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K&N Donates Performance Parts for Jeep Build Benefiting Santa Fe ECO School

Front view of the Jeep Wrangler

The Wrangler features a K&N snorkel system for off-road adventures

For the past few months, students in the automotive technology program at Santa Fe Early College Opportunities School (Santa Fe ECO) have been diligently working on a very special vehicle build—sponsored by SEMA and twenty-three automotive aftermarket companies, including K&N. The vehicle—a highly-customized 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited—features over $20,000 in aftermarket parts, and is currently being auctioned to support the program’s vehicle build for the next school year. SEMA will donate 100% of the winning bid back to the school, and Bring-A-Trailer, the auction platform, is picking up the tab for the buyer fee.

Along with traditional academic courses, Santa Fe ECO offers career and technical education courses including bio-medical sciences, business, computer science, engineering, construction, welding, and of course—automotive technology. The early college model allows students to pursue certifications and associate degrees while they complete their high school diplomas—allowing students who might not perform well in a traditional learning environment to thrive and develop skills relevant to their interests and career goals.

Three-quarters view of the Jeep Wrangler

Students at Santa Fe ECO have been working on the build since last fall

Santa Fe ECO’s goal is to create a self-sustaining auto technology program, allowing students to have real-world, hands-on experience each school year to develop the skills needed to be successful in the automotive industry. “When you make learning relevant, it does incredible things, and the Jeep build is a wonderful opportunity for us to do that,” commented Kelly Rinaldi, Assistant Principal of Santa Fe ECO.

The customized Wrangler features the original 3.6L V6 engine with automatic transmission, and has been upgraded with an Edelbrock supercharger and Flowmaster 409S cat-back single exit exhaust system. K&N donated an Aircharger Snorkel System (63-1573), cabin air filter, and premium oil filter to the build.

Rear view of the Jeep Wrangler

The original full hardtop and doors are included in the sale

Exterior modifications include front and rear bumpers, high clearance metal front and rear fenders, fender liners, and rocker sliders/steps (donated by Bodyguard Truck Accessories). Lund International provided four Rampage trail doors, and Rugged Ridge provided black hood catches and vents. The suspension has also been customized, and the Jeep has been outfitted with a new winch, headlights, tail lights, custom fuel door, premium seat covers, seatbelts, a floor mat kit, console cover, shift handle kit, sway bars, exterior lighting, and traction tools (among other new features).

“It’s just an awesome opportunity for us to be working with SEMA, and all these different manufacturers to make this happen for us,” commented Chris Coriz, the auto technology instructor. One thing’s for certain—whoever posts the winning bid will not only receive a fantastic, one-of-a-kind off-road vehicle, they will also be supporting aspiring automotive technology students who have already proven themselves ready to meet and exceed challenges.

Do you want to own it? You can view details of the build and bid on the custom Wrangler at www.bringatrailer.com.

K&N® Introduces 77-3104KP Air Intake System for 2017-2018 Chevrolet Colorado V6

Designed to be compatible with 2017-2018 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6 and GMC Canyon 3.6L V6 models, the K&N® 77-3104KP Air Intake System offers a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque for Colorado and Canyon owners.

The 77-3104KP air intake system

The 77-3104KP features a High-Flow Air Filter with heat shield

The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is a highly-rated compact pickup truck, featuring a powerful towing capacity (7,000 lbs. on the V6 model), comfortable cabin, and available features including wireless phone charging, forward collision alert, lane departure alert, and a Wi-Fi hot spot (among others). The 3.6L V6 engine offers 308-horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2018 GMC Canyon 3.6L V6 also offers a comfortable ride, high-quality interior materials, and multiple tech features—including a rearview camera, USB port, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker sound system. The 3.6L V6 engine also provides 308-horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque.

The 77-3104KP after installation

The 77-3104KP after installation

For those looking for an extra boost in horsepower for either of these compact pickup models, the K&N® 77-3104KP Air Intake System can help decrease air turbulence that may slow the volume of airflow reaching your engine. Many factory intake systems have components that can be consolidated in order to direct airflow more efficiently.

The K&N® 77-3104KP air intake system is a free-flowing, mandrel-bent polished aluminum tube cold air intake system designed to replace the factory air filter and air intake components. The included polished aluminum intake tube is engineered to be aerodynamic, and the High-Flow™ Air Filter (also included in the kit) also helps increase airflow to your engine—while simultaneously providing exceptional protection from contaminants. The oversized conical filter shape allows for up to 100,000 miles between cleanings (under normal highway driving conditions). When it does need to be cleaned, you can use the K&N Recharger® Kit (99-5000) to quickly and easily restore your filter’s performance. Each intake and filter is designed to last for the life of your vehicle.

