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Ford Drops V6 Mustang for 2018; K&N Covers 6-Cylinder Mustangs Back To 1965

For customers on a budget or those not concerned with horsepower, a six cylinder was a good option

A six cylinder option has been available in the Mustang for 83% of all model years

Ford announced on January 17, 2017, that it will be ending the long, though not entirely unbroken, line of available, normally-aspirated six cylinder engines in its brand icon with the 2018 Mustang. While atmospheric six cylinder engines have been available in 44 of 53 years that the Mustang (and Mustang II) have been on the market, Ford says that only 15% of their buyers are selecting the unboosted 3.7L 300 horsepower V6 over the 3.5L twin turbo EcoBoost six cylinder or the 5.0L normally-aspirated V8.

The original Mustang was a small, mid-engine prototype with its emphasis more on handling than drag racing. Good thing given it was powered by a small V4 engine. Since it represented only one running prototype we're going to ignore this Mustang for the purposes of our article. The first true Mustangs that everyone knows and loves are the models from 1965 - 1973. While the Mustang first went on sale in the spring of 1964, all cars were designated by Ford as 1965 models. The original straight six engine was increased from 170 CID to 200 CID at around the time of a traditional model year launch. The 200 CID six remained in the line through the 1970 when Ford went to the larger 250 CID engine as base for the larger Mustang of the 1971 – 1973 model years.

When the big Mustangs were replaced by the Mustang II in 1974, the six returned. Instead of the straight six of earlier Mustangs, it was a V6 from Ford's German operations in Cologne. Come 1979 and the introduction of the first Fox chassis and the Cologne V6 was carried forward. Shortly after the start of production, a 3.3L straight six, based on the original Mustang engine was introduced, and soon replaced the German motor. However the option for a six cylinder was dropped in 1987 and wouldn’t return until the 1994 model year.

K&N continues to manufacture air filters for 170, 200, and 250 Ford straight six engines

The K&N E-1080 air filter fits the original 170 CID engine from the early six-cylinder Mustang

For the fourth generation of Mustang (1994-2004) was based on what Ford called the Fox-4 platform. A six was again available, this time the V6 from the Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Canada. The displacement was 3.8L until 2004 when it was enlarged to 3.9L. Strangely enough, the 3.9L Essex engine was dropped in favor of a 4.0L overhead cam version of the German Cologne V6 for the D2C platform Mustang for the model years of 2005 - 2010. For 2011 an all-new 3.7L aluminum block V6 with DOHC and 24 valves became the base engine. This sophisticated engine continued to be available in the sixth generation Mustang through the 2017 model year. Is this the end of the six-cylinder Mustang? We wouldn't count on it. So in the meantime, here's what K&N offers for six-cylinder Mustang owners.

The first performance upgrade many turn to is a K&N OE replacement air filter. Constructed of a washable cotton gauze material, K&N OE replacement air filters have been designed to increase horsepower by delivering up to a 50% increase in airflow into your Mustang. In fact, test results of a similar filter showed an increase of 122 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of airflow versus a typical disposable filter. All replacement filter designs are subjected to airflow test measurements as well as filtration efficiency to international ISO 5011 test protocols. In addition, the K&N OE replacement air filters are covered by a 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty and are engineered to be used for 50,000 between cleanings, depending on driving conditions.

The K&N E-0940 fits 3.8 and 3.9 versions of the V6 fitted to Mustang between 1994 and 2004

K&N E-0940 tapered conical air filter replaces the standard filter in 1994 - 2004 V6 Mustangs

K&N OE Replacement Air Filters for Six Cylinder Ford Mustangs

1965-1965 170 CID K&N E-1080

1965-1967 200 CID K&N E-1080

1968-1969 200 CID K&N E-1030

1970-1970 200 CID K&N E-1200

1971-1973 250 CID K&N E-1350

1974-1975 2.8 L K&N E-1350

1980-1982 3.3 L K&N E-1350

1983-1986 3.8 L K&N E-1325

1994-2004 3.8 L K&N E-0940

2005-2010 4.0 L K&N 33-2298

2011-2014 3.7 L K&N 33-2431

2014-2017 3.7 L K&N 33-5029

K&N Performance Air Intake Systems Intake

K&N Air Intake systems are available back to the 1999 model year for six-cylinder Mustangs

