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2017 Nissan SR Turbo Gains an Estimated 15 Horsepower with an AEM Cold Air Intake

The 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo can gain an estimated 15 horsepower thanks to an AEM cold air intake

The 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo can gain an estimated 15 horsepower thanks to an AEM cold air intake

How many vehicles can be purchased today that are powered by the same engine that has competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans – at least for less than $25,000? The four cylinder turbocharged engine fitted to the 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo is the same unit, modified for racing, that powered the experimental prototype DWC12 DeltaWing race car at Le Mans in 2012.

While the Le Mans version of the MR16DDT engine produced 300 horsepower, when fitted to the 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo, power is reduced to 188 horsepower. AEM can help bring some of that race-inspired power back with the 21-818C cold air intake system that increases horsepower by an estimated 15 horsepower at the drive wheels.

The AEM 21-818C intake system is a true cold air intake system in that the air filter itself has been relocated to a position outside of the high-temperature engine bay. By drawing air directly from the outside, intake air temperatures are as close to ambient as possible. With cooler air entering the turbocharger, cooler air will come out. Cooler air is recognized by the ECU as having the ability to combine with more fuel. Cooler air, more fuel, equals more power.

The factory PCV and MAF sensor mount directly on the aluminum intake tube.

Mandrel-bent aluminum tubes, aerospace silicon hoses, and a massive Dryflow filter comprise the kit

It’s fitting that an engine like MRY16DDT, which is sometimes referred to as the DIG-T for Direct Injection Gasoline - Turbocharged, comes from Nissan, who has had a role in developing the small sedan performance segment with the original 2.0L DOHC 140 horsepower Nissan Sentra SE-R.

The MRY16DDT is a 1.6L inline four cylinder all-aluminum engine that is slightly under-square, with a bore of 3.14-inches and a stroke of 3.19-inches. The design features twin variable valve timing (CVTCS) controlling the double-head camshafts and four valves per cylinder (with sodium-filled exhaust valves for better transfer of heat). Details include spray-coated and mirror-finished cylinder bores applied to the 1.6 L engine, and a nanofinish on the camshafts. The engine features a single turbocharger that can operate up to 12 psi and an intercooler that reduces intake temperatures caused by the compression of the turbocharger. Stock output is 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Both horsepower and torque are easily increased with the simple, straightforward AEM 21-818C cold air intake. The AEM cold air system for the 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo consists of two mandrel-bent aluminum intake tubes, a silicon coupler, a venturi adapter, and an oversized AEM Dry Flow conical air filter. The factory PCV and MAF sensor mount directly on the intake tube, the MAF relocated for additional cooling and performance.

Detailed instructions with product illustrations and photographs are include in the packaging

Installation is a snap and can often be completed with simple tools in less than a few hours

AEM Dryflow filters use an innovative high performance engineered synthetic material. The large round tapered 21-2157DK AEM Dryflow filter has as its core a washable, non-woven synthetic filter medium for optimum air flow, excellent filtration, and improved performance. Dryflow filters capture up to 99% of all harmful contaminants before they can reach your engine.

The AEM 21-814C cold air intake is a relatively straightforward DIY modification that takes just a few hours to install, even for someone with little mechanical experience. Tools required are those that just about everyone has in their garage. The AEM 21-818C utilizes only the factory mounting locations, so there are no holes to drill or permanent modifications to make.

The AEM air filter can be used for up to 100,000 miles before cleaning, depending on conditions

The Dryflow filter provides high air flow and a high capacity for trapping harmful contaminants

Your AEM 21-2157DK Dryflow air filter is good for about 100,000 miles with proper service (depending on your driving conditions). If you drive regularly in dusty or dirty conditions, your filter will probably require more frequent inspection and maintenance. Cleaning is straightforward and consists of an application of AEM 1-1000 synthetic air filter cleaner. The AEM synthetic air filter cleaner loosens and dissolves dirt and grime collected by the filter, after which the filter need only be rinsed in water from a sink or a garden hose, air-dried, and reinstalled.

