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AEM-Sponsored Formula Drift Drivers Bring Home Trophies in 14th Season

Nov 7, 2017

Fredric Aasbo claimed his 10th career victory at Montreal, most all-time in FD History

Over the course of the 2017 season, AEM’s sponsored drivers took home seven trophies, including two event wins, and had a combined tandem record of 55-37. Overall, the drivers debuted three new cars over the course of the season, with much fanfare. AEM drivers played a part in the OEM championship (Toyota Racing), the Tire Manufacturer Championship (Falken Tire), and two drivers finished in the Top 5 of the final Formula Drift championship standings.

Fredric Aasbo debuted his Toyota Corolla iM this year and contributed to Toyota's OEM Championship

Leading the way, Fredric Aasbo kicked off the season by debuting his new Toyota Corolla iM chassis and pushed the car to an event win in just its’ second competitive event in Orlando. Aasbo would win again in Canada, and in doing so, would become the first driver to earn ten event wins over his Formula Drift career. Overall, Aasbo finished in second place for the third time in four seasons, with his championship in 2015 being the sole time he didn’t finish in second place. Aasbo also joined Ken Gushi and Ryan Tuerck in contributing towards the OEM Championship for Toyota, their first manufacturer championship in Formula Drift. Aasbo also contributed to manufacturer wins with Toyota’s sister company Scion in 2014, 2015, and 2016 prior to the Scion brand being sunsetted.

Kristaps Bluss debuted his E92 "Eurofighter" chassis at the Formula D season finale at Irwindale

Kristaps Bluss had a breakout year in Formula Drift this season, earning three podium finishes and a career-best finish of fifth in the final championship table. Bluss’ E46 BMW chassis was frequently one of the fastest cars on the grid, and after an unfortunate issue on the dyno prior to Irwindale put the E46 on the sideline for the weekend, Bluss debuted his E92 “Eurofighter” car ahead of the planned 2018 unveiling. Bluss made the Top 16 at every round this season, one of only three drivers to accomplish that through the eight-event season. In just his third season of competition in the US, Bluss has become one of the most feared competitors with his HGK Motorsports drift team.

Chris Forsberg's twin-turbocharged 370z earned second place at Formula Drift Texas

Coming off the 2016 championship, Chris Forsberg made the decision to switch from the V8 powerplant that he has run for the past eleven seasons to the original V6 powerplant that came in the Nissan 370z chassis he pilots in the series. Some testing issues pushed the debut of the car back to New Jersey, and the change took a few events to get back to their winning ways. Forsberg would pilot the twin-turbocharged Nissan VQ37 engine to a second place finish at Texas Motor Speedway, his first trophy in a turbocharged car since he won the Formula Drift Irwindale event back in 2005 in an SR20-powered Nissan S15. Overall, development of the new car pushed the team further down the final championship table than they would have liked, but they feel confident going into 2018. The second place finish was Forsberg’s 34th career podium, a high water mark in Formula Drift history. Forsberg continues to be one of only three drivers to have competed at every Formula Drift event to date, a total of 96 through the end of the 2017 season.

Matt Field contributed to the Tire Manufacturer Championship for his Falken Tire sponsor in Montreal

With back-to-back wins and a fifth place overall finish to end the 2016 season, Matt Field felt like 2017 was his year to challenge for a championship. Unfortunately, Field couldn’t add to his trophy collection over the course of the 2017 season and finished in 17th overall in the championship. His Top 8 finish in Montreal would contribute 52 points towards the Tire Championship for Falken Tire, a championship title which Falken won for the second consecutive season. Field has already announced that he will be retiring the Nissan S14 chassis that he has piloted since 2012, instead moving to a 2013 C6 Chevy Corvette for the 2018 season.

Dan Burkett faced a tough Rookie season adapting from Formula D Pro 2 to the Pro class

Dan Burkett faced a tough rookie effort in the premiere Pro class of Formula Drift, having graduated from the Pro 2 class that he ran in 2016 with the same Toyota Supra chassis. Burkett earned his first tandem victory in the Pro class at Seattle, knocking out Kyle Mohan in the Round of 32 before losing to eventual event winner and season champ James Deane in the Top 16. Burkett used 2017 as a learning and development year and plans to return in 2018 with a better understanding of what it takes to be successful in the top class of Formula Drift.