For 2015-2017 V6 Mustang owners looking for power, the 69-3536TTK intake adds an estimated 12.4 HP

The intake system of new cars and trucks is often compromised and as a result doesn’t deliver as much fresh air as the engine can draw. K&N performance air intake systems replace the entire restrictive factory air intake system with an aerodynamically-engineered intake tube and oversized conical filter. Most systems include a heatshield to isolate the intake from hot engine air. K&N performance air intake systems are dynamometer tested to estimate the horsepower gain you can expect with a K&N system installed. Applications for the 2009 – 2017 Ford six cylinder Ford Mustangs include:

1999–2004 3.8L K&N 57 series air intake 57-2532 +6.9 estimated HP gain

2005-2009 4.0L K&N 57 series air intake 57-2566 +7.5 estimated HP gain

2005-2009 4.0L K&N 69 series air intake 69-3522TP 7.1 estimated HP gain

2010-2010 4.0L K&N 57 series air intake 57-2577 7.4 HP estimated gain

2010-2010 4.0L K&N 69 series air intake 69-3525TS 5.2 HP estimated gain

2011-2014 3.7L K&N 69 series air intake 69-3529TP 11.8 HP estimated gain

2015-2015 3.7L K&N 63 series air intake 63-2594 7.5 HP estimated gain

2015-2017 3.7L K&N 69 series air intake 69-3536TTK 12.4 HP estimated gain

K&N air intake systems are relatively easy to install, typically in 90 minutes or less using the existing factory mounting points and a handful of commonly available tools.

With a one-inch nut welded to the  the heavy-duty shell, removal of even the tightest filter is easy

K&N's premium Wrench-Off filter features a one-inch nut to make filter removal a snap

K&N Oil Filters

As an expert in filtration K&N produces oil filters that block 99% of foreign material while maintaining a high oil flow rate. Further, K&N oil filters are compatible with both synthetic oils, conventional oils, and blends. K&N Wrench-Off oil filters are great for street, muscle car, or race applications. The Wrench-Off oil filters are a canister oil filter with a twist. Beyond being well-known for their durability and strength, they feature an easy wrench-off removal design with a one-inch nut welded to the end. K&N Performance Silver oil filters are designed to provide better engine performance by reducing oil filter restriction. They are engineered to handle all grades of synthetic and conventional motor oils, including blends, and use a pleated filtration media that provides increased capacity and outstanding filtration.

At the top of the range is the K&N washable and reusable billet automotive oil filter. The filter housings are machined from 6061 T6 billet aluminum for strength and durability. The filter is finished in a stainless steel micro-sheen and Neodymium magnets are embedded in the canister to remove harmful metallic debris. The internal filter cartridge is washable and can be reused. Applications for six cylinder Mustangs include:

