely the series to race, not just watch!

View of the '02 Corvette DZ06 of Randy Johnson in pits at Wilwood Disc Brakes tent

The 2002 Corvette DZ06 of Randy Johnson in the pits at OUSCI

No stranger to competition, Randy has competed in Goodguys events that focus on challenging the drivers technical abilities, with smaller, tighter courses. He's competed in other events such as Car & Cones, The Midwest Muscle Car Challenge, the Motorstate Challenge where he earned a podium finish, a number of USCA and OSUSC qualifying events with multiple Top 5 finishes, and of course multiple OUSCI events.

View right rear quarter panel of the '02 Corvette DZ06 of Randy Johnson

The 2002 Corvette DZ06 of Randy Johnson looks fast just sitting here!

He believes in being prepared for competition both on the track and off. That includes maintaining even the simplest of parts right down to his AIRAID universal intake. Being physically fit as well as mentally fit is all part of the game plan. He said that if he's not mentally focused and fit it shows throughout the event when the pressure is on to perform. Randy's been affiliated with the AIRAID brand for the last six years and understands what great performance feels like and he believes AIRAID gives him that extra edge on the track.

View of Randy Johnson on road course with two other cars.

The widened front and rear quarters allow for increased width in suspension make for better handling

This year Randy earned his invite to OUSCI based on his stellar performances in his C5 CORVETTE "DZ06". At the various track events he attends he made the decision to not only make his car stand out in the crowd, but he wanted it to out perform the crowd as well! He told us that virtually every part on his "DZ06" Corvette has been changed or modified. It started with an upgrade to a Lingenfelter dry sump 640 HP LS7. Once that was complete he upgraded to a Tremec TR6060 transmission. Then he added the Centerforce twin disc clutch, plus the custom Magnaflow exhaust and Ridetech suspension for optimal handling and ease of adjustability. Then to he added some Wilwood Disc Brakes behind the custom copper Forgeline wheels. And he didn't stop there. The exterior has been highly modified too from the wider front & rear fenders to support increased suspension width, to the custom nose piece and carbon fiber hood. Then he added a one off D&Z Customs spoiler, custom fabricated rear panel & finished it off with a totally custom paint scheme using a candy copper stripe. Randy’s new set-up proved to be a good one for OUSCI this year with his solid finish in the top 20. And the competition this year was fierce.

Driver side view of Randy Johnson on the road course at OUSCI in Las Vegas

The 2002 Corvette DZ06 of Randy Johnson's looks fast on the road course too!

But this year didn’t come without some hard lessons. He had been struggling with the ABS system throughout the year, when a loss of brakes at Road America very narrowly averted a real disaster. Needless to say with some long nights and a whole lot of internet searching, he was finally able to diagnose the ABS issue and what a difference it made in his confidence on the track.

Front view os Randy Johnson's DZ06 on the road course, looking mean!

Some of the D&Z Customs mods include a carbon fiber hood on the DZ06 of Randy Johnson's

Over the years he has learned a lot from his experiences as a performance driver. He's learned what his limitations are and what his cars limitations are! He's also discovered the delicate balance that allows him to keep pushing those limits a bit further each time he gets behind the wheel. This in turn helps him to better serve his customers and sponsors. He's also learned that he enjoys giving back to the racing community and looks forward to doing some instructing in 2017. He recognizes the importance of lending a helping hand to other drivers and said without the support from his wife and kids, he wouldn't be able to do what he truly loves. Randy said it's really friends and family that inspire him to participate and do my very best.

For 2017 Randy Johnson has set some goals for himself and he feels very optimistic. He wants to add to his podium finishes, improve his driving skills and looks forward to positively representing his sponsors and their brands. We asked if there was one thing he could share with his younger self what would that be? "It would be to offer more encouragement. I’d tell myself that yes I was on the right track and to not get discouraged with failures and that in time I’d get better at whatever I set out to do."

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Breathe Extra Air Into Select 2010 - 2015 Mustang V6 & V8 Engines With AIRAID Air Filter

Jan 11, 2017

850-500 is designed to increase horsepower and acceleration by improving air flow to the engine

AIRAID direct-fit filter is a drop-in replacement for your Mustang's stock paper air filter

Mustang fans rejoiced when Ford introduced a redesigned 2005 model year Mustang at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. The fifth-generation Mustang's styling closely parallels the now hugely popular 1969-1970 fastback models, including the Boss 302. Ford's then senior vice president of design, J Mays, called the Mustang design "retro-futurism."