AEM thanks all of their drivers for their hard work over the course of the 2017 season, and is thankful for all the success they have seen while utilizing AEM products. We look forward to continuing to work with our drivers in 2018 and beyond!

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AEM Replacement Filter is Designed to Boost HP to Select Honda and Acura Vehicles

Oct 13, 2017

2017 Honda Ridgeline at the 2016 SEMA show with dirt bike in bed

The 2017 Honda Ridgeline can benefit from added airflow from an AEM replacement air filter

In the world of cars, Honda is like everybody’s mom. It knows exactly what its customers need, even before they do. Then like a steaming plate of comfort food, it serves up a selection of vehicles that are perfectly suited for modern life. Take for example the 2016-2017 Acura MDX. It’s a midsize SUV that is both a luxurious isolation chamber and a practical crossover. The 2016-2017 Honda Pilot offers a family of 7–8 enough room, cupholders, and power outlets to survive a trip across the country. And the innovative 2017 Honda Ridgeline gives people all the versatility of a pickup, with literally none of the drawbacks. All 3 of these ‘just right’ vehicles are powered by the new Honda Earth Dreams 3.5L V6, which provides plenty of punch, and laudable fuel economy as well. But if you want to improve the acceleration and efficiency of your Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, or Honda Ridgeline, then have a look at the AEM 28-50041.

More Air = More Power

The reason that a Honda 3.5L V6 can make such great power without consuming a lot of fuel has to do with its design. It’s got a lot of clever technology, like direct injection, and a 3-stage VTEC System that can shut down 3 of the cylinders when you’re cruising to save fuel. But no matter how many microchips it has, the Earth-Dreams 3.5L V6 is still basically an air pump. Oxygen gets sucked into the cylinders, where it’s consumed by the fire that occurs during combustion. This creates rotational energy that turns the crankshaft, and eventually the wheels. If you put more air into the cylinders, that fire/detonation can get hotter and create even more energy to turn the wheels. However, the stock Honda air intake system has an inherent flaw, namely the OE Honda air filter. You see, it’s made from paper, and it takes a lot of pressure to force air through it. Any dirt particles that may be in the air, get stuck on the surface of the filter, usually between the pleats/folds. Obviously, this prevents dirt from getting into the engine, where it can cause serious damage. However, this type of ‘surface loading’ filter actually reduces the amount of air being injected into the cylinders. Especially when that layer of dirt builds up on the surface.

An AEM 28-50041 DryFlow air filter, on the other hand, is made from a non-woven synthetic material, sandwiched between two layers of sturdy aluminum mesh. This low restriction material is able to flow more air than the paper Honda air filter, which allows more air to get into the cylinders prior to combustion. As the gasoline burns, the additional oxygen molecules intensify the heat, so more energy/power gets released from the same amount of fuel.

Improved Throttle Response

An AEM 28-50041 DryFlow air filter will improve performance by eliminating airflow restrictions

Because of the improved airflow, an AEM 28-50041 DryFlow air filter will dramatically improve the throttle response of your 2016-2017 Honda Pilot, 2017 Honda Ridgeline or 2016-2017 Acura MDX. Every time you step on the gas, extra air will rush into the cylinders, allowing your Honda EarthDreams 3.5L V6 to make power at lower RPMs. You will notice an engine that is more eager to respond, and a more aggressive engine sound when you really get on the “Go Pedal”.

Protect Your Engine & Warranty

Compared to traditional Honda performance air filters, the AEM 28-50041 DryFlow air filter has additional pleats that are 1/4-in deeper than you would find in a typical cotton gauze air filter. This increases both the flow rate and filtration because the 3-Dimensional synthetic fibers trap up to 99% of airborne contaminants. It will then hold that dirt for up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required (depending on driving conditions). The AEM 28-50041 air filter is also a direct-fit replacement for your OE Honda 3.5L V6 air filter. So your factory warranty will not be affected. Plus, it’s 50-state legal too.

