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Pull Even More Power From Your Honda Civic 1.5T with a K&N AirCharger Air Intake Kit

Extensive research and development went into the AirCharger kit for the Honda Civic 1.5T

The AirCharger accommodates the OE MAF and crankcase vent hose, so no reprogramming is required

Powered by Honda’s L15B7 motor, the 2016 Honda Civic EX-T and Touring models have been receiving a lot of attention, primarily as the engine displacement is smaller than many motorcycles yet produces 174 horsepower. Surprising is that the basic design of the L-series dates back to 2001, with updates made along the way. Even more surprising is that there’s more power on tap. With the installation of a K&N 63-3516 AirCharger cold air intake kit, power rises by an estimated 9 horsepower.

The 2016 Honda Civic EX-T and Touring engine features an aluminum block and DOHC 16-valve cylinder head with direct fuel injection and dual variable valve timing control. But the real key to the 1.5L engine’s performance is the single-scroll turbocharger that produces 16.5 psi of boost. At that rate, the motor develops 174 horsepower @ 5500 rpm and torque of 162 lb-ft @ 1800-5500 rpm.

As the turbocharged, DOHC version of the L-series engine was entirely new when it was introduced in certain 2016 Honda Civics, K&N engineers had to start from scratch to develop the AirCharger intake kit. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor was entirely new as well, and became the starting point for development. With K&N in-house Rapid Prototyping capabilities testing began.

Placement of the filter in the car was also evaluated and it was determined to utilize the existing fresh air scoop in the radiator support panel. With the site selected, a new heat shield was designed to seal off the area, allowing in only fresh outside air and rejecting engine heat. To verify performance both on-road testing and chassis dynamometer runs were conducted.

Extensive monitoring of the AirCharger’s compatibility with engine management software assures there will be no “check engine” light faults for purchasers while a number of separate dyno runs were used to finalize the intake shape and diameter to provide optimum power across the engine’s operating range.

The layered and oiled cotton filter media in a K&N Filter improves intake airflow

The heat shield isolates the filter from underhood heat, allowing only cold air to flow to the motor

By reducing air intake restriction as well as smoothing and straightening air flow allows the 1.5 turbocharged Honda engine to draw a greater quantity of air than the factory air filter assembly can accommodate. An increased flow of intake air means more usable power and acceleration throughout the engine’s RPM range.

The heart of the K&N 63-3516 AirCharger intake system is the K&N RU-5163 oversized high-flow air filter. All K&N air filters are manufactured from multiple layers of oiled cotton, a well-regarded filter media due to the irregular surface of the cotton thread and its ability to grab passing dust and dirt. The RU-5163 not only allows for increased air flow but also provides excellent filtration properties to ensure long engine life. This is verified by K&N’s sophisticated in-house ISO 5011 filtration efficiency testing laboratory, which adheres to International Standard Organization protocols, ensuring that K&N air filters provide high airflow without sacrificing engine protection.

The filter is isolated by the heat shield so only fresh, cool intake air reaches the engine. The heat shield installs into the original air box space using existing mounting points. Air is then directed through an aerodynamically engineered intake tube into the engine’s turbo inlet for a guaranteed power gain. The tube also accommodates the Honda Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor and crankcase vent hose.

This air intake is relatively easy to install, usually in 90 minutes or less using your vehicle’s existing factory attachment points. Tools required are limited to a screwdriver, pliers, ratchet set and several wrenches.

The only maintenance required for the AirCharger system is a quick and easy air filter service. At around 100,000 miles (which can vary depending on your driving conditions) just grab a K&N filter care service kit to refresh and re-oil your air filter -- bringing it back to new condition and ready for more miles of driving.

The AirCharger kit is designed to use factory attachment points so no drilling is required

Everything needed to install your new K&N AirCharger into your Honda is included in the box

Any of these components are available for purchase directly on the K&N website. You can order the K&N 63-3516 AirCharger kit, a replacement RU-5163 air filter, as well as the 99-5050 filter cleaning kit.

To find additional K&N upgrades for cars, trucks, scooters, motorcycles, motorhomes, or almost anything with an engine, use the K&N search by vehicle tool or find an authorized K&N dealer nearby using the K&N dealer search.

The K&N 63-3516 cold air intake fits the following vehicles:

2016 HONDA CIVIC 1.5L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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K&N Race Team Driver Greg Adler Wins The Mint 400 - The Great American Off-Road Race

Photo of the Ultra4 Car, #4444, Team 4 Wheel Parts out on course Lap 1 the Mint 400

With Rob MacCachren behind the wheel on the 1st Lap, the team gained a 20 minute lead over the pack

K&N race team driver and 4 Wheel Parts President and CEO, Greg Adler, and Co-Driver Rob MacCachren Dominate in The Great American Desert Race, The Mint 400, in Ultra4 4400 Class and bring home the win.

The Mint 400’s list of winner’s reads like a veritable who’s who in racing, both off and on road, dirt and track. From the legendary Parnelli Jones to Ivan “Ironman” Stewart, this race features all the pomp and circumstance off-road racers and enthusiasts can handle!

