Custom Cadillac Escalade EXT Headed to SEMA

The excitement is building and final plans being hammered out for the SEMA Show just weeks away. AMSOIL has been busily preparing for another successful appearance at this year's show, and word is spreading throughout the car builder scene on what AMSOIL can bring. AMSOIL will be installed in more high-profile vehicles than ever before. Here's a peek at another SEMA 2009 AMSOIL-installed ride.

The Custom Shop out of Flanagan IL is no stranger to the SEMA scene. They've previously done builds for Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Nissan and Toyota. So when they approached AMSOIL with their latest project, a 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT with matching enclosed trailer, we had to jump on board with a product that can endure such hauling. The Custom Shop is filming the build from start to finish for V8-TV, and plans on filming out the finished project right there in Vegas. The vehicle theme is designed to create a high-end SUV that will pull a custom built trailer, all with Air Ride Load Leveling Technology.

‘Custom’ is the common term for this build. Modifications include a custom show paint job, Pewter Pearl Color Shift top with a Pearl White bottom airbrushed with Candy Sunset center. From there, a custom cowl hood, tinted windows, 22’ chromed rims and handles, right down to custom pedals all work to make this Cadillac unlike any other on the streets. That’s just the SUV itself; the matching trailer it tows holds its own with a complete audio/video system including TV and DVD player, air suspension and display area inside.

A check under the hood will find AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-30 oil, AMSOIL Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lube, AMSOIL Synthetic Fuel Efficient ATF, and of course, an AMSOIL Ea Oil Filter. What makes the best builders the best is their attention to detail, including the details you can't see, but which make a difference in the ultimate performance. Enjoy the show!

Anticipation Building for SEMA 2009

AMSOIL is preparing for the 2009 Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show coming to Las Vegas in November. Just about every leader in the automotive industry will be in attendance to showcase their offerings to the performance automotive world. Again this year, AMSOIL is installed in several high-profile cars that are sure to turn heads. Below are just a few glimpses of what to expect on display at this year’s show, all proudly running AMSOIL.

First up is Air-Zenith, a world-class manufacturer for DC 12Volt Air Suspension compressors and accessories. They will be in attendance with their AMSOIL-lubed 1985 Porsche 944. A show car indeed, it is slated for many upcoming appearances in various shows over the next year. With plenty of fancy modifications from the door handles to the carpet in the interior, AMSOIL was happy to oblige their request for the best lubricants to install in this ride.

Up next is Mike Bonanni of Double Down Motorsports and his jaw-dropping 2009 Nissan 370Z Touring car (top left). Mike uses this to race in ‘Time Attack’ events, which is the next generation for the tuner enthusiast. His Nissan is unlike most anything else out there, and with several accomplishments already under his belt Mike is sure to emerge on the scene a star.

Finally, David Williams with Kustom Edge will arrive to showcase his sweet truck that is sure to get people talking. A 2006 Chevy 1500 decked out in 28’ rims, Chevy SS front bumper and an amazing paint job will show people why Kustom Edge evolved from a garage operation to a full-blown customs shop. Attention to detail from the inside out makes this ride worthy of all the attention it’s sure to receive.

These are just three examples of what we’re up to. AMSOIL will be installed in more show cars than ever, from a group of extremely talented Camaro builders, to Hemi's, Lexus, and beyond. Stay tuned for updates throughout the show and afterwards. If you can’t be there, be sure to follow the action on the right here for SEMA 2009 in November.

Race to the Top at SEMA

With fall just around the corner, those planning to attend the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in November are busy laying the groundwork for the year’s biggest event. Each year, the SEMA show attracts tens of thousands of attendees: manufacturers, distributors, car builders, aftermarket companies, and every industry leader in between with an interest in the car, truck and SUV market. AMSOIL is always on hand to witness the latest developments in the performance automotive world, maintaining its position ahead of the curve.

This year AMSOIL will be installed in more high profile cars than ever. One of these will be a ’33 Roadster kit that is being assembled live during this year’s show by Race Safro, a 16 year old car builder whose love for the automobile world took shape at the age of 4 while watching his father wrench on cars. Race, who took on his first independent design and build of a 1929 Five-Window Model A at the age of 14, has fueled his passion ever since by taking control of RT Rods shortly after graduation from middle school. Also involved in Modified Class racing, Race built his own custom race car and was awarded ‘Rookie of the Year’ after his first season.

No better leader in the Take a Kid to a Car Show movement, Race (who is in the completion stages of a '77 Bronco build) will be at SEMA this year to assemble the Roadster from start to finish in an amazingly tight time frame within the Factory Five booth. That's the plan anyways. At the end of the show, the car will be given to its proud new owner to drive off with, the end result of a labor of love. Race is a rising star in the automotive world. Be sure to watch for future updates on Race’s take on ingenuity, drive, and a true passion for cars when the final outcome is unveiled at SEMA in November. He gives a lot of thought to every detail, including the lubricants he chooses. This is why these build cars carry AMSOIL synthetic motor oils and fluids.