Save Time & Money

The synthetic AEM 28-50041 DryFlow air filter is washable & guaranteed for life

Cleaning a reusable AEM performance air filter is simple and hassle-free because there is no messy oil treatment required. You’ll also save money because you won’t have to shell out for a replacement Honda air filter every 10,000 miles. And your investment is guaranteed by the AEM Lifetime Limited Warranty. So if you’re ready to improve the performance, sound, and longevity of your 2016-2017 Acura MDX, 2016-2017 Honda Pilot, or 2017 Honda Ridgeline, then pick up an AEM 28-50041 today!

The AEM 28-50041 is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2017 HONDA RIDGELINE 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 HONDA PILOT 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2017 ACURA MDX 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 HONDA PILOT 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 ACURA MDX 3.5L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Chris Forsberg Builds a Twin Turbo Nissan 370Z, a Big Shift From Previous V8 Setup

Oct 11, 2017

Chris Forsberg switched from a V8 engine program to a Twin Turbo engine program for the 2017 season

After becoming Formula Drift Champion for the third time in 2016, Chris Forsberg decided to change things up with his program. Forsberg made the decision to move away from the V8 engine program that powered all three of his championship wins. Now, a turbocharged engine package with a reduced number of cylinders in the motor but increased power output via a pair of Garrett turbochargers powers his 370Z. The shift in engine choice also came with a staffing change in the pits of Chris Forsberg Racing. Forsberg would join Ryan Tuerck in trusting Nameless Performance with support duties, aligning the racing team with the friendship that Forsberg and Tuerck had formed away from Formula Drift many years ago that has lead to many off-track projects away from Formula Drift. Together, Forsberg and Nameless Performance would revamp the same Nissan 370Z chassis that Forsberg drove to his third championship last year to become the fireball-spitting car that you see on track today.

Chris Forsberg captured his first podium under twin turbocharged power at the Formula D Texas event

Moving to the VQ37 motor gave Forsberg an opportunity to return the factory engine back under the hood of his Nissan 370Z, a scenario that’s becoming increasingly rare in drifting competition. This also helped increase the visibility of several sponsorship partners that Forsberg held with projects away from Formula Drift competition, most notably via the pair of Garrett GTX3071R turbochargers. The turbos were paired with Nameless Performance turbo manifolds, a Nameless Performance AntiLag kit, and a pair of Turbosmart wastegates that shoot flames out of the hood between shifts. With more than 40 pounds of boost pressuring the entire system, the setup pushes more than 1,000 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.

Some early season testing caused some head gasket issues, and the Nameless Performance team tested a few different configurations before finding the right balance of power and reliability. The current setup uses an RJ Manufacturing engine block that has been increased to a 4.0L displacement via a Brian Crower 98mm stroker kit, with 11:1 compression JE Pistons, Supertech Performance valve springs and retainers, Jim Wolf 272 degree camshafts, and a custom drysump oiling system to keep everything lubricated. Air is ingested through a pair of AEM filters before flowing into the Greddy GTR upper intake manifold, which is fitted to the block via an RJ Manufacturing lower intake manifold conversion. The VP Racing C85 fuel is injected via Deatschwerks 1500 cc injectors into the cylinder, while a full catalog of Motec electronics take care of the electrical side of things. That catalog includes a Motec M150 ECU and a pair of Motec PDM15 power distribution units that are controlled by a Motec 15-button keypad and monitored by the Motec C125 dash.