Photo of the Ultra4 Car #4444 speeding past the spectators as they head into their third lap

The Team of Greg Adler and Rob MacCachren extending their lead in Lap 2 of the Mint 400

From its inception in 1967, Norm Johnson organized the first ever “Mint 400 Off-Road Rally” to promote and publicize The Mint Hotel. Norm sent two matching dune buggies across six hundred miles of scorching desert, from The Mint Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada - to the Sahara Hotel in Lake Tahoe, California. Media coverage caught the attention of race teams and off-road enthusiasts everywhere and the Mint 400 off-road race became famous, seemingly overnight.

But in 1988, this legendary race came into question following the sale of Del Webb's Mint Hotel and Casino. However as a testament to the race itself, the prestige and importance of the event created by veteran race director K.J. Howe and the Mint management team, along with the financial benefit this promotion brought to the City of Las Vegas, the annual Mint 400 Off Road Race continued to be run until 1989 under the new ownership.

Overhead photo of Fremont Street in Old Vegas with the Mint's Field of Racer's & their m

Heading through Old Town Vegas on Fremont Street, the parade of off-road machinery is awesome

Sadly, the Mint 400 sat quiet for nearly twenty years – but in 2008 was resurrected by longtime sponsor General Tire with help from the Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts group. Southern Nevada Off-Road Enthusiasts, SNORE, then sold the franchise to film and television producers Matt and Joshua Martelli – marking the next significant chapter in the Mint's evolution. The race resumed on March 29, 2008.

In 2012, The Martelli Brothers partnered with off-road industry veteran Casey Folks, owner of the largest off-road desert racing organization in the world, the Best In The Desert Racing Association. The Mint was added to the Best in the Desert championship schedule, and a new one hundred mile race loop was carved out for the epic 400-mile contest. The number of entries swelled to an astounding three hundred and twenty three race teams, making the Mint 400 one of the largest off-road races in the world.

Photo of Team 4 Wheel Parts, Greg Adler and Rob Mac Cachren shredding the desert course.

K&N-sponsored Greg Adler maintaining the lead to ultimately dominate his class

4 Wheel Parts President and CEO, Greg Adler, finished first in his class, the Ultra4 4400 Class, for the win in Best in the Desert’s 2017 Polaris RZR Mint 400 Presented by BFGoodrich Tires. The Mint 400 off-road race takes place annually in the unforgiving desert terrain just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. K&N-sponsored Greg Adler once again teamed up with off-road racing icon, Rob MacCachren. The two conquered the Hammers just weeks earlier and made the quick decision to try their hand at the Mint 400. Neither are new to this iconic race, and the duo attacked the three 116-mile loops in a blistering time that saw them completing the 348-mile race nearly an hour ahead of their nearest competitor. The victory came just three weeks after they battled to the finish line in the King of the Hammers event in Johnson Valley, California.

“I can’t say enough about our team,” said Adler. “We made the decision to run the Mint 400 after Hammers and Brian Kirby and Justin Bodewitz busted their tails preparing to get us ready to race. Racing over 500 miles of some of the most grueling terrain imaginable in the last three weeks, this car has taken a ton of abuse. The guys gave us a great car and we had zero issues the entire day.”

Photo of teammates, Greg Adler and Rob Mac Cachren

Adler and MacCachren make an incredible team for The Great American Race, The Mint 400

Taking the start, MacCachren set a pace that saw the Ultra4 car #4444, quickly establish a 20-minute lead on the field before turning the car over to Adler for the second and third laps. As the course deteriorated and became littered with vehicles that had failed in the desert trails, Adler increased the lead with each subsequent lap bringing the Team 4 Wheel Parts Ultra4 to the checkered flag with an incredible class win.

“We had a lot of fun racing today,” Adler said. “We hopped in the car with a nice lead and set off to find our pace, keep moving forward, and not make any mistakes. As the race went on, the course got rougher, but as we were counting down the miles to the finish, it started to sink in that we were headed to our first Mint 400 win. Some of my first races in the early '90s were at the Mint 400, so to come back here and bring home a win is extremely special. This really is a bucket list moment for me.”

Photo of Greg Adler being interviewed after crossing the finish line, on the podium!

After dominating the 4400 Class, Team 4 Wheel Parts & Greg Adler bring home the win

For Adler and Team 4 Wheel Parts, the triumph put the exclamation point on a week of Mint 400 festivities that exemplified the renaissance of the iconic event as it has returned to its former glory. The week kicked off with the 4 Wheel Parts vehicle procession that saw the Ultra4 car #4444, leading the field of competitors down the famed Las Vegas Strip on Wednesday and continued through Friday with a festive contingency party.

“The Martelli Brothers have brought The Mint 400 back from the ashes to become the biggest desert race in the nation,” said Adler. “They have restored the Mint 400 to glory with its pageantry and a nod toward tradition. Honoring the history of the sport and paying homage to the legends that laid the foundation, not only for this event, but for off-road racing, make it a truly distinctive experience. We’re proud to be a part of this historic race and look forward to attending for years to come.”

A hearty congratulations goes out to Greg Adler and Rob MacCachren for their outstanding efforts culminating in a class win for the two and Team 4 Wheel Parts. They epitomize the spirit of off road racing and K&N Engineering.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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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