You can purchase the AEM 21-818C cold air intake factory direct for your 2017 Nissan Sentra SR Turbo directly from the AEM website, as well as a 21-2157DK replacement filter, and the 1-1000 synthetic air filter cleaner.

The AEM 21-818C is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2017 NISSAN SENTRA 1.6L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Innovative AEM Cold Air Intake Adds Power To 2016-2017 Infiniti QX30 Crossovers

The AEM 21-820DS is designed to be assembled outside the vehicle and simply dropped in place

The 21-820DS QX30 cold air intake features an inspection window embossed with the AEM logo

The striking 2016-2017 Infiniti QX30 was described by the editors of Edmunds as “reasonably priced yet offers you more style and performance than the typical small crossover SUV.” AEM can further supplement the QX30’s performance with its 21-820DS cold air intake kit, which adds an estimated 25 horsepower to the 208 that came from the factory.

The 2.0 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine features an aluminum block and cylinder head. The valvetrain is comprised of microfinished double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS) that individually optimizes the opening and closing of intake and exhaust valves. The engine is backed by a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission with front wheel drive standard, all-wheel optional.

The 21-820DS has been thoughtfully engineered by the AEM team, with time and effort spent on the integration of the system into the vehicle from both a functional and an aesthetic viewpoint. AEM understands that owners of a vehicle like an Infiniti would prefer a system that matches the underhood environment and is simply not a tube with a filter clamped to the end.

As the 2.0L Infiniti QX30 is turbocharged, it has the capacity for increased horsepower. The more cool, fresh air you’re able to draw through the turbocharger and into the intake, the more the engine’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) will respond by adding more fuel. The equation is simple: more air plus more fuel equal more power.

AEM engineers discovered a way to add that additional incoming fresh air by relocating the engine’s ECU. From the factory, there’s just one air inlet to the engine. With the AEM system, the ECU has been relocated and the result is a second, almost equal size intake has been added with the 21-820DS, increasingly the intake air capacity considerably.

The ECU, which is, in essence, a computer, requires a means by which it can shed its heat. AEM engineers have relocated the ECU to mount directly on the second intake duct so as moderate its operating temperature.

Relocating the engine's ECU allows for an additonal scoop to draw fresh air from oustide the veh

By doubling the area of the air intake AEM engineers feed the turbo a greater flow of air

This intake system is a revolutionary new design concept, which allows for the fully-assembled AEM replacement air box simply drop in place of the OEM Infiniti unit. Another innovation is the air filter axial seal. The filter is retained by a mounting bracket that is bolted tightly within the air box. This eliminates the need for clamps, for a tight, secure installation. The fully assembled air box then simply drops into the engine compartment which greatly simplifies the installation process.

The filter itself is an oversized AEM 21-1015DK Dryflow filter that uses an innovative high performance engineered material. Washable, non-woven synthetic filter medium chosen for its ability to deliver high air flow, excellent filtration, and improved performance. AEM Dryflow filters. In fact, a Dryflow filter captures up to 99% of harmful contaminants before they reach your engine.

While AEM Dryflow air filters typically do not require service until after about 100,000 miles (depending on driving conditions), a window is provided by which you can inspect the filter at any time. There’s an AEM logo burnished on the window so that when you raise the hood, that despite the OEM appearance of the system, it’s clear to anyone present

The AEM 21-820DS cold air intake is a relatively straightforward DIY modification that takes just a few hours to install, even for someone with little mechanical experience. Tools required are those that just about everyone has in their garage. The AEM 21-820DS utilizes only the factory mounting locations, so there are no holes to drill or permanent modifications to make.

Cleaning of the filter is straightforward and consists of an application of AEM 1-1000 synthetic air filter cleaner. The cleaner loosens and dissolves dirt and grime collected by the filter, after which the filter need only be rinsed with water, dried, and reinstalled.