Forsberg's suspension setup on his Nissan 370Z remains largely unchanged from previous seasons

Overall, the rest of the chassis and suspension remains largely unchanged from previous years. Forsberg did switch to BC Racing XR coilovers this season, but the full catalog of Voodoo13 billet control arms, camber arms, toe arms, traction arms, and steering angle kit are the same suspension units that Forsberg utilized in his championship-winning season last year. Several other parts like the Advanced Clutch Technology triple-plate clutch, Hollinger 6-speed sequential transmission, Winters quick-change differential, and Wilwood calipers (including dual calipers on the rear axle to help initiate and control drifts) are all longstanding partnerships that Forsberg continues with this latest chassis. Outside the car, the Nismo body kit and spoiler, Seibon carbon fiber panels, and APR Performance splitter and mirrors are also carryovers from previous years. Each pass Forsberg makes on track happens through SSR GTX01 wheels and, most importantly, Hankook RS4 tires in 275/40R18 sizing in the rear and 245/40R18 sizing in front.

Forsberg and his Nameless Performance team tested a few different engine configurations in 2017

After a few events of learning the chassis and getting used to the power delivery, Forsberg finally strung together several strong tandem battles at the Texas Motor Speedway event in September. Forsberg eliminated Robbie Nishida, Michael Essa, Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Odi Bakchis in tandem battles before finally falling to current series leader James Deane in the final. Overall, the second place finish was Forsberg’s record-setting 34th podium finish in Formula Drift, with no other driver holding more than 24 podium finishes. While Forsberg isn’t in the chase for the 2017 championship, the team is confident that they will return to championship form in coming seasons.

Chris Forsberg's 370Z utilizes a Greddy GTR intake manifold thanks to a RJ Manufacturing adaptor

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Bring Your 2009-2017 370Z Up to NISMO Horsepower with an AEM Cold Air Intake

Sep 22, 2017

Make up the power difference between the 2009-2017 Nissan 370Z with the 3.7L engine and the NISMO

When it was introduced for the 2009 model year, the Nissan 370Z was a complete departure from its predecessor, the 350Z. The new 370Z featured a four-inch shorter wheelbase with a reduction in overall length of 2.7 inches. The rear track was widened by 2.2 inches and there was a slight reduction in height. At the same time, the chassis was re-engineered to provide a 10-percent increase up front and 22-percent increase out back in torsional rigidity. With a fully independent front and rear suspension, it’s a sports coupe seeking a deserving engine.

And Nissan developed one - the engine in the 370Z was a new development as well. Known by its internal code, VQ37VHR, it is a V6 engine produced by Nissan with a displacement of 3.7L. It has an aluminum block with DOHC four-valve aluminum heads. The VQ37VHR was the first production engine to incorporate Nissan’s variable valve timing technology VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift). Compression ratio is 11.1:1 with a bore of 95.5 mm and a stroke of 86 mm, the short stroke evidence of its 7000 rpm redline. The VQ37VHR produces 332 horsepower in the base-level 370Z.

The AEM Cold Air Intake includes provisions for the MAF sensors and PCV hoses

The AEM intake for 2009-2017 Nissan 370Z provides heat shields to protect the oversized filters

The 370Z NISMO package provides adds an incremental 15 horsepower for about $15K more on the sticker. AEM has a way to gain power and save yourself a good deal of money at the same time. The AEM 21-821DS cold air intake adds an estimated 15 horsepower to a standard 2009-2017 3.7L 370Z, as measured at the rear wheels on a chassis dynamometer. While exact numbers aren’t available, it’s likely that the increase exceeds the 18 horsepower difference measured at the flywheel, eliminating any drivetrain losses.

The AEM 21-821DS air intake system replaces the OEM plastic air boxes and flat panel air filters with powdercoated heat shields that better reject high underhood temperatures protecting two tapered conical air filters with significantly more surface area of the OEM filters.

The two red AEM 21-202DOSK Dryflow filters utilize a non-woven synthetic filter medium optimized for high air flow, improved performance, and excellent filtration characteristics. In fact, the Dryflow filter captures up to 99% of any harmful contaminants that could damage your engine.

From the filter, intake air passes through a pair of intake tubes fabricated from mandrel-bent aluminum tubes that have a durable gray powdercoat finish. In addition, the intake tubes accommodate the OEM mass air flow sensors and PCV hoses.