Jay Safro, Race’s dad, has had three vehicles at SEMA over the years for his upholstery work. Race, at 16, will have two vehicles at SEMA this year, and a future as bright as his dreams.

Photos above show Race's Model A restoration, courtesy RT Rods.

AMSOIL Stocked 2009 Dodge Ram Featured in Sport Truck

The Dodge Ram is generally not the go-to for custom truck builders, but Mitch Rall of Ektensive Metalworks was one of the first to make a project of it when word of the new-style Ram was announced. Indeed, it was a labor of love that paid off in full with great results. A longtime fan of Dodge trucks, Mitch has owned both body-style trucks prior to this one.

We first caught up with Mitch as he was preparing for the SEMA show in 2008, where the truck was featured in a special Mopar booth. Fully equipped with AMSOIL lubricants, Mitch’s 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab has turned quite a few heads including the folks at Sport Truck magazine. Featured on this month’s cover, this custom truck is definitely out of the norm. Ektensive Metalworks is known for dropping trucks down over big wheels, and this one is no exception. 26x10 Giovanna Canelli wheels with Toyo Proxes STII tires made this goal a reality, and a custom paint job in dark gold and subtle champagne round out the effect. Attention to detail was given to the entire build, right down to the matching rims.

A family man with a wife, daughter, and son on the way, Mitch uses this truck as a daily driver as well. Aside from a few interior pieces being painted to match the exterior, the only big change there is in the sound system. A Rockford Fosgate system installed in the doors and behind the rear seats completes this one-of-a-kind build.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the mag to see the six page spread with photos and other details. It's one beautiful ride.

Cool Blue Continues To Look Hot

"Excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude." ~Marston

John Pangilinan and his 2009 Scion tC just completed a photo shoot for Toyo Tires. AMSOIL has been a sponsor of this talented builder for the previous couple of years, and has been keeping up with this rising star in the tuner industry. With plenty of achievements already under his belt, his most recent was a 1st place win at the annual Scion Tuner Challenge that won him a trophy and $10,000. Not bad for fueling your passion.

From the first project car, a 2000 BMW 3-Series, John has tasted success. That first project car won him over 40 awards, was featured in the film Herbie: Fully Loaded and also featured in a national advertising campaign for Meguiars Car Care. As a result of the national and international coverage of the BMW, John emerged with both respect and experience in the tuner world.

AMSOIL teamed up with John two years ago when he was exhibiting at the SEMA show. We caught up with him a few months ago and asked some questions about his passion for the tuner market.

AMSOIL: How long have you been involved in building cars?
JP: I’ve been building cars since I was 16, but back then it was mostly to impress the girls in high school. During my college and after college years I really became involved in entering car shows such as Hot Import Nights and Import Showoff. Eventually this lead to winning awards and receiving magazine coverage along the way. After I retired my last show car I started consulting on various project cars for different clients and companies. This SEMA I was asked to participate in the Scion Tuner Challenge, where I will compete against 3 other builders with a Scion tC.

AMSOIL: How many vehicles have you built to date?
JP: I’ve built a few vehicles including my 2000 BMW Widebody E46, the Motegi Racing G35, BN Sports Nissan S14 drift car, and my current project a 2009 Scion tC.

AMSOIL: What is your favorite part of being a builder, and why?
JP: My favorite part of being a builder is incorporating personal style and creativity into the project. I really enjoy being able to design the look and feel of vehicles and seeing the end result.

AMSOIL: Do you have a philosophy on the goals you want to achieve in this industry?
JP: I would like to leave a lasting impression in this industry and enjoy my time in it. I have made some really great friends along way and nothing beats doing what you enjoy.

AMSOIL: What is your proudest achievement in this arena?

JP: There are a few proud moments for me including my first cover of a magazine, winning Best BMW overall in 2004 by the NCCA, and being chosen as a builder in 2008 for the Scion Tuner Challenge.

My ideal car to build on would be an Audi R8 because I think it would be a challenge to make an already amazingly designed car even better.

AMSOIL: Do you do this Full-time? Part-time? As a hobby?
JP: I build vehicles part-time and as a hobby. I consult on various builds for clients throughout the year, but never really have 100% control over it. That is why I was very excited to be part of the Scion Tuner Challenge for SEMA this year.

AMSOIL: Do you have a favorite AMSOIL product in addition to the oil?
JP: I really like the P.I. as it improves the fuel mileage and reduces exhaust emissions. I like to be green whenever possible.

Look for John’s 2009 Scion tC in upcoming Toyo Tires advertisements and promotions.