The 2010 model year Mustang was released in the spring of 2009 with a redesigned exterior which reduced drag by 4% on base models and 7% on GT models. The output of the 4.6L V8 engine in the Mustang GT 4.6 L V8 was raised to 315 horsepower.

There was a wholesale update of engines for the 2011 model year. A new 3.7L aluminum block V6 engine weighed 40 lbs. less than the engine it replaced. With 24 valves and Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing (TiVCT), it produced 305 horsepower, almost as much as the 4.6 L V8 of the previous year. GT models received a new engine as well, the now well-regarded Coyote engine. The 32-valve 5.0L V8 produced 412 horsepower, and served as the basis for the Boss 302 engine that debuted in 2012, which produced 444 horsepower.

Surprisingly, each of these engines, from the 3.7L V6 to the Boss 302 utilizes the same air filter. And an AIRAID 850-500 not only fits each of these Mustangs, but adds performance to boot!

This AIRAID direct-fit replacement filter is a drop-in replacement for your vehicle’s stock paper air filter that is designed to increase horsepower and acceleration by improving air flow into the engine. With more air, the engine computer recognizes it can add more fuel, the result being a more energetic combustion. The air filter is constructed with multiple layers of cotton gauze & non-woven synthetic filter media and provides significant improvements in air flow and filtration compared to typical replacement filters.

A full set of illustrated installation instructions are included with the AIRAID Filter

Everything you need to install an AIRAID filter in your covered Ford Mustang is in the box

And there’s no need to purchase a new paper filter each time the old one gets dirty when you can upgrade to a serviceable AIRAID direct-fit replacement filter for often less than the cost of two stock replacements? Installation takes only a few minutes and is as simple as replacing your stock filter, and the 850-500 is both washable and reusable. To maintain performance, clean your AIRAID filter every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for normal driving, and more frequently if your travel off-road or in heavy dust conditions. The best and easiest way is with the AIRAID 790-558 premium dry filter cleaning solution.

And of course the 850-500 is backed by AIRAID’s “No Hassle” Lifetime Warranty, which is simple. If you are ever dissatisfied with the materials, workmanship or performance of this air filter, call us at 800-498-6951 and we will be happy to assist you. You don’t have to worry about a warranty card; AIRAID filters are warranted for life.

All AIRAID premium filters are proudly manufactured at AIRAID facilities here in the USA using only the finest materials available and highly specialized manufacturing equipment to ensure a level of quality control no other filter company can match. This is just one of many reasons why all of AIRAID's filters are backed by our "No Hassle" Lifetime Warranty.

The AIRAID 850-500 is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2014 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 FORD MUSTANG 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 FORD MUSTANG 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 FORD MUSTANG 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 FORD MUSTANG 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 FORD MUSTANG GT 4.6L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 FORD MUSTANG 4.6L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models

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AIRAID Air Intake Adds Horsepower to 2004-2008 Dodge Durango and Chrysler Aspen 5.7 L Hemi

Jan 9, 2017

2004 - 2008 Durango and Aspen 5.7 L Hemi SUVs benefit from an Airaid Aire Box System

The AIRAID system replaces the stock filter housing with a large open-air intake for more power

It’s well-known to most enthusiasts that the Chrysler Hemi engine returned in its third iteration in the Dodge RAM pickups in 2000. While not an exact Hemi, as purists like to point out, it has enough in common with the previous two generations (1950s and 1960s) to earn the right to carry that legendary name. And from there we think of the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger all carrying the 5.7 Hemi. But hardly anyone thinks of the Dodge Durango and its twin the Chrysler Aspen as being powered by the same 5.7L Hemi.

If you’re in the market for a pre-owned mid-sized SUV with plenty of power (or if you already own one), you could do much worse than a 2004 to 2008 Durango or Aspen. Do a quick online search on a 2008 Durango and you’ll find all the leading automotive used car ranking sites give the Durango between four to five stars out of five (the same goes for the Aspen).

Of course, the original rating of 345 horsepower might seem a little low compared with newer models from many other manufacturers, but we have a solution: an AIRAID 302-143 AIRAID air intake system, which will increase horsepower and torque.

The cold air intake system replaces the restrictive factory air filter housing with a large open-air inlet shielded by cold air dam panels. This air box system connects to the factory air intake tube, as well as adding additional cold air passages directed to the filter. Together they provide a steady, free-flowing supply of cooler outside air into your engine. The cold air dam panels also keep the filter isolated from engine compartment heat by sealing to the underside of the hood via blade-style rubber weather stripping.

