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Get More TwinPower From Your 2011-2016 BMW 535i with a K&N AirCharger Air Intake

27 Apr 2017

A K&N AirCharger is the Ultimate Performance Upgrade for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i

A K&N AirCharger is the ultimate K&N performance upgrade for the 2011-2016 BMW 535i

Even though BMW started making cars back in 1928, they didn't actually become relevant until the 1980s. Thanks in part to a booming stock market and the invention of parachute pants, the BMW 5-Series became popular with customers who were cross-shopping midsize luxury cruisers like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo 740, and Cadillac Seville (yep, you read that right). Fast forward to the 6th generation F10 2011-2016 BMW 535i, and this midsize luxury sedan had become the benchmark car in its class. Part of this dominance came from the stellar BMW N55 3.0L TwinPower straight-6, which used a new twin-scroll turbo and lots of other clever technology to produce a thrilling 300-hp. The innovative F07 2011-2016 BMW 535i Gran Turismo also used this motor, along with some very creative engineering to provide class-leading passenger and cargo room. But no matter which version of the F10 BMW 535i or F07 BMW 535i GT you have, a K&N 63-1132 AirCharger performance cold air intake system can help you see an estimated increase of over 13 horsepower.

To make V8-like power, the BMW N55 TwinPower engine uses a single turbocharger with two different sized scrolls. At low RPMs, the smaller scroll spools up to provide 300 lb-ft of torque at just 1200 RPM. As the revs increase, the second scroll kicks in to provide more boost. That BMW turbo uses the exhaust gas to spin a compressor that forces a large amount of air into the cylinders so the fuel detonation will be more intense. This additional oxygen allows the engine to extract more horsepower and torque from the fuel. But that air doesn't come from the turbo, it's piped in from outside the car through the stock air intake, then pressurized by the compressor. The problem here is, the air has to contend with a number of restrictions, including the thick paper OE BMW air filter, and the narrow factory intake tube. All of the dirt that builds up on the 'surface loading' air filter restricts the amount of air that can pass through. The air that does get past the filter, has to then travel to the engine through a narrow plastic tube that's full of uneven surfaces, which causes the air to swirl around and heat up. By increasing the air temperature, the oxygen content will be reduced, and the engine won't be able to create the maximum amount of power during the combustion cycle.

The K&N 63-1132 AirCharger eliminates airflow restrictions on the BMW 3.0L TwinPower Turbo

To reduce these airflow restrictions, the K&N 63-1132 AirCharger intake system replaces the air box and paper air filter with a large, low restriction K&N performance air filter, surrounded by a heat shield that seals itself against the underside of the hood to create a cold air chamber that's protected from the hot engine bay air. The high-flow cotton gauze material is able to send a lot more air to the turbo's compressor, and the 'depth loading' design allows it to remove far more contaminants from the air than a paper filter. That dirt will then stay trapped inside the 4–6 layers of oiled cotton gauze for up to 100,000 miles before it has to be cleaned (depending on road conditions). Once the dirt has been removed, the air then travels to the compressor through a low restriction polyethylene intake tube that has smooth interior surfaces to reduce air turbulence. All of this results in a high volume of cold air reaching the motor, which will allow it to extract more horsepower and torque during the combustion cycle. It also sharpens the throttle response, and you won't have to make any under-hood modifications or ECU programming changes.

To verify these performance gains, a K&N 63-1132 AirCharger performance intake system was installed on a 2012 BMW 535i 3.0L, and dyno testing revealed an estimated increase of 13.53 horsepower and 13.44 lb-ft of torque. And don't forget, K&N makes an entire line of BMW 535i performance parts, which you can learn about by using the K&N search by vehicle tool.