1965-1965 170 CID K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-3001

1965-1965 170 CID K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-3001

1965-1965 170 CID K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-3001

1965-1970 200 CID K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-3001

1965-1970 200 CID K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-3001

1965-1970 200 CID K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-3001

1971-1973 250 CID K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-3001

1971-1973 250 CID K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-3001

1971-1973 250 CID K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-3001

1974-1978 2.8L K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-2004

1974-1978 2.8L K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-2004

1974-1978 2.8L K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-2004

1979-1979 2.8L K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-3001

1979-1979 2.8L K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-3001

1979-1979 2.8L K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-3001

1980-1982 3.3L K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-3001

1979-1982 3.3L K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-3001

1979-1982 3.3L K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-3001

1983-1986 3.8L K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-3001

1983-1986 3.8L K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-3001

1983-1986 3.8L K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-3001

1994-2004 3.8L K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-2009

1994-2004 3.8L K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-2009

1994-2004 3.8L K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-2009

2005-2010 4.0L K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-2010

2005-2010 4.0L K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-2010

2005-2010 4.0L K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-2010

2011-2017 3.7L K&N premium Wrench-Off filter - HP-2011

2011-2017 3.7L K&N Performance Silver filter - PS-2011

2011-2017 3.7L K&N billet aluminum filter - SS-2011

In addition to the filters described above, K&N automotive performance parts include air filter wraps, clamp-on air filters, crankcase vent filters, plenums, carb adapters, K&N Stubstacks®, carbon fiber composites, filter accessories, air/fuel monitors, inline fuel filters and pumps, diesel fuel filters and air restriction gauges. K&N also offers a wide variety of performance parts for motorcycles, personal watercraft, and boats, as well as mobile and auxiliary power equipment. And the K&N website makes it easy to find the right performance parts for your vehicle.

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K&N Offers a Full Line of Replacement Air Filters for Thousands of Applications

K&N replacement washable and reusable air filters

K&N offers a full line of replacement air filters for thousands of applications

K&N is known for as the leader of washable, reusable automotive air filters. But aside from OEM replacement air filters K&N produces air filters for other vehicles and machines. From motorcycles to boats and just about everything in between, K&N has a product for it. Even if it is a custom application, like an LS3 shoehorned into a Ford Model T, K&N makes universal air filters to protect your pride and joy. Use the links below to take you directly to the respective pages. If you still can’t find what you are looking for, visit the K&N website for a full listing of everything K&N makes from cold air intakes to oil filters and much more!

Automotive Air Filters

This is what K&N is most known for. These air filters are made to drop right into the stock air box and are designed to increase horsepower and throttle response. They last up to 50,000 miles between cleaning, depending on driving conditions and carry a 10-year/Million Mie Limited Warranty so you know you this will most likely be the last filter you buy for your vehicle.

Motorcycle/ATV Air Filters

Whether you ride a Kawasaki or a Harley, a KTM or an Indian, K&N makes replacement washable and reusable air filters for your motorcycle or ATV. Designed to provide an increase in horsepower and acceleration, these filters are made of a pleated cotton media that offers a large filtration area and low restriction. Made to fit into the OEM air box, each filter has an application specific sealing bead for a perfect fit.

K&N panel filter replacement air filter for automotive applications

Replacement air filters from K&N for automotive applications are designed to increase horsepower

Universal and Clamp-On Air Filters

Did you take that old Mustang and shove a Coyote into it? Or maybe you built a C10 around an LS1. Whatever the case may be, you are going to need to protect your investment. One of the best ways to filter out the incoming air is with a K&N universal air filter. These filters come in a variety of sizes. There are hundreds of sizes available for almost any application. These filters come with a one-year warranty and are designed to increase horsepower.

Cabin Air Filters

Protecting your engine is important, but protecting your family is more important. K&N offers a line of washable and reusable cabin air filters to protect your loved ones from the harmful mold, mildew, pollen, fungus, and germs that could potentially enter your cabin. Made from a synthetic material, the K&N cabin air filters are electrostatically charged to capture and hold onto particles before you breathe them in. These filters come pre-treated and ready to install and are guaranteed for 10-years or 100,000 miles.

Industrial/Small Engine Air Filters

K&N washable cabin air filter for automotive applications

To protect your family from harmful contaminants use a K&N washable cabin air filter

Some of the hardest working engines reside inside outdoor power equipment and small engine applications. We all remember to add oil and gas to our lawnmowers, but when was the last time you thought about the air filter inside your John Deere mower? These filters have to work overtime to keep out all of the clippings, dust, soot, and other airborne contaminants. K&N offers a full line of direct replacement air filters for industrial and small engine applications. Whether it is a Tecumseh-equipped APU or Briggs and Stratton-equipped mower, check the small engine and industrial air filter page on the K&N website.

Heavy Duty Diesel Air Filters

K&N’s line of heavy duty diesel air filters is designed for class 4-8 trucks and diesel equipment, motorhomes and RVs, busses and emergency vehicles, refrigeration equipment, generators, and more. What better way to save money than by not having to purchase a new air filter a couple times a year. With a K&N replacement filter, just take it out every 300,000 miles (depending on driving conditions), spray it with K&N degreaser and spray it off. The dirt and grime comes right off. No need to oil these filters as they are comprised of non-woven synthetic media between two layers of aluminum screen.