Only the AEM embossed window wil give away the additonal horsepowe gains the system provides

The AEM cold air intake kit for 2016-2017 QX30 is styled for an OEM-like appearance

You can purchase the AEM 21-807C Cold Air Intake factory direct for your 2016-2017 Infiniti QX30 here on the AEM site.

Innovation has always been AEM’s core competency, and the company continues to lead the way with innovative products that push the envelope of what is possible. That’s why you’ll find AEM filters under the hoods of many of the best racing teams and industry experts nationwide.

The AEM 21-820DS is designed to fit the following vehicles:

2017 INFINITI QX30 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2016 INFINITI QX30 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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Papadakis Racing, Piloted by Fredric Aasbo, Becomes Winningest Program in Formula D

Papadakis Racing team in winners circle at Formula Drift Montreal Photo by Larry Chen/Toyota Racing

The Papadakis Racing team celebrated Fredric Aasbo's 10th career win at Formula Drift Montreal

Stephan Papadakis’ involvement in drifting started as a side project while drag racing was his main profession. Initially starting as a driver, Papadakis shifted his role to team management and crew position after the 2007 season and has found success ever since. Current driver Fredric Aasbo’s recent win at the Formula Drift Montreal event made him the winningest driver in Formula Drift history, scoring his 10th event win since signing with the team in 2011 after earning rookie of the year honors as a privateer. Between both Aasbo and previous driver Tanner Foust, the team has amassed 17 event wins, 37 podium finishes, and 3 championships. Most impressively, the 10 event wins from Aasbo came in just 47 events with the team, averaging an event win for every 4.7 events entered. The previous single driver win record of 9 wins has stood since Sam Hubinette earned his last win back in 2007, although the record was tied by Vaughn Gittin Jr. halfway through the 2016 season.

Stephan Papadakis looks over suspension settings in the pits Photo by Larry Chen / Toyota Racing

Stephan Papadakis looks over suspension settings with Shawn Hillier and Mario Salguero

The current Toyota Corolla iM that Aasbo pilots is the eighth competition chassis that the team has built, with six of those chassis competing under the Papadakis Racing banner. Papadakis initially built a Nissan S13 chassis that he learned to drift in, before building a Nissan 350Z for Tanner Foust and a Honda S2000 that would later become Papadakis’s second personal drift car. The 350z would be piloted by Foust to the first and only back-to-back championships won by the same driver in 2007 and 2008. Foust would then move into a TRD-powered NASCAR engine Scion tC for the 2009 and 2010 series before Foust would move on to other motorsports and television ventures. Aasbo’s signing with the team in 2011 brought a new Scion tC2 chassis that was built by Papadakis Racing, which Aasbo piloted to the championship in 2015 and finished as the runner-up in the series championship in both 2014 and 2016. The Corolla iM was built fresh for the 2017 season after the Scion brand was sunsetted at the end of last season, and has earned two wins so far in the 2017 season through five events. Papadakis was also commissioned to build a Volkswagen Passat and a Scion FR-S for Foust and driver Jhonnattan Castro, which were campaigned away from the Papadakis Racing team in Formula Drift.

Stephan Papadakis evaluates maintenance options on the Corolla iM Photo by Larry Chen/Toyota Racing

Stephan Papadakis evaluates maintenance options on the Toyota Corolla iM with his team

The pairing of Papadakis and Aasbo has proven to be fruitful for both parties. Since Aasbo joined the team in 2011, the team has been using the 4-cylinder Toyota 2AR engine for both the Scion tC2 and Toyota Corolla iM chassis that have powered all 10 of Aasbo’s wins in the series. Papadakis Racing has long been known for their engine building prowess, carrying over from the days of import drag racing that started with a front-wheel drive Honda Civic before progressing to a full tube-chassis, rear-wheel drive car that Papadakis piloted to a best pass of 6.54 seconds at 255 mph in the ¼ mile. The current 2AR engine is the lone 4-cylinder engine on the current Formula Drift grid but keeps up with the 6-cylinder, 8-cylinder, and 10-cylinder cars that Aasbo lines up next to thanks to the 1,000 horsepower pushed through the turbocharged, nitrous-fed engine.

