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Powered by a Mast Motorsports RHS466 small block V8, the HGK Racing E46 M3 has more than enough power to light up the Achilles Radial tires.

Drifting is quite possibly the fastest-growing motorsport in the world today. All across the globe, on every continent, tires are being slain and smoke clouds are billowing from grassroots gatherings to professional competitions. It began on the mountain roads of Japan, turned into a professional series with D1, then landed on the shores of the States with Formula Drift. Over the last 10+ years, drifting grew and grew in the U.S. including vehicle and driver progression to levels unheard of. This excitement and drama then took off globally and now there are amateur and professional drifting sanctions in America, Asia, Europe, and beyond.

Offseason improvements included a custom carbon fiber air cleaner base plate that helps to lower the AEM Dryflow Sprint Car Airbox for better visibility out of the windshield.

In 2015, Latvian drifter Kristaps Bluss made the journey across the pond and landed with quite the splash in the highly competitive Formula Drift Pro circuit. He has an aggressive and confident driving style that gave some of the series top competitors a run for their money. Though he only made it passed the top 32 once in the 7 rounds of competition, when Kristaps and his E46 M3 were dialed in, everyone noticed.

Kristaps was the 2010 champion of the Eastern European Drift Championship (EEDC), 2011 champion of the FXOpen Challenge, and took 2nd place in the 2013 EEDC season.

The HGK Racing E46 M3 is, suffice it to say, a beast. The widebody kit made from OCT Composites and sharp red-and-white livery wrapped chassis, which spares no expense in terms of development. This car is top notch. A naturally aspirated Mast Motorsports RHS466 V8 menacingly pokes its AEM air cleaner through the hood, warning every driver on the field of the power lurking beneath.

Bluss’ E46 M3 is equipped with an OCT Composites widebody kit and killer red and white livery. Sure to stand out during the 2016 Formula Drift season.

Offseason improvements included a new custom carbon fiber air cleaner base plate that supports the massive AEM Dryflow Sprint Car Airbox and Pre-Filter Wrap. The new base plate lowers the filter height for better visibility and improved airflow into the engine. The car also uses a new Samsonas Motorsports Transmissions 5-speed sequential gearbox for clutchless shifts between gears. Getting out of the hole quickly is vital in Formula Drift, and this new transmission should provide an advantage over the 4-speed dog boxes that are common across most of the Pro field.

The car can only get you so far, but Kristaps isn’t just some rookie with a competitive car and a lot of luck. He has a track record of success and victories in Europe over the last half decade. Kristaps was the 2010 champion of the Eastern European Drift Championship (EEDC), 2011 champion of the FXOpen Challenge, and took 2nd place in the 2013 EEDC season.

Look for Bluss and the HGK team to make a big impact in 2016. We’ve seen champions from America, Asia, and Europe all atop the Formula Drift podium in recent years. Drifting is truly a worldwide sport and fans can expect the competition to be even more exciting as the best drivers from across the globe converge for tire slaying fun.

The supercharged 3.2L engine was breathing easy thanks to a custom AEM intake system.

The car performed magnificently mobbing around Horse Thief Mile at Willow Springs International Raceway.

Last year, Clarion Corporation of America introduced their Clarion Builds program: a collaborative effort with specific partners to restore and restyle iconic cars. These cars are in turn sold at a Barrett-Jackson auction, with the proceeds going to charity. The first project they chose to restore was a 1974 BMW 2002. With that build being a huge success, Clarion decided to do it again. For this year’s endeavor, Clarion selected a bone stock 1991 Acura NSX to restore. The premise was the same as last year, build a clean example of the car with subtle design cues, modest performance enhancements, and classy upgrades all while keeping the integrity and heritage of the car intact.

AEM was a partner on this year’s build and it was no surprise, considering AEM’s extensive knowledge of the import market. The first part of AEM’s involvement was a custom built air intake system. The system included a carbon fiber airbox and performance air filter made from a 3D printed mold. “The whole system was organically shaped to straighten out the flow path as much as possible”, explained Matt Stevens, Product Development Engineer at AEM Intakes. This intake frees up the airflow into the supercharged 3.2L motor.

AEM-sponsored Ryan Forsberg was the designated track tester for the Clarion Builds NSX project.