Cleaning Kits

If you already own a K&N air filter and need to clean it, we have what you are looking for. There are three basic types of cleaning and product that K&N offers. The standard air filter cleaner and oil will clean and refresh most standard replacement automotive air filters. The synthetic air filter cleaner is for use on K&N hybrid filters, Blackhawk air filters, and other synthetic air filters. There is also a heavy duty synthetic air filter cleaner for K&N’s heavy duty diesel air filters. Lastly, there is the K&N cabin air filter cleaner and refresher for K&N cabin air filters. Check the K&N cleaning kit page for all of your air filter cleaning and oiling needs.

K&N universal oil-free air filter

The RU-3106HBK is a universal air filter for custom applications that is oil-free

Racing and Custom Air Filters

K&N offers a line of filters specifically made for racing applications. From drag racing scoops and filters to kart and off-road filters, K&N racing filters and assemblies are designed to improve performance while protecting the high dollar engines in these vehicles. Like all K&N filters, these are washable and reusable and can be used on both carbureted and fuel injected applications.

Marine Flame Arrestors

Are you looking for a little more out of your boat or personal watercraft? K&N flame arrestors are designed to increase horsepower and torque of many popular boat and personal watercraft manufacturers. They are washable and reusable and are approved per SAE J1928 standards to ensure your safety while on the water.

Crankcase Vent Filters

K&N crankcase vent filter

K&N makes crankcase vent filters in a number of styles and sizes for many applications

Crankcase vent filters are a necessary part of life for many people out there. K&N makes several different styles of crankcase vent filters. From rubber and chrome topped units, to ones with heatshields. K&N even makes versions that can be mounted remotely if you like that clean engine look. Note: Crankcase vent filters are legal in California only for racing vehicles which may never be used, registered, or licensed for use upon a highway. See knfilters.com for CARB status on each part for a specific vehicle.

Air Filter Facts

Ever wondered why air flow is so important or which air filter is right for your needs? Look no further than K&N for a full list of air filter facts to fill your knowledge bank. After reading through these you’ll be able to properly explain to your buddy with the 572ci engine why he needs to run a bigger air filter.

Air Filters by Vehicle Manufacturer

If you need to find the right replacement air filter for your vehicle, you can use the K&N search by vehicle manufacturer tool. This will quickly and accurately provide you with the correct air filter for your vehicle.

Cabin Air Filter by Vehicle Manufacturer

Just like the air filter search by vehicle manufacturer, K&N offers a similar one for cabin air filters. Finding the right K&N washable and reusable cabin air filter is just a few clicks of the mouse away. What are you waiting for? Get in there and get one for every vehicle you own. You owe it to yourself and your family to protect them from harmful airborne particles.

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Rats Custom’s Softail Kicks Brass at the Washington DC IMS

Rats Customs Twinkie Softail side view

The K&N Performer award winning Softail from the DC IMS sits low and long

The Washington DC stop of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS) was one to remember for Ross Latimer of Rats Customs. All Latimer did was walk away with two first-place awards at the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. We already told you about his Hot Wheels custom that won the Modified Harley® category. Now we'll focus on his 2000 Harley-Davidson Softail named Twinkie that won the K&N Performer Award.

So let’s get down to brass tacks. Actually, let’s get down to brass motivation, since that was the creative spark behind this fantastic build. The malleable alloy is near and dear to Latimer’s heart.

Rats Customs Twinkie Softail side view at the Washington DC IMS

Latimer's custom Harley sits on the IMS red carpet

“The silver Softail is more of an old school classic ride, built to scratch the itch that I developed with brass,” Latimer said. “I love brass. It's awesome to work with. It's beautiful when done. And it looks great at any age.”

Those brass touches abound on the Softail custom, and Latimer carried the theme off without making it seem overdone. To accentuate the brass on the fuel tank, oil tank, trim, and various fasteners and brackets, Latimer decided on a beautiful gunmetal paintjob. Getting the paint just right is a hallmark of a Rats Customs build, and the flat grey finish on the Softail is a huge departure from the flashy coating on his Hot Wheels build.