The K&N 63-1132 is designed to fit the following vehicles:

A K&N 63-1132 AirCharger Intake installed on a 2012 BMW 535i 3.0L TwinPower Turbo

2016 BMW 535I XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 BMW 535I GT XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 BMW 535I GT 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 BMW 535I 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 BMW 535I XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 BMW 535I GT XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 BMW 535I GT 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 BMW 535I 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 BMW 535I XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 BMW 535I GT XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 BMW 535I GT 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 BMW 535I 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 BMW 535I XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 BMW 535I GT XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 BMW 535I GT 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 BMW 535I 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 BMW 535I XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 BMW 535I GT XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 BMW 535I GT 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 BMW 535I 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 BMW 535I XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 BMW 535I GT XDRIVE 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 BMW 535I GT 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 BMW 535I 3.0L L6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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2015, 2016 and 2017 Honda HR-V Performance Upgrades and Accessories

26 Apr 2017

If you own a 2015-2017 Honda HR-V, K&N makes several products to upgrade it

Economical and adventurous, the Honda HR-V is the epitome of a comfortable, affordable commuter without sacrificing the utility and sporty elements of a crossover. Honda has created a subcompact crossover that provides functionality with its multiple configuration seats and allows flexibility with its all-wheel drive options. K&N is the perfect option to boost the durability and power for this crossover.

K&N Engineering manufactures products for the 2015-2017 Honda HR-V. Offering replacement engine air filters designed to improve your vehicles airflow, cabin air filters that provide clean and fresh air to your cabin, to our oil filters that are sturdy enough to protect your vehicle. K&N offers a wide array of performance add-ons for you.

The K&N washable and reusable 33-5027 fits the 2015-2017 Honda HR-V with the 1.5L engine

K&N Replacement Air Filters

K&N pioneered a new era of replacement air filters that are washable and reusable, setting them apart from their disposable competition. Designed to increase airflow and increase torque, K&N will give the Honda HR-V the power it deserves. Covered by the famous 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty, this may be the last air filter you will need to purchase for your HR-V.

For owners with the 2016 and 2017 Honda HR-V 1.8L, the K&N 33-5037 is for your model

The 33-5027 high flow air filter fits in the factory air box of the 2015-2017 Honda HR-V L4 1.5L models. The owners of the 2016 and 2017 Honda HR-V L4 1.8L models are able to replace their air filters with the 33-5037 filter. These filters arrive pre-oiled and ready to install.

K&N Cabin Air Filters

If you would like clean and fresh air in the cab of your HR-V, the K&N VF2033 will help you

Just like the engine air filters, K&N’s cabin air filters are the first of their kind designed to be washable and reusable. Not only do they aid in eliminating odors, the electrostatically charged filter captures most mold, mildew, pollen, spores, fungus, and germs. These factory-fit filters are pre-treated and ready to install. K&N’s cabin air filters are covered by a 10-Year/100,000 Mile Limited Warranty.

The VF2033 will replace the factory cabin air filter for the 2015-2016 Honda HR-V L4 1.5L and the 2016-2017 Honda HR-V L4 1.6L gas models. The VF2033 fits the 2015-2017 Honda HR-V L4 1.6L Diesel model as well.

K&N also offers a line of oil filters for the 2015-2017 Honda HR-V 1.8L, like the HP-1010

K&N Premium Oil Filters

K&N premium oil filters for the Honda HR-V provide outstanding filtration to keep your motor running clean and your vehicle driving smooth. These filters have thick canister walls and a rolled seam providing extra protection and durability for the filter. These oil filters are designed to protect your motor from harmful contaminants while allowing high flow rates. K&N’s Performance Gold oil filters feature a 1” nut on the top for easy removal and the Billet Oil Filters provide an aluminum housing and washable and reusable filter media.

The Pro Series oil filter PS-1010 fits the 2016 and 2017 Honda HR-V L4 1.8L models. For those owners looking for extra protection, the high performance Premium Gold oil filter HP-1010 also fits the 2016 and 2017 Honda HR-V L4 18L models. This model of HR-V also accepts the SS-1010 which is washable and reusable.

To find K&N products for your Honda HR-V or any other vehicle, use the K&N application search on knfilters.com. Use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N Dealer near you.

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Stop Breathing Dirty Air, Today! Upgrade Your Cabin Air Filter to a Washable One

26 Apr 2017

Do you find yourself wishing you had a gas mask when you turn your A/C on in your car?