The Air Box System replaces the restrictive factory air intake system, increasing horsepower

The AIRAID air box system feeds additional air into your engine while sealing out power-robbing heat

The AIRAID premium filter used in the 302-143 kit is a high performance air filter constructed of multiple layers of complementary filter media combined with AIRAID’s proprietary filtration technology resulting in a superior filtration system. AIRAID premium filters efficiently filter dirt particles in a way in which ordinary cotton-gauze performance filters cannot.

The AIRAID air box system is easy to install with common hand tools, and can be under the hood of your Durango or Aspen in less than a Saturday morning. Oh, and if you happen to own a 2004 – 2006 Dodge Durango with the 4.7 L non-Hemi V8, this kit will fit your SUV as well, improving its performance and response.

And AIRAID’s "No Hassle" Lifetime Warranty is simple. If you are ever dissatisfied with the materials, workmanship or performance of this air filter, just give us a call at 800-498-6951 and we will be happy to assist you. You don’t have to worry about a warranty card. AIRAID filters are warranted for life.

The AIRAID 302-143 fits the following vehicles:

2008 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2008 CHRYSLER ASPEN 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2007 CHRYSLER ASPEN 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2006 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2006 DODGE DURANGO 4.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2005 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2005 DODGE DURANGO 4.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2004 DODGE DURANGO 5.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2004 DODGE DURANGO 4.7L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models

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An AIRAID MXP Air Intake System Pumps Up GMC Duramax LBZ Diesel Performance

Jan 6, 2017

Housed inside the Cold Air Dam is the AIRRAID premium air filter that provides outstanding air flow

The cold air dam feeds your Duramax plenty of fresh air through a massive 9-inch tall conical filter

In the 2006 model year, the GM Duramax LBZ turbocharged diesel V8 engine became available in models of the GMC Sierra until the end of the following year. Basically, it’s an upgraded version of the previous diesel V8, but with a more powerful computer able to generate incremental horsepower and torque. In fact, the 2006 -2007 Duramax LBZ produced a class-leading 360 horsepower and 650 lb·ft of torque.

The 6,599 cc (402.7 CID) LBZ Duramax V8 features 32 valves in aluminum cylinder heads bolted to an iron block. Bore and Stroke are close to square, at 4.06 inches x 3.90 inches, respectively.

There were a significant number of mechanical changes to the engine as well, including strengthening the bottom of the cylinder bores, installing more durable main bearings, casting more robust connecting rods, and raising maximum injection pressure from 23,000 psi to over 26,000 psi, replacing the existing injectors with all new seven hole designs that provide better fuel dispersion, a lower compression ratio to compensate for the improved fuel injection system, and a more efficient variable-geometry turbocharger for a smooth and immediate response with lower emissions.

If there’s one thing that a turbocharged diesel can’t get enough of, it’s intake air. A greater volume of intake air is compressed by the turbo, to which the engine’s computer responds by adding incremental fuel, the result being a burn that is more energetic, producing increased power at the wheels. A fast, simple, and inexpensive way to increase the power output of your LBZ engine Sierra is the installation of an AIRAID 202-289 MXP air intake system.

The entire 202-289 AIRAID MXP air intake system is designed with the use of extensive computer modeling to maintain proper mass air flow readings and calibration. The cold air dam addresses the shortcomings of the restrictive factory air box design, while incoming cold air from outside the vehicle is directed through a new air intake tube with a smooth, low-restriction interior surface thanks to its construction of cross-linked, high-density polyethylene. This MXP air intake system also includes fittings for the OEM mass air sensor and filter minder gauge, avoiding the need to recalibrate your truck’s ECU.

The Cold Air Dam addresses the shortcomings of the restrictive factory airbox design

The cold air dam intake kit installation can be completed on a Saturday morning with simple tools

Housed inside the cold air dam is the AIRAID premium air filter that provides outstanding air flow and filtration through its reusable, dry, non-woven synthetic filter media. Maintenance of the 202-289 is simple: clean your AIRAID filter every 30,000 to 50,000 miles for normal driving, or more often if you’re driving off-road or in heavy dust conditions, with AIRAID 790-558 premium dry filter cleaning solution.

Installation of the 202-289 AIRAID MXP air intake system is fast and simple, with highly-detailed instructions. You need only a few basic hand tools and a couple of hours to increase the power and responsiveness of your LBZ-powered GMC Sierra 2500HD/3500HD truck.