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6 is compatible with the 63-3088 intake system

The 77-3104KP system also features a custom powder-coated aluminum heat shield which protects the air filter and intake air from high engine temperatures. The heat shield installs onto the lower factory air box and retains the fresh air inlet. The air intake tube funnels airflow directly into the engine’s throttle body, offering a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque.

Since the kit utilizes existing factory mounting points, requires only basic hand tools, and incorporates the factory mass air sensor, installation can typically be completed in 90 minutes or less.

Using a K&N replacement air intake system will not void your factory warranty (as some consumers may think); in the U.S., manufacturers must provide evidence that an aftermarket part is the cause of a necessary repair in order to void or deny warranty coverage. The Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (also known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act) protects consumers’ rights to their warranty coverage.

You are guaranteed to experience an increase in horsepower and torque with your new K&N air intake system. On a chassis dynamometer, a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado V6 with the stock air intake was recorded at 217.2-hp at 6,498rpm, and after installation of the 77-3104KP the same vehicle was recorded at 231.7-hp at 6,498rpm—an estimated increase of 14.5-hp. The torque was also improved from 182.9 lb-ft on the stock air intake to 190.6 lb-ft with the 77-3104KPa total estimated increase in torque of 7.7 lb-ft at 3,734rpm. You can buy with confidence under the 10-Year/Million Mile Limited Warranty, and the assurance that you’re receiving top quality when you purchase a K&N product.

The 77-3104KP is designed for use in the following vehicles:

2018 GMC Canyon 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection: All Models

2018 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection: All Models

2017 GMC Canyon 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection: All Models

2017 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6 Fuel Injection: All Models

FAQs

Will using a K&N® replacement air intake system void my factory warranty?

No. In the United States, in order for the manufacturer of a warranted product to void or deny warranty coverage of a repair due to the use of an aftermarket part, the manufacturer must provide proof that the aftermarket part is the cause of the necessary repair. These rights are protected under the Consumer Products Warranty Act of 1975 (also referred to as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act).

Are K&N® performance air intake systems or RK-series custom air cleaner assemblies emissions legal in the U.S.?

Performance intake systems are legal for street use in most areas of the United States.

In California, and in specific regions which have adopted California air quality regulations, only CARB-exempt performance intakes are legal for street use.

Check the K&N catalog or website for vehicle applications and specific CARB status for each vehicle and air intake.

Can a K&N® product cause my Check Engine Light or Service Light to come on?

It is possible that the Check Engine Light may come on after installing a K&N air filter or performance intake system. This does not necessarily mean that there is something wrong with your air filter or intake; sometimes, the higher air flow and lower restriction provided by the K&N product will uncover an existing mechanical or electronic issue with your vehicle. In rare cases, you may have a K&N product which was manufactured outside of its design tolerances, causing sensors in your vehicle to read data outside of their normal expected values. In either case, the K&N Warranty Department can work with you to narrow down the cause of the Check Engine Light and correct the issue.

How much horsepower does a K&N® cold air intake add?

Dynamometer tests indicating horsepower and torque increases over the OEM intake system will appear on the "Product Details" page for each of our performance intake systems.

What does a cold air intake do for a car?

Cold air intakes allow for increased airflow to your engine, which results in an increase in torque and acceleration for your vehicle.

Can cold air intakes improve gas mileage?

In theory, a cold air intake could increase the gas mileage of your vehicle due to improved airflow which allows the engine to run more efficiently and require less fuel. However, K&N does not make any guarantees in terms of increased gas mileage with the use of our filters or intakes.

*Some intake systems are not legal for sale or use on any pollution controlled motor vehicle in California or states adopting California emission procedures. See knfilters.com for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.

K&N®-Sponsored Lucas Oil Protection Trucks Help Save Racers’ Lives

Regardless of the type of track or vehicle—dirt or pavement, off-road or drifting—racers live on the edge. With every race comes the possibility of serious injury—and for drivers in many Lucas Oil Off-Road Series events, that’s when the K&N® Lucas Oil Protection Team steps in to help avert disaster.

A Lucas Oil Protection Team Toyota Tundra

The Lucas Oil Protection Team vehicles have to be able to handle rough and dirty terrain with ease

The K&N Lucas Oil Protection Team is trained to reach racers in crisis within seconds of an accident. Whether it’s flipping a truck, putting out a fire, or extricating a trapped driver, these professionals—many of whom are off-duty firefighters and EMTs—are scattered throughout the course and ready to save lives at a moment’s notice. To reach drivers in danger, of course, the team has to have safety vehicles capable of traversing all terrains. The fleet of K&N protection trucks—five Toyota Tundras featuring K&N filters—has to be able to manage demanding off-road environments with speed and agility in order to reach racers in danger. And, of course, they rely on K&N filters to help keep their engines clean in those dusty and muddy environments.