It’s no secret that OE vehicle manufacturers are making their cars better than ever before. This is especially true on the muscle car side. From styling to power and even weight reduction, the cars now are far more advanced than the muscle cars of the ’60s and ’70s. But even OEMs are constrained by engineering, budget, and production limits. Because of this, the filters they choose for the engine and cabin are typically mass produced, paper filters. These paper filters adequately clean the air, however they are typically a one-time use product. When they are dirty, you throw them away and buy another one. This inefficient cycle is not only a waste of money, but it is adding to our overflowing landfills.

Recently, companies have begun making high quality, washable cabin air filters as replacements for the paper air filters that come in most vehicles nowadays. One of those companies is K&N Engineering. They have been manufacturing engine air filters for decades and are one of the leaders in automotive filtration. So to hear that they are coming out with a washable cabin air filter, you can bet we were definitely intrigued.

K&N cabin air filters install easily in the housing and feature an OE level of fitment

To understand the benefits of K&N’s line of cabin air filters, we should take a look at how cabin air filters benefit us and why more and more manufacturers are adding them in vehicles. Air is taken in by the a/c system in your car in one of two ways. It is either routed in from outside, or inside air is just recirculated around the vehicle. What a cabin air filter does is help to stop the dirt, dust, pollen, mold, spores, fungus, and germs that are in the air we breathe. The factory filter does a good job at this, but as we said before, once it fills up with contaminants you have to throw it away and buy another one.

Compared to paper cabin air filters, K&N cabin air filters are much sturdier and guaranteed to last

Another problem is that many people forget to change their cabin air filter. A dirty cabin air filter can inadvertently let potentially harmful contaminants into the cabin of your vehicle. Have you ever turned your air conditioning on and encountered a foul smelling odor coming from the vents? That could be the sign of a dirty cabin air filter. K&N cabin air filters are made of an advanced non-woven synthetic filter media. The material has been treated with a special refresher spray that helps make the filter electrostatically charged. This electrostatic ability helps grab and hold onto particles as they enter the cab of your car. It also helps freshen the incoming air so you don’t have to worry about those funky smells.

When it comes time to clean the filter, it is as simple as spraying it with the K&N cabin air filter cleaner and rinsing it with water. Then simply spray the filter with the refresher spray and reinstall. K&N guarantees that their cabin air filters will last with a 10-Year/100,000 Mile Limited Warranty. If you want to give you’re a/c system a boost of freshness, go to Knfilters.com and check out their cabin air filter line. While you are there, use their application search tool to find all of the products they make for your muscle car or any other vehicle you own.

Rather than throwing away your cabin air filter, all you have to do with a K&N filter is clean it

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Harrison Burton Tames Bristol for First NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Win

26 Apr 2017

Harrison Burton, K&N Pro Series East, Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR

Harrison Burton wins the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Bristol Motor Speedway

It wasn’t the way Harrison Burton envisioned winning his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race, but he is not complaining.

Burton won the rain-shortened, rain-delayed K&N Pro Series East race at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee after starting on the pole and leading all but two laps. The rain came and ended the race after 70 laps of the scheduled 125.

It took 17 starts and two seasons in the K&N Pro Series East, but the 16-year-old Burton won his first race in the series.

“I was pretty excited to come back and get the win,” Burton said. “It was something I circled on my calendar for probably a whole year. I knew we had a really strong car the last time we came here. Even though it was a different team, I knew my guys were capable of giving me a fast car and I feel I was really confident here. I am just really excited to get the win for sure.”

Burton won the pole and led the first 13 laps of the Zombie Auto 125 K&N Pro Series East race at Bristol in 2016. He ended up finishing in 23rd place.

Rained washed out qualifying for this year’s K&N Pro Series East race at Bristol. Burton leads the K&N Pro Series East standings and was awarded the pole. The rainy days at Bristol led to delays in practice for the accompanying NASCAR Xfinity race, pushing the start of the K&N Pro Series East race back almost two hours.

Harrison Burton leads the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East field at the start of the race at Bristol

Once the race started, Burton was out front for the first 23 laps. Colin Cabre passed Burton for the lead, but only briefly. Cabre led for two laps before Burton regained the lead on lap 26.

The race was halted on lap 70 because of rain and never resumed. Burton was declared the winner.