Plus the 202-289 MXP air intake system is backed by AIRAID’s “No Hassle” Lifetime Warranty, which is simple. If you are ever dissatisfied with the materials, workmanship or performance of this air filter, call us at 800-498-6951 and we will be happy to assist you. You don’t have to worry about a warranty card; AIRAID filters are warranted for life.

The AIRAID 202-289 MXP air intake system is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2007 GMC SIERRA 3500 CLASSIC 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2007 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD CLASSIC 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2006 GMC SIERRA 3500 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models
2006 GMC SIERRA 2500 HD 6.6L V8 Diesel Engine - All Models

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Unleash The Coyote Under The Hood Of Your 2011-2014 Mustang With AIRAID Jr Intake

Jan 6, 2017

The AIRRAID Jr. kit is custom made for the '11-'14 Ford Mustang 5.0

The AIRAID Jr. Kit replaces only the most restrictive elements of OEM intake system

As the OEM designs of intake systems continue to improve, AIRAID has determined through testing that if you’re looking for a moderate gain in horsepower not all the original intake components require replacing. While not as effective as a full-on AIRAID air intake system, this limited AIRAID Jr. replaces only those components in the intake system that most limit performance, while leaving the other parts in place.

Because of a lower parts count the Jr. kit is a more affordable option for enthusiasts on a budget or for someone whose never installed an aftermarket intake system and wants to see what kind of difference one can make.

The application for this AIRAID Jr. kit is the popular 2011 – 2014 5.0L Ford Mustang. The fifth generation Mustang received a facelift in 2010 and then new engines in 2011, including the “Coyote” 5.0L V8. The new cylinder heads for the “Coyote” featured two cams per side and four valves per cylinder and the heads actually outflow the GT40 and NASCAR-spec D3 heads right up to the Coyote’s redline. Clearly an engine with that type of breathing ability could make good use of a larger quantity of intake air. And this is where the 450-746 AIRAID Jr. kit comes in.

The AIRAID Jr. Kit 450-746 specifically targets the most restrictive elements of the Mustang’s factory intake system, the intake tube and the paper filter, in order to help boost power and mileage. The AIRAID Jr. kit consists of two components. First is the AIRAID SYNTHAFLOW direct-fit replacement filter, which is constructed from multiple layers of cotton gauze and our own proprietary blend of synthetic materials that have separate performance characteristics designed to work together for a combined function of outstanding air flow and exceptionally high filtration. Each separate layer of these materials is designed to work together for the highest level of air flow performance and filtration with exceptional durability.

The second component is the AIRAID modular intake tube. As with other AIRAID intake systems, the low restriction roto-molded high-density polyethylene AIRAID modular intake tube helps to straighten and improve air flow to the engine for improved throttle response, plus increased horsepower and torque.

A look at the back of the AIRAID Jr. air filter and intake tube

The 450-746 kit is custom made to fit 2011 – 2014 Ford Mustangs and is easy to install, comes with detailed instructions, can be installed in a morning with only common hand tools, and requires no drilling.

And something not all air intake system manufacturers can claim: the 450-746 AIRAID Jr. air intake system for the 2011 – 2014 Ford Mustang is street legal in all 50 US states.

Cleaning your AIRAID air filter restores full air flow efficiency and maintains optimum engine performance. You will want to clean your air filter every 30,000 to 50,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Cleaning may be required more often if you drive your vehicle in off-road or heavy dust conditions. If your annual mileage is low, be sure to check the filter once a year to see if cleaning is needed.

Once you determine your AIRAID air filter needs to be cleaned, the 790-550 AIRAID air filter cleaning kit simplifies the process and restores your air filter to a like new condition. Cleaning your AIRAID air filter is simple, taking just a few simple steps.

And of course the 450-746 is backed by AIRAID’s “No Hassle” Lifetime Warranty, which is simple. If you are ever dissatisfied with the materials, workmanship, or performance of this air filter, call us at 800-498-6951 and we will be happy to assist you. You don’t have to worry about a warranty card; AIRAID filters are warranted for life.

All AIRAID premium filters are proudly manufactured at AIRAID facilities here in the USA using only the finest materials available and highly specialized manufacturing equipment to ensure a level of quality control no other filter company can match. This is just one of many reasons why all of AIRAID's filters are backed by our "No Hassle" Lifetime Warranty.

The AIRAID 450-746 system is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2014 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 FORD MUSTANG GT 5.0L V8 Fuel Injection - All Models

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