The protection team in action, helping a driver flip a vehicle

The protection team in action, helping a driver flip a vehicle

“In virtually every race, there’s a crash that’s so spectacular that you wonder how the driver walks away—and it’s because our crew is right there instantly to help out,” commented Alex Striler, Director of Sales and Marketing for Team Lucas. “Without K&N’s support, we probably could not continue the racing to the extent that we do.”

And it’s no exaggeration—with fifteen to twenty vehicles hurtling toward the same tight turn, dangerous collisions are a common occurrence. The protection trucks have to be capable of navigating off-road tracks that would be inaccessible to your average vehicle—and they have to be able to do so quickly.

A Lucas Oil Protection Team Toyota Tundra

K&N sponsors a fleet of protection vehicles for the Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series, all featuring

“The performance on the truck is incredibly important. We’ve got a system in place with K&N that can take in the volume of dust and dirt that [off-roading] might create,” commented Greg Cozzo of Lucas Oil Racing TV. Each of the Tundras has a K&N High-Flow Air Filter™ (available for almost every make and model at www.knfilters.com), which is washable, reusable, and able to protect the engine even in particulate-heavy environments. “Maintenance is critical,” added Alex Striler. “Before every event, we have to do full maintenance. With the reusables, we just inspect them and put them back on—it makes it very easy and convenient.”

We know that the drivers in the Lucas Oil Off-Road Series feel confident in the expertise and dedication of their protection team—and the protection team has confidence in their trucks, knowing that they’re protected by Lucas Oil and K&N Filters.

7 Essential Tasks to Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer

Before summer hits in full force, it’s critical to ensure your vehicle is ready for the extreme temperatures that the hotter months frequently bring. A few simple steps can help you avoid ending up on the side of the road with an overheated engine, a dead air conditioning system, or a flat tire. Check out our top tips for preparing your vehicle for summer!

Graphic featuring a vehicle with major inspection points highlighted

A quick pre-summer vehicle inspection can help avoid problems

CHECK YOUR COOLING SYSTEM

Overheating on the open road in the middle of summer isn’t just inconvenient—it can actually cause permanent engine damage. Take a good look under the hood (after the engine has fully cooled, which can take a few hours) and examine your radiator and hoses—any cracks or leaks should be repaired, and all connections should be snug. Shiny areas on belts and hoses are a sign of serious wear, and are often the result of extreme heat damage. While you’re at it, make sure to fill your coolant reservoir to the recommended level (a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water is standard). Manufacturers generally advise that coolant be completely flushed and replaced every two years. If you do need to add/drain some coolant, make sure to keep it out of reach of your furry friends—dogs particularly love the taste of coolant, and drinking even small amounts can be lethal.

EXAMINE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM

Check for worn or damaged belts in your air conditioning system. Your compressor is located near the front of the engine, and is powered by the main drive belt—if the belt is worn or cracking, it could fail (often at the most inopportune moment, like when the temperature is in the triple digits!). Also check your refrigerant levels. If you spot any problems, take the opportunity to visit your mechanic before serious issues arise.

TAKE A LOOK AT YOUR BRAKE PADS

High-Flow™ Air Filter installation

K&N’s High-Flow™ Air Filter helps protect your engine from summer dust

Winter can be hard on brake pads—and if not checked properly in the spring, the high temperatures of summer can cause serious brake pad degradation. When looking between your wheel’s spokes, you should be able to see at least one-fourth of an inch of pad—any thinner than that, and you should have them inspected and possibly replaced. If you hear a high-pitched screech when braking, it’s a clear indicator that your pads need to be checked.

SWAP FOR SUMMER TIRES

An often-overlooked component of safe summer driving, summer tires (often called performance tires) are built to maintain excellent grip on the road—even if the pavement is burning hot or soaking wet with rain. They typically feature shorter sidewalls, less prominent tread, and stiffer construction, allowing for less friction and better fuel economy. You will also likely enjoy enhanced cornering and braking. Remember to always check your tires for proper inflation, as high temperatures can cause pressure variations, sometimes resulting in blowouts. (This is also a good time to check the pressure in your spare tire, if you have one).

PLAN AHEAD FOR TOWING

If you plan on towing for your summer trips—whether it be a trailer, boat, or toy hauler—you definitely want to check to make sure that your planned load is under your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, your trailer hitch is secure, and your lights are working properly. It’s much easier to check things out ahead of time—rather than trying to correct problems the morning of a big trip!