The large AEM air boxes accomodates oversized Dryflow air filters for increased power

With the hood closed, the seals on the top of the air boxes provide a barrier against engine heat

The AEM 21-821DS cold air intake is a straightforward modification that takes just a few hours to install, guided by fully-illustrated instructions that are included in the packaging. Only a few tools are required for the installation. The AEM 21-821DS utilizes only the factory mounting locations, so there are no holes to drill or permanent modifications to make.

You can expect the two AEM 21-202DOSK air filters to provide reliable service for about 100,000 miles with proper maintenance (depending on driving conditions). Cleaning is quick and straightforward and consists of an application of AEM 1-1000 synthetic air filter cleaner the filters. The AEM cleaner loosens and dissolves dirt and grime collected on the filters. After an application of the cleaner, the filters need only be rinsed with water until clean, dried, and then reinstalled in the car.

The AEM 21-821DS is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2017 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2011 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2010 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models
2009 NISSAN 370Z 3.7L V6 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Add an Estimated 11 Horsepower to Your 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6L Turbo

Sep 14, 2017

The installation of the AEM 21-817C cold air intake kit adds a professional touch under the hood

If you’ve already purchased a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport, or are planning to do so, then you’re likely aware that the approximately $4,000 premium over the standard Elantra was money well-spent. For example, at that price, you probably purchased the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic – or saved about a grand and got a slick-shifting six-speed manual.

In addition, the Sport’s 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 54 more horsepower than the standard model, and a modern multilink rear suspension replaces the old-fashioned torsion-beam axle used in other versions of the Elantra. The front brakes are upgraded to 12-inch diameter rotors, and it comes with exclusive 18-inch wheels with performance all-season tires all the way around.

Mandrel bending assures that the radius of all curves is smooth and doesn't disrupt airflow

The intake tube is manufactured from high-grade, mandrel-bent aluminum tubing

The performance hub around which all these goodies revolve is the engine: Hyundai’s G4FJ. It’s an upgraded version of Hyundai’s 1.6L all-aluminum Gamma GDi engine, but with a twin-scroll turbocharger, air-to-air intercooler, direct fuel injection system, and dual CVVT valve operation all added that make the difference.

That difference propels the Sport to a 0-60 dash in about 6.3 seconds, which was muscle car category not too long ago. And while no one is about to complain about 201 horsepower under the hood, why not add more with an AEM 21-817C cold air intake, designed to deliver an estimated 11 incremental at-the-wheel horsepower. The cool part is that those 11 ponies can be unleashed in about an hour using just a few common hand tools.

The results of AEM testing are that a stock 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6 turbo generated 163 horsepower and 171 ft-lb of torque on the chassis dynamometer. With the AEM 21-817C bolted to the test vehicle, power jumped to 174 hp at 5400 rpm and 182 ft-lb of torque at 5400 rpm, as measured at the drive wheels.

The air intake system ingeniously capitalizes on the large, direct-flowing OEM intake duct so only cold, fresh, outside air can reach the air filter. Cooler air is denser, carrying additional oxygen to which your engine, where the computer, in turn, adds more fuel, the trick in making more horsepower.

The centerpiece of the AEM 21-817C air intake system is a seven-inch non-woven synthetic filter media, which is a highly-efficient modern material. The filter is mounted low and to the front of the car where it can take full advantage of the fresh incoming air as well as being sited far from power-robbing engine heat.

The complete air intake system consists of the AEM 21-2157DK low restriction air filter, high-quality mandrel-bent aluminum tubing, and all hardware required for the installation. The kit also accommodates all factory emissions and vacuum lines. OEM mounting brackets are utilized to allow for quick and easy installation, and the kit requires no drilling to install.

Complete detailed and illustrated installation instructions are included in the box

Everything needed to install your new AEM 21-817C is included in the box

No need to service your filter until about 100,000 miles (depending on your driving conditions) with an application of AEM 1-1000 synthetic air filter cleaner that loosens and dissolves dirt and grime build up on synthetic filters so they can be rinsed clean with water. Then just allow the filter to dry in the sun, and when no longer damp, can be installed on the car and ready for another 100,000 miles of driving.

The AEM 21-817C is designed for the following vehicles:

2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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