Rats Customs Twinkie Softail seat and engine at the Washington DC IMS

Brass accents are the defining elements of the Rats Customs Twinkie Softail

Making the brass Softail move is a V-twin running 117 inch S&S jugs and Wiseco pistons. Those big cylinders are topped by heads and cams built by Zippers Performance Products. All of that performance hardware rests on stock Harley cases.

Bringing Twinkie back down to speed is the job of the Galfer brakes featuring wave rotors. Those rotors are bolted to spoked wheels with rims finished in understated black.

Latimer crafted the very cool shortie exhaust out of stainless steel and tipped the pipes with, you guessed it, brass. The stainless intake velocity stack is also a Rats Custom creation (although K&N hopes the owner will run one of our filters out in the real world!)

Rats Customs Twinkie Softail engine and exhaust at the Washington DC IMS

Twinkie rumbles through an unrestricted exhaust tipped in brass

When asked about the touches that he integrated into Twinkie that are his personal favorites, Latimer said, “I'd have to say the coolest feature is the porthole in the gas tank, or the key and switches in the oil tank or frame.”

Latimer is only in his mid-20s but he is no rookie in the custom bike world. The Twinkie Softail is one of over a half-dozen customs he has crafted.

As far as the future, Latimer said, “I plan on using the support that K&N has provided to bring a flat tracker build I'm currently working on up to the next level.” Ross, we are more than glad to help!

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K&N Intake System for Harley-Davidson XL Cycles Has Estimated Boost of 4.33 HP

The K&N RK-3944 Intake System works on the Harley-Davidson XL1200 and XL883 Series models.

The K&N RK-3944 intake system is designed for XL-Series Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The Harley-Davidson Sportster motorcycle, which is designated “XL,” was first introduced in 1957 and continues to be manufactured today.

The K&N RK-3944 intake system is designed for these Harley Davidson models. The system offers an estimated horsepower improvement of 4.33 horsepower at 5596 rpm and also improves torque and airflow. The product is engineered to replace the factory air cleaner. It features a K&N HD-0800 replacement air filter that is washable and reusable. The filter features a multilayered cotton gauze media that has been treated with a special grade of filter oil that makes the strands so sticky they catch and hold particles.

K&N is so sure of the quality of the air filter, it backs it with a 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty®, which asserts that the filter will last up to 10 years or 1,000,000 miles without requiring replacement.

The intake system features an aluminum integrated, internal-run breather and a custom aluminum backing plate that mounts directly to the motorcycle’s throttle body. The product comes with mounting hardware and is easily installed with common hand tools.

The K&N RK-3944 Intake includes air filter, breather and custom aluminum backing plate.

The K&N RK-3944 intake system is designed to replace the factory air cleaner.

The K&N RK-3944 intake system is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883N IRON 54 CI - All Models
2014 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SUPERLOW 54 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883N IRON 54 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SUPERLOW 54 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200X FORTY-EIGHT 74 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200V SEVENTY-TWO 74 CI - All Models
2013 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883N IRON 54 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SUPERLOW 54 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200X FORTY-EIGHT 74 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200V SEVENTY-TWO 74 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200N SPORTSTER NIGHTSTER 74 CI - All Models
2012 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883N IRON 54 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SUPERLOW 54 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200X FORTY-EIGHT 74 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200N SPORTSTER NIGHTSTER 74 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200L SPORTSTER LOW 74 CI - All Models
2011 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883N IRON 54 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SPORTSTER LOW 54 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200X FORTY-EIGHT 74 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200N SPORTSTER NIGHTSTER 74 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200L SPORTSTER LOW 74 CI - All Models
2010 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883N IRON 54 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SPORTSTER LOW 54 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 54 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200N SPORTSTER NIGHTSTER 74 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200L SPORTSTER LOW 74 CI - All Models
2009 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SPORTSTER LOW 54 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 54 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883 SPORTSTER 54 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200R SPORTSTER ROADSTER 74 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200N SPORTSTER NIGHTSTER 74 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200L SPORTSTER LOW 74 CI - All Models
2008 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883R SPORTSTER 54 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SPORTSTER LOW 54 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 54 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883 SPORTSTER 54 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200R SPORTSTER ROADSTER 74 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200N SPORTSTER NIGHTSTER 74 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200L SPORTSTER LOW 74 CI - All Models
2007 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883R SPORTSTER 54 CI - All Models
2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SPORTSTER LOW 54 CI - All Models
2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 54 CI - All Models
2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883 SPORTSTER 54 CI - All Models
2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200R SPORTSTER ROADSTER 74 CI - All Models
2006 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883L SPORTSTER LOW 54 CI - All Models
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 54 CI - All Models
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200R SPORTSTER ROADSTER 74 CI - All Models
2005 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models
2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 54 CI - All Models
2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL883 SPORTSTER 54 CI - All Models
2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200R SPORTSTER ROADSTER 74 CI - All Models
2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON XL1200C SPORTSTER CUSTOM 74 CI - All Models