SWITCH OUT YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS

There’s nothing like an unexpected thunderstorm in the middle of a sweltering summer—especially if your windshield wipers have turned into ineffectual, screechy sticks in the heat. Take a few minutes to ensure that your wipers still have good grip, and replace them if necessary.

CHANGE YOUR ENGINE/CABIN AIR FILTERS

K&N Washable Cabin Filter

K&N Washable Cabin Filters can help filter summer dust and allergens

After a couple of months of minimal rainfall, the dust starts to rise—and your filters will often clog much more quickly than in the winter months. A clogged filter decreases airflow to your engine and can dramatically reduce performance. If your air filter needs to be replaced, check out K&N’s High-Flow™ Air Filters—since they’re washable and reusable, you can easily clean and reinstall them, especially if your summer adventures take you into particularly dusty areas. If you have a cabin air filter, check out K&N’s washable line, which helps protect your cabin and passengers from airborne dust and contaminants—the filters are washable and reusable just like the famous K&N engine air filters. To search for filters that fit your specific vehicle, check out www.knfilters.com.

With a little forethought, your vehicle can be just as reliable during the extremely hot summer months as it is during the rest of the year—and you can enjoy peace of mind on your vacations and day-trips!

K&N®-Sponsored MotoAmerica Superbike Racer Kyle Wyman Primed for Podiums in 2018

Kyle Wyman has no shortage of determination. After a difficult end to the 2017 season, Wyman—of Kyle Wyman Racing—is already showing strong performance in the MotoAmerica Superbike racing series this year.

Kyle Wyman on his Yamaha YZF-R1

Kyle Wyman on his Yamaha YZF-R1

Wyman became a motorsports enthusiast at the early age of five—tearing up his parents’ backyard on a tiny Yamaha PW50. At only nine, he entered his first flat track race, and a passion for racing and competition was born. In 2004, he won the CMC Open Amateur Championship, which he followed up by winning the Ohio State Championship in the 505 Expert and Open Expert classes the following year. In 2006 (at only sixteen years old), he went pro in flat track—and finished 3rd overall in the Pro Sport National Championship. He continued his flat track racing career until 2009, when he received his Pro Road Racing License and began competing in the AMA Pro Supersport division.

In 2011, Wyman had his first professional win at the Daytona International Speedway, and went on to finish fifth overall in the Harley-Davidson Series Championship. In 2012, he founded Kyle Wyman Racing (KWR) and became the youngest championship-winning team owner with rider Michael Barnes. Following multiple podium and top-five finishes in the Daytona Sportbike Series and the Harley Davidson Series, Wyman moved up to the Superbike category in 2016, and proved himself a dedicated competitor with ten top-five finishes in his rookie year.

Wyman during a recent interview

Wyman during a recent interview

Wyman is no stranger to the dangers of the track. In September of 2017, he survived a 150-mph crash caused by total brake failure during a practice run for the MotoAmerica Superbike season finale at Barber Motorsports Park. Luckily, the track was equipped with inflatable air fencing—a protective measure intended to shield riders from the concrete and steel walls surrounding the track. He walked away from the crash, but suffered a fracture in one of the vertebrae in his back.

The crash came at an inopportune moment—just after Wyman had achieved his first career Superbike podium finish at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and was feeling confident about his potential performance in the finale. After recovery during the off-season, he’s looking optimistically at the rest of the 2018. “I feel 100%. That’s in the past. I’m going for number one this year,” he commented.

Wyman isn’t leaving anything to chance, and is keeping all of his equipment in prime condition. He uses a High-Flow™ Air Filter (model YA-1015R) on his Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike to help ensure excellent performance on the track. (The street version of the same filter is available for customers under part number YA-1015).

Kyle Wyman competing on his Yamaha YZF-R1

Kyle Wyman competing on his Yamaha YZF-R1

“For this year, K&N made a new air filter for the Yamaha R1—they took what was more of a flat filter and coned it out so there’s more surface area—and it’s giving us way better airflow,” Wyman observed. “Having a K&N filter in the bike is not only going to increase horsepower, but it’s going to give us a more consistent pickup of the initial throttle, so when the fueling is trying to adjust to all of these different things that are happening like ambient air temperature—the K&N filter has such consistent airflow that it gives us one less variable that we have to worry about during a race weekend.”

Wyman is currently ranked sixth overall following the Championship of Virginia at Virginia International Raceway in Danville, VA on May 6.

You can see Wyman compete on June 3, 2018 at the Dunlop Championship at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI.