SEMA 2022 Recap: What You Missed At The Show
There was so much to see at SEMA this year that it would have been a challenge for any attendee to fit it all in. From myriad product and vehicle unveilings to awesome demonstrations of drifting and off-roading, there was something to enjoy for any automotive fan. The annual gathering in Las Vegas, Nevada is known worldwide as the largest event of its kind in the aftermarket industry, which sees everyone from the biggest names in the business to small-scale custom car shops bring their best and latest creations to share with the rest of the community, and by extension, the world.
MaganFlow’s booth at this year’s show represented a sort of microcosm of SEMA at large, with a variety of vehicles on display that touched on most facets of the aftermarket scene: a car show within a car show, if you will. Like most popular car shows, there were also some celebrities who stopped by to hang out and sign autographs with Team MagnaFlow. Big-name MagnaFlow Ambassadors and partners such as Mario Andretti and Chip Foose drew crowds of fans and gearheads to the point where to the lines to meet each of them wrapped around our display area and down the hall.
Debut of the Kevin Hart Collection
Among the many famous faces we hosted at this year’s show was none other than superstar comedian Kevin Hart, who was excited to collaborate with MagnaFlow and our friends next door at Maguire’s to introduce the world to The Kevin Hart Collection. The man himself stopped by on SEMA’s opening day for the unveiling of his latest project: a 1987 Buick Grand National GNX known as “the Dark Knight.” Each of the vehicles features a custom MagnaFlow exhaust system produced using our Custom Builder Parts.
The midnight black street machine was on display alongside a classy 1958 C1 Corvette appropriately named “Mint Condition” and a bare-knuckled brawler of a 1970 Dodge Charger that Kevin has simply dubbed “Hellraiser.” The collection continued at Maguiar’s booth next to ours, where “Michael Myers,” his 1969 Plymouth Road Runner and “Bad News,” a ’69 Camaro drew plenty of attention thanks to all the craftsmanship and performance potential they each embody.
Interested in an in dept breakdown of each vehicle featured in The Kevin Hart Collection? Check out our recent blog where we take a deep dive into what makes each of these rides so special.
BRZ and 400Z x TJ Hunt & StreetHunter
Also in attendance was YouTuber and MagnaFlow ambassador TJ Hunt, who was on hand to show off his 2022 Subaru BRZ and 2022 Nissan “400Z,” each equipped with his latest StreetHunter bolt-on body kits. This is a big move for StreetHunter, as they represent the brand’s first attempt at making full replacement parts for vehicles. The BRZ is equipped with one of our NEO Series performance exhaust systems (#19595), while the Z is running our latest xMOD Series exhaust system (coming soon!).
When it came to the BRZ, TJ and his team really “wanted to make it look pissed off in the front.” This entailed a complete front-end redesign inspired by the new Toyota GR Corolla. The replacement panels extend from the front bumpers through to the front fenders, side skirt and rear fenders. The aerodynamic rework is topped off with a sturdy rear wing designed in collaboration with Battle Aero.
TJ’s new Nissan Z (which he likes to refer to as the “400Z”) received a similar treatment, albeit with the addition of a stylish double-stacked front lip spoiler and some epic looking double vents that run the length of the car before exiting out each side of the rear. He also had the car reskinned using Inozetek’s Laguna Seca Blue wrap to help differentiate it from every other new Z at the show, which more often than not were repping Nissan’s vibrant yellow launch color.
Jason Denney’s 1972 International Scout II
Builder Jason Denney (Ig: @tacodust) decided to begin work on this vintage truck as a tribute to his father who used to own one and passed away when he was 13 years old. His father’s example was the first 4x4 to be a part of Jason’s life and helped start him down the path to where he is today. His goal was to modernize the truck here and there while staying true to the vehicle’s original DNA.
The result is a sturdy 4x4 that has the latest technology and tools where it counts while retaining the classic appearance of the original off-roader. Some upgrades include a custom exhaust that integrates one of our xMOD Universal Mufflers for unbeatable modularity (#14006/#14009), as well as a chassis kit, LS swap components, trim and accessories from Anything Scout. Tom Woods driveshafts, Custom Scouts bumpers, 3rd member, axles, gears, lockers and seals from Yukon Gear & Axle, UtraSwing rack from RIGd Supply, KMC forged beadlock wheels, KC HI-lites lighting and a full float rear end from Camburg round out the components that Jason worked into the built.
“I wanted this truck to keep its DNA while incorporating modern technology where it matters from the best manufacturers in the world. To say that this build pushed me outside of my comfort zone is absolute understatement, but I couldn't be more proud of the result,” Jason said of the built. Well put. We’d say mission accomplished.
Throtl’s 1999 Honda Civic “FREK” EK Hatchback
Our friends over at Throtl went wild with this Civic rear wheel drive conversion, including installing a Garrett G25-550 turbocharger on the K20A2 engine, in addition to a Garrett intercooler, Mishimoto intercooler clamps, LoveFab exhaust manifold and a custom MagnaFlow exhaust system to name a few of the engine upgrades. Drivetrain enhancements such as an ACT clutch, Driveshaft Shop axles, an S1 Built RWD conversion kit and HASport diff mounts elevate this hot hatch into something truly special.
Handling is further improved thanks to a Wilwood front Big Brake kit and pedal set, 15” Motegi MR146 wheels and Falken Azenis RT660 tires, coupled with suspension upgrades including front and rear sway bars from Progress Tech, a KL Fab Roll Cage, as well as electric power steering.
The Civic’s exterior boasts a carbon fiber roof, in addition to carbon fiber doors, hood and rear hatch from Seibon. Meanwhile, the interior features a quick release, seat brackets, harnesses, hub and QRT-K from Sparco, as well as A/C from Vintage Air and a Mako Motorsports gauge cluster.
1931 Ford Model A x Classic Car Studio
This timeless example of one of the most first and most popular vehicles to ever be mass produced is the pride and joy of owner Mike Tyskiewicz. He turned to the team at Classic Car Studio in Brentwood, Missouri to have them fabricate the Model A of his dreams and boy, did they deliver. From its handmade chassis and exhaust (made using MagnaFlow’s Custom Builder Parts) to the seats, bed, tailgate, hinges, fuel tank, engine cover, frameless rounded windshield and steering wheel, the amount of fabrication that went into making this classic a reality is downright impressive.
The Model A’s 239cui Flathead V8 was built by Don Ferguson of Ardun Enterprises and houses Ardun overhead valve cylinder heads that help the car produce around 263 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque. Other added components include split wishbone radius rods by Speedway Motors, Ride Tech rear coilovers, Superbell Axle Co. drilled I-beam axles, Rocket Racing Wheels (16” front/18” rear) fitted with Excelsior tires, Franklin quick-change rear end and a BASF refinish paint and clearcoat in Ford’s hue known as “Area-51.”
Richard Waitas’s 2022 Jeep Wrangler “DualSport Daily”
As Spokesperson and the traveling face of MagnaFlow, Richard Waitas ends up doing quite a bit of driving, about “15-25k” miles a year in fact. Between his daily commute and penchant for exploring off the beaten path whenever possible, Richard wanted a rig that was comfortable enough to drive on the highway while also being prepped and loaded for any spontaneous weekend outings.
When it came to choosing an exhaust, Richard went with a prototype cat-back system from our Overland Series. Using the vehicle daily has allowed Richard to help dial in the prototype to MagnaFlow standards, looking to get every ounce of power out of the Jeep’s 3.6L e-torque motor to help the Wrangler carry as much gear as possible without overloading. The system also allows drivers to tune the exhaust note to their liking.
Further upgrades include a JL370 uplift conversion by AEV, including geometry correction brackets, triple rates spring and custom tuned Bilstein 8100 series shocks, as well as a set of Patagonia X/T 37” rubber from Milestar Tires, a Goose Gear Stealth Sleep Package, Go Fast Campers Platform RTT, Rhino Rack Backbone System and Roam 270 Awning. With all these mechanical and equipment enhancements the DualSport Daily is ready for adventure, whether that means heading down the road or roaming down the trail.
Camburg Racing’s 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor
It seems safe to say that most truck fans have a soft spot in their hearts for the Ford F-150 Raptor. Since their initial introduction, the Baja-ready workhorse of a pickup has inspired custom shops and competing OEMs alike to try and syphon off some of that glory, as can be seen with the likes of the Ram 1500 TRX. Camburg Racing decided to cement the F-150 Raptor’s place as the ultimate performance truck by kicking it up a couple notches where it counts.
These improvements include a MagnaFlow xMOD Series performance exhaust system (#19587) for improved exhaust flow and a customizable engine sound, Camburg’s own Kinetik Series rear billet links, as well as front upper and lower control arms. Additional touches such as Fox shock and bumpers, KMC forged beadlock wheels, 37” M/T tires from General Tire, Scosche accessories and Baja Designs LED lighting. The rig was built to act as one of Camburg’s research and development vehicles and, like the Wrangler, was available to check out at our outdoor rig display area.
MagnaFlow Can-Am Maverick X3 R&D UTV
Rounding out the builds we had on display outdoors at the show is one of our research and development vehicles: a 2020 Can-Am Maverick X3 fitted with a prototype MagnaFlow exhaust, zBros suspension, Baja Designs LED lighting, Raceline wheels, Milestar tires, Baja Kits roll cage and arms and Open Trail axles.
We brought it along to give attendees some insight into what goes into making a MagnaFlow R&D vehicle. This baby is always ready to hit the dunes!
Introducing xFrame
Last, but certainly not least is the debut of our latest undertaking: developing the world’s first dynamic driving simulator, allowing simulator fans to adjust their driving position for any type of racing without any of the costly powered adjustment features found on other simulator rigs. Attendees at SEMA had the chance to try out the setup for themselves. Interested in finding out more? Be sure to sign up here for all future updates. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Success at SEMA 2022
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to see what MagnaFlow is all about! It’s always awesome to be able to meet other enthusiasts and see our close friends from across the industry. Interested in more coverage of SEMA 2022? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok to see all our coverage of the show. Hope to see you all next year!
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