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The World's Fastest Woman on Four Wheels Took a Break to Hang with K&N

1st Place Finisher Every Man Race at King of the Hammers 2016

2016 King of the Hammers Every (Wo)Man Race with the 1st Place finisher, the Queen, Jessi Combs

She's been called the "Queen of the Hammers," she holds the title of "World's Fastest Woman on Four Wheels," and she seriously is the "real deal." She's an Ultra4 National Champion and a Baja 1000 podium finisher. We're talking about none other than our friend and serious bad ass, Jessi Combs.

You may remember her from MythBusters, her Overhaulin' days with Chip Foose, or from All Girls Garage. Or maybe you've followed her as she sets out on her series The List: 1001 Things to Do in a Car before you Die!

Jessi Combs with her Savvy Ultra4 OffRoad Vehicle

Breaking down barriers in off-road, Jessi Combs the Queen of the Hammers in her savvy Ultra4

We hung out with Jessi one afternoon at her shop, while she put the final touches on the REAL DEAL land speed-inspired 2016 BMW R nine T that was featured in the BMW booth at the 2016 SEMA show, the 50th Anniversary of the world renowned event. A long time brand ambassador of K&N filters and performance products, we are thrilled she chose to have K&N as part of this build.

Jessi poking her head out of the cockpit of the North American Eagle

It's obvious that Jessi Combs loves what she does

We were pretty stoked that we got to see her in action. Mind you most people in the midst of the SEMA thrash are pretty much running themselves ragged in the final hours before the Big Show. That wasn't the case with Jessi though. Sure she has a lot on her plate. Between Jessi co-hosting the SEMA Banquet with Dennis Pittsenbarger, and her laundry list of meet and greets, signings, and appearances at her many sponsor's booths. It's impressive to see how organized and settled this incredible female is and how she handles stress and what she is capable of!

But let's go back just a couple steps. On October 9, 2013, Jessi drove the North American Eagle (NAE) Supersonic Speed Challenger in the Alvord Desert, claiming the women's land speed record with an official run of 392.954 mph and a top speed of 440.709 mph. And just a few weeks ago she would return to the Alvord Desert in Oregon breaking her own record and driving 477.59 as part of a complex, ambitious goal to become the fastest woman on Earth.

Jessi talking strategy with North American Eagle owner

Behind every great driver is a great team and Jessi's team is no exception

During her speed run, Jessi encountered a pretty hairy setback when the car drifted slightly off course. When moving that fast, movements appear subtle with few reference points to judge where you are. As soon as Jessi realized where she was and that she couldn’t correct back to the proper course, she quickly aborted the mission. But by the end of the run, the Eagle had come dangerously close to the edge of the track, due to malfunctions with braking and steering systems.

Calm and collected throughout the ordeal, Combs still remains determined to continue her goal of breaking the women’s record of 512 miles per hour, set in 1976. Jessi also remains the fastest woman on four wheels, a record she broke in 2013. When we asked Jessi when she would get back in the seat of the North American Eagle, she assured us just as soon as the car is ready and safe. She's determined to accomplish that goal she has set for herself.