"I feel like every team circles this race on their calendar," Burton said. "We kind of wanted to run the whole race and win it that way. We were confident our car was good enough that we could win it that way. I feel like it would've been cool to cross the line in dry conditions. But, I'll take it. I never wanted it to rain so bad in my life."

Burton is also racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. His next race is at Dover International Speedway. Burton said winning a K&N Pro Series race will help him in the Truck Series.

“I feel that it increases my confidence,” Burton said. “I know I can get it done in a big, heavy stock car. I was pretty confident in the super late model division, which are light, high horsepower and really fast. I am really confident in these bigger, heavier cars. I feel like I can go out and run with the best of them.”

Ruben Garcia Jr. was second in the K&N Pro Series East race at Bristol. It was the best finish of his K&N Pro Series career.

“Every time we get on the track, we are getting better and better,” Garcia said. “If we keep working at that, if I keep putting all my effort every time we are on the track, something will be on the checkered flag.”

Harrison Burton led 68 of the 70 laps in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Bristol

Spencer Davis was third, followed by Hunter Baize in fourth and Chad Finchum in fifth.

Burton leads the K&N Pro Series East standings by 15 points over Baize after three races.

“It was a lot of fun for sure,” Burton said. “It’s been a long time coming. To come out and get a win, it’s super, super cool. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life for sure.”

The next K&N Pro Series East race is at South Boston Speedway.

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The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show Showcases Some of the World’s Coolest Customs

26 Apr 2017

The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show at the Fair Market in Austin, Texas

The Fair Market in Austin's cool downtown was this year's home for the Handbuilt Show

“Keep Austin Weird” is a phrase that is ubiquitous around the character-filled Texas capital city. It is a slogan that makes the appeal to curb the rampant commercialism that can suck the soul out of a city.

If that’s the goal in Austin, the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show is doing its part to keep the creative soul of the Austin motorcycle scene alive. The annual event celebrates the art of the hand-crafted motorcycle in all of its unique variations. If you are looking for cookie-cutter, mass produced “customs” you’d best look elsewhere.

In the words of the folks at Revival Cycles, the creative force behind the Handbuilt Show, the event is a kind of revolution. It is, in no small measure, an analog revolution.

Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras with their R nine T custom at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show

Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras with their BMW R nine T custom

“As our collective existence slips further into digital abstraction, we at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show believe something has been lost and it is time to revive the culture of physical craftsmanship,” says Revival Cycles. “Although in today’s modern mass-produced world few young people are taught how to do physical work or are encouraged to embrace a trade, there remains a universal attraction to the beauty that can only be formed by human hands.”

The Handbuilt event showcases some of the world’s most intriguing customs crafted by the most creative builders in the business. The show is a three day event for good reason. One day is not enough time to study, imbibe, and appreciate the treasures that reside in Austin’s Fair Market. The Fair Market provides the perfect ambiance for the show.

The crowd at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, Texas

Organizers tried to moderate attendance by charging admission - no such luck

We caught up with a couple of the featured builders at the Hanbuilt Show, Jessi Combs and Theresa Contreras. Jessi and Theresa are longtime friends of K&N and are the creators of the sensational one-off BMW R nine T that graced the entryway to the Handbuilt Show.

“I get so much inspiration from the truly unique customs that you find at the Austin event,” said Theresa. “Everywhere you look there is something new to appreciate. I love seeing the vision of other builders.”

Colt Wrangler's 1971 Honda CL 175 at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, Texas

Colt Wrangler's 1971 Honda CL 175 is fitted with a KX 100 front fork and wears a K&N air filter

“It’s great to be here,” Jessi said. “It’s such a wonderful demographic – not just café racers, but every kind of custom you can imagine. All of them are so unique and original.”

The organizers decided to charge an admission fee this year in hopes that it would make the crowds more manageable. It didn't work. The event was so popular that the huge venue was at almost perpetual capacity with lines of eager custom motorcycle fans waiting in line for folks to exit and make more room.

Surely you are ready to see some of the hand-built customs that graced the space at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show. Take note of the sheer number of builders who have trusted the performance and protection of their rolling pieces of art to K&N. Well here you go.