Helping the engine inhale was only half of the equation, getting the air out of the engine was another task and AEM was up to the challenge of creating a one-off exhaust for the Acura. Starting with removing the stock exhaust system and gathering 3D geometry, AEM CAD designed a completely custom system. They then 3D printed the fixtures, CNC mandrel bent the stainless tubing, and TIG-welded the system before testing and installing it. “We aimed to design and build a freer flowing, better sounding exhaust system for this build,” stated Ian Cannarozzi, Product Development Engineer for AEM. “One of the elements we utilized was a crossover pipe. This does two things, first it allows for pressure from the exhaust gases to expand between the two banks and second it allowed sound from each bank to attenuate the other through destructive interference producing a more tuned sound.” The mufflers used for this system are a straight flow-through, absorption type, glass pack design, which were perfect to get the desired sound from the 3.2L motor. The end result is a better flowing and killer sounding exhaust system to complement the AEM intake system. In no time, the NSX was breathing better and ready to be buttoned up.

Clarion’s NSX was a fire-breather when AEM was done with it.

With everything completed, the NSX was ready for its track debut. Clarion invited its partners, media, and VIPs out to Willow Springs International Speedway, in Rosamond, California to see and ride in the final product. The driver for the day wasA EM-sponsored two-time Formula Drift Champion Chris Forsberg. Chris is no stranger to the Clarion Builds program, he was the test driver for the previous BMW build as well. We were able to grab a few minutes with Chris in between hot laps in the car and what was most apparent was how impressed he was with the finished product. “The car is obviously built for the street, but it is handling the track great,” he went on to talk about the AEM products, “the sound through the AEM intake and exhaust is perfect. It is nice to see amazing craftsmanship and quality going into these builds.”

It was apparent that the media and VIPs were thoroughly enjoying the rides in the NSX as each one that exited the car after a lap had an ear-to-ear smile on their face. The throaty, supercar-esque exhaust note echoed through the hills around the Horse Thief Mile track that was being used for testing. The car proved to be well-built, as even after hours of testing around the track, it performed as expected lap after lap.

The AEM intake and exhaust handled everything that was thrown at it. The IAT never rose into worrying levels and always provided the CT supercharged motor with abundant clean, cool air. While out back, the exhaust handled getting the hot, pressurized exhaust gases away from the motor and did so in a rowdy fashion.

With a professional drift driver behind the wheel, it was only a matter of time before he got the 25-year old Acura sideways.

A specially designed AEM exhaust was created to really set this build apart.

The Clarion Builds 1991 NSX has been a great project and AEM is stoked to have been a part of the build. Without a doubt, this car is sure to put smiles on lots of faces in the following months. Be sure to check back with us to see how well the NSX does at Barrett-Jackson.

If you are an automotive enthusiast, then you have probably heard of AEM Induction Systems and the impact they have had on the performance car scene, especially in the import tuner world. When Clarion Builds presented AEM with the opportunity to participate in a custom build for such an iconic foreign car, they jumped at the chance to apply their import expertise to a Japanese supercar from the era that birthed the performance movement that gave AEM its foothold in the performance aftermarket. AEM is making strategic moves to be THE name in import and small luxury car performance, and this build has given them another occasion to show off what they can do.

AEM’s development method is fully 3D digital, enabling the development of complex, organic, beautiful shapes that can be highly custom and 3D printable.

Carbon fiber is wrapped around a soluble mold. Once cured, the tool will disappear, ensuring that this intake is truly one-of-a-kind.

The air box is nearing completion. Only clear coat to go before we get to see what the final product will look like.

AEM’s intake design for the Clarion NSX has focused on making something exclusive for this unique, one-off car. The NSX has the performance potential to increase the output of the NSX’s supercharged newer-model V6, while keeping weight low and aesthetically harmonizing with the design language of the original geometry of the car. Until this article was released, AEM’s most recent public announcement on the status of the Clarion Builds NSX hinted that carbon fiber would be a key ingredient for the air intake system, and AEM is well-on-the-way to delivering on that intent. They are doing so using a technologically advanced process too. The AEM design team leveraged their advanced measurement and 3D printing tools and expertise to “grow” a mold used to form the carbon fiber airbox (the function of which is to ensure that the engine is breathing cool, dense, power-efficient air). Carbon fiber fabric was layered onto the surface of the mold and cured/solidified as in conventional composite fabrication, but once that was finished, the mold was then dissolved away. This process produced an organically-shaped part that could not have been created any other way without requiring expensive, time-consuming multi-part molds that would leave undesirable mold parting lines. After some surface prep and clear-coat, this air box will be absolutely stunning.