Jessi Combs head shot from speed run at Alvord Desert

Brains, beauty, and serious bad ass, Jessi Combs has it all

It's no surprise that Jessi is driven, just look at what this very impressive young lady has accomplished. Jessi remembers when she was just about eight years old asking her mother what the third pedal was next to the brake in the family car. She says she's always been interested in cars and how stuff worked. Growing up in farming country in South Dakota she had a proper driver's license by the time she was fourteen years old. Her first ride was her Plymouth Laser that got her to the dirt track or Sturgis Dragstrip for a little fun. She learned early on that off-road was definitely her jam and she was good at it. She loved the speed and was the real deal behind the wheel. However, she admits to having one or two run-ins with the law as a result of her lead foot.

It seemed car guys didn't take her too seriously so she decided to change that. Originally wanting to become an architect, she soon discovered the extensive time and significant cost involved and chose to follow a path that combined her love of design with her passion for speed. Enter Wyo-Tech. Combs earned her degree in custom automotive fabrication and has inspired millions showcasing her skills. Her shop reflects her design sensibilities, from the artwork on the walls to the uber chill vibe the exposed brick walls create. Her surroundings can't help but inspire some amazing builds like the 2016 BMW R nine T.

Picture of Jessi Combs on the SEMA Sketch Wall

Jessi's likeness was added to the SEMA sketch wall in the Las Vegas Convention Center

Looking back on Jessi's long list of accomplishments really gets one thinking. For instance, who is she inspired by? Not surprising, Jessi is inspired by the likes of Amelia Earhart and not just for her prowess in the cockpit behind a prop. Jessi is inspired by what she did on the ground as well. As a member of the National Women's Party, the 40-year-old Earhart was a legend in her own time, breaking social norms of female roles in aviation. Although she was not the first female to be issued a pilot's license, she was the first female to successfully fly a plane across the Atlantic Ocean. We can definitely see some similarities between Amelia and Jessi. Both women have set records, and done what many have said couldn't be done!

Exposed brick wall with James Dean artwork

Jessi's design sensibilities abound throughout the shop. Who doesn't love James Dean?

Jessi has big plans for the future. She met Theresa Contreras, her "REAL DEAL" business partner, in 2012 during the SEMA Businesswomen's Network Ford Mustang all female build. During the project the two realized that they shared not only a passion for details but a very palpable drive to inspire. Through REAL DEAL Jessi has an opportunity to share this lifestyle with others on a global level. The REAL DEAL mission? To motivate others in a way that breeds self-confidence, breaks stereotypes, encourages healthy decisions, offers hands-on training and inspires community involvement. We asked Jessi where she thought REAL DEAL would be in a couple short years and she told us she would love to have workshops that teach adolescent girls some of the skills she has learned throughout the years. "To work with them one on one at the shop would be my goal," said Jessi.

REAL DEAL signage propped on cabinets in shop

This incredible sign created for the REAL DEAL twosome sits prominently in the shop.

Jessi assures us she has no intention of stopping now. And boy this beauty is busy! She handles all of her own social media, arranges her own travel, schedules her meetings and product launches, and that is just the back office stuff. Then there are the events like the 4th Annual Babes Ride Out, where she taught close to 100 women the art of welding. Seriously this girl does it all. She is kind, compassionate, and grateful. She understands the importance of giving back. More importantly - she is super silly!

When we asked if there was anyone, dead or alive, who she would most like to spend time with, her response? Her mother. She said she would love to just sit down to dinner and be with her mom. When talking about where she sees herself in five years, her blue eyes sparkle as she admits, "I really want to change the world!" You can bet if anyone can do it, we believe Jessi Combs is that person. She inspires women of all ages to move out of their comfort zone and continues to leave her mark on the automotive world not just for herself, but for all women, everywhere.

Jessi Combs shown installing K&N Filters of the 2016 BMW R9T built for SEMA

Jessi installing the K&N filters on the REAL DEAL 2016 BMW R nine T build featured at SEMA

REAL DEAL built BMW motorcycle at the BMW Booth SEMA

The finished REAL DEAL land speed inspired 2016 BMW R nine T featured at the BMW Booth SEMA

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