AEM has simplified most of the critical ingredients of an intake system into one piece.

Arguably, the most important part of any performance intake system is its air filter, and here again, AEM has been able to quickly and cost-effectively deliver a design using 3D printing (aka additive manufacturing) technology. Not only was this custom filter design brought to life very quickly, but it was computer-optimized to augment airflow and incorporate nearly all of the components of a traditional intake system in one piece! That includes the ideally sized DryFlow filtration media, molded intake tube, mounting strategy, engine movement accommodation, and clean crankcase ventilation orifice.

3D printing exhaust fixtures enable a bespoke exhaust system to be made quickly and inexpensively.

When Clarion reviewed the design, witnessed AEM’s skill in cost-effectively crafting bespoke breathing systems, and learned of AEM’s exhaust capabilities, they offered to AEM the opportunity to design and fabricate a custom exhaust system for the NSX. AEM was able to employ the same tools and expertise to design an exhaust system using the same philosophy focused on lightweight performance enhancement with a design language consistent with the rest of the car. 3D printed fixtures were arranged on a grid table to locate the system components. All the team needed to do was provide 3D routing geometry to their CNC tube benders and determine which system components to use. They chose two high-flowing 304 stainless steel mufflers originally designed for Hondas from the era of the original NSX. An H-pipe section to equalize backpressure and split the muffling task between them connects the 304 stainless steel tubing before the mufflers. The team was careful to keep the total length of the system down to keep weight and backpressure low while also visually balancing the system. Every member of the AEM team is looking forward to experiencing how the symmetrical look of the system compliments the performance and sound of the supercar. Expect that it will be engaging to most of the senses.

Keep coming back to the AEM News feed for more on the Clarion Builds 1991 Acura NSX with bespoke AEM products including coverage on the final product. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be inspired to approach AEM with a custom build of your own…

The 21-2113D-HK air filter features an oil free synthetic media and an offset hole to interface with a variety of devices

AEM is excited to announce a new universal filter option for the performance enthusiast with a unique need. AEM filter 21-2113D-HK (originally designed for use in AEM’s 21-764C performance intake kit for Volkswagen TSI Jetta, Golf, Beetle, and Passat turbocharged 1.8L and 2.0L engines) features a hole in the molded top of the filter to interface with devices on the engine that require clean air. The hole has a 1-1/8” diameter to fit Norma NW27 quick-connect accessories, including AEM part number 088012. The hole is offset to allow increased mounting flexibility.

quick-connect accessories fit perfectly in the hole in 21-2113D-HK’s top opening.

Maybe your custom ride has a crankcase ventilation line that is routed at a difficult angle for your high flow intake, as is the case of AEM’s 21-764C intake for turbocharged Volkswagens. Or maybe you have an air-ride suspension system that could benefit from filtered air. If you have a need for a conical high-performance filter that requires clean air access at both ends, AEM’s 21-2113D-HK has you covered.

AEM part number 1-1000 DryFlow Filter Cleaner makes quick work of cleaning AEM DryFlow filters so you can get back on the road.

Like many of AEM’s dependable high-flow filters, 21-2113D-HK uses a washable-and-reusable lofted synthetic media to provide incredibly high filtration efficiency, even immediately after the filter has been cleaned. Speaking of cleaning the filter, this media also does not need to be oiled. No waiting for the oil to spread out evenly to get full filtration efficiency; just wash with AEM’s Dryflow filter cleaner (part number 1-1000), dry (a wet/dry shop vacuum will speed that up), and re-install with the included hose clamp.

AEM’s 21-2113D-HK supports an estimated increase of 12hp and 14lb-ft of torque with the 21-764C performance intake system on a turbocharged 2.0L Jetta GLI. How much better will your application perform?

AEM’s 21-2113D-HK universal air filter size specifications:

• 3.25” flange inside diameter
• 1.125” top hole diameter
• 1” flange length (centered)
• 6.0” base outside diameter
• 7.0” pleated media height
• 8.6” total height (with the flange)
• 5.1” top outside diameter

Chris Forsberg will be piloting his VK56-powered Nissan 370Z to try to best his 3rd place finish in the 2015 season

In just a few short weeks, the 2016 Formula DRIFT season will commence with massive tire smoke and door-to-door action on the venerable Streets of Long Beach, CA. AEM Induction Systems is proud to sponsor the 2016 Formula DRIFT season as well as fan-favorite drivers Chris Forsberg, Matt Field, and Kristaps Bluss.

AEM performance filtration products are capable of feeding these 1000+ Horsepower engines the clean air they need

The Streets of Long Beach Formula DRIFT course utilizes corners 9, 10 and 11 of the Long Beach Grand Prix street circuit. Drivers toss their cars into corner 9, a sharp right-hand turn with a tire wall being the only thing standing between them and a K-rail potentially ending their season before it starts. Moving from an outside clip in corner 9, drivers transition to the left and drag their bumpers through an outer zone in corner 10 before dropping a few gears and closing in around the tight inner clip in corner 11.

Long Beach is a course that demands respect and every driver knows what’s at stake. It’s checkers or wreckers. One small miscalculation and the walls will suck you in, spit you out, and put a huge mountain in front of any driver unfortunate enough to tango with them. Put another car in the mix with horsepower numbers pushing 4 digits, rear-wheel speeds well over 100 mph and enough tire smoke to shroud the beach landings at Normandy and you have the perfect recipe for a dramatic start to the 2016 Formula DRIFT season. 2015 started with a bang at Long Beach and 2016 is looking to be just as exciting.

Kristaps Bluss of the HGK Race team is the newest member of the AEM drift team in his sophomore season in 2016

It’s been about 6 months since the conclusion of the 2015 season and drivers Chris Forsberg and Matt Field are staged to make a big impression at Long Beach. They’ve been working feverishly, improving their cars, building new sponsor relationships, and developing strategies to tackle the ever-increasing competition of Formula DRIFT.

Chris “The Force” Forsberg is quite possibly the most consistent driver in the field and one of FD’s veterans, competing in every season since the series began in 2004. Chris will be piloting his VK56-powered Nissan 370Z, the platform he and the guys at MA Motorsports and Chris Forsberg Racing have near perfected in recent years. At the conclusion of every season, they tear the car down and build it fresh, inspecting every component as they go. Chris hardly ever has a mechanical failure and for good reason- he uses and relies on quality parts like AEM air filters. When asked why Chris and his team choose AEM air filters, he replied, “We trust our 370Z to AEM air because their filters have proven to keep our engine clean and producing power.”

Forsberg is a two-time Formula DRIFT champion and finished 3rd overall in the 2015 season. He’s a driver’s driver and definitely a ‘force’ to be reckoned with. Look for Chris Forsberg to be his consistent, powerful self on the Streets of Long Beach. “I am very excited for 2016 to kick off as we have even more upgrades on the car and I am looking forward to another run at the Formula Drift championship. Long Beach is one of my favorite places in the country so it will be great to get back to the city and kick off another great year. See you there!”

Matt Field epitomizes the grass roots/privateer story of drifting. He got his drifting license in 2009 and started climbing the ranks, making his mark with his supercharged, LSX-powered S14. Finishing 9th overall in points in the 2015 season with two 2nd place qualifiers, Matt is staged for success in 2016. He and the boys at Drift Cave Motorsports have built an extremely competitive car on a budget far smaller than factory-sponsored teams. When asked why he trusts his 1000-horsepower beast to an AEM air filter, Matt replied, “With 1000-horsepower motors, reliability is essential. That’s why we depend on AEM air filters to keep the air clean.” Field is a fan favorite and a true ambassador to the sport, supporting the grass roots drift scene and building relationships outside the industry.

The newest member of the AEM drift team is Kristaps Bluss of the HGK Racing Team. Driving the HGK Motorsports E46 M3, powered by a MAST Motorsports GM LSX, Kristaps will be one to watch in his sophomore Formula D season. He finished 28th in his rookie season last year and comes with a number of impressive wins in his resume, including being a 2-time EEDC champion (2010, 2014), winner of the FX Open Challenge (2011), and winner of the Drift Allstars Riga GP (2014).

The Formula DRIFT World Championship, Pro and Pro2 series are the premier platforms for today and tomorrow’s best drifters. 2015 was an intense season with high energy, high horsepower, lots of rain, stiff competition, and huge excitement. AEM-sponsored drivers Chris Forsberg, Matt Field, and Kristaps Bluss are ramping up their operations to make a big impact with V8-fueled smoke and big angle on their road to the podium. Don’t miss the kickoff of the 2016 Formula DRIFT season in just 3 weeks on the Streets of Long Beach, CA.