Although listed as the team owner and manager, Papadakis is still very heavily involved in the engine program as well as trackside wrenching. Papadakis has personally designed and prototyped several custom engine components and is constantly analyzing parts and data to look for opportunities to improve the power output. Papadakis also personally handles a lot of the logistics and operations for the team, ensuring that the team is ready for anything that is thrown their way on a race weekend. On a race weekend, it’s not unusual for Papadakis to be asked for the occasional autograph as well, dating back to his record-breaking Honda drag racing days, a rarity for a team owner and manager in the Formula Drift pits.

Papadakis still personally reviews data from runs in the Corolla iM Photo Larry Chen/Toyota Racing

Papadakis still personally reviews data from runs in the Toyota Corolla iM between rounds

Papadakis and Aasbo are both quick to credit the entire team for their success to date. Papadakis works alongside Shawn Hillier, Aldo Villagran, and Mario Salguero in the pits. On a race weekend, Papadakis is often found in the spotter’s tower communicating feedback from the judges and from his observations back to his driver Aasbo. Between rounds, Papadakis often reviews data logs from the car personally and discusses possible adjustments with the team. During competition, Shawn Hillier acts as crew chief with Mario Salguero helping with mechanical duties. Villagran has been working as a mechanic for Castro’s drift program this season, but still transports the car to each round and has been heavily involved in the program for the previous 10 seasons. Aasbo has racked up a slew of accomplishments with the Papadakis team behind him and is quick to credit the team with building one of the most powerful and most reliable cars he’s ever drifted as being a big part of why he’s now Formula Drift’s winningest driver in history.

Stephan Papadakis drag raced import cars in the early 2000s Photo by Larry Chen / Toyota Racing

Stephan Papadakis drag raced import cars in the early 2000s, but now is focused on his drift program

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AEM-Sponsored Formula D Pro 2 Driver Dirk Stratton Starts Sophomore Season Strong

Formula D Pro 2 driver Dirk Stratton drifts at Orlando Speedworld, Photo by Valters Boze

Formula D Pro 2 driver Dirk Stratton drifts at Orlando Speedworld, where he earned a Top 8 finish

Dirk Stratton, finished his rookie season of Formula Drift in 4th place overall, and the early, consistent results in his second season have him on pace to continue his success. Despite working through some issues both mechanically and weather related in the first two rounds, the team is happy with a pair of Top 8 finishes and is preparing for continued success in the final two rounds of the season.

Stratton started the season in his Lingenfelter Performance/Stratton Racing Chevrolet Corvette at Orlando Speedworld with some electrical issues in practice that would test the team early. The team was quick to track down the issue, but a replacement alternator was required, and precious practice time had been lost. Despite the lack of practice, Stratton qualified 5th overall, which the team was happy with given the circumstances. The Top 16 tandem pairings put Stratton against Matt Vankirk, who had qualified 12th. Stratton put down one of his best lead runs of the weekend and was able to progressively close the proximity between the cars in his chase run to earn the win.

Dirk Stratton nears an outside clipping point in Formula Drift Pro 2 Photo by Valters Boze

Dirk Stratton nears an outside clipping point in Formula Drift Pro 2 competition

As Stratton moved into the Top 8 in Orlando, the team knew they were up against a tough opponent in Kevin Lawrence, who was driving strong all weekend and calls Orlando Speedworld his home track. Lawrence had lost a gear in his transmission in practice, so Stratton was a bit cautious in his chase run unsure of how the missing gear would affect the initiation. Unfortunately, Lawrence got away from the line slow and initiated much later than Stratton expected, which left Stratton scrambling for the rest of the run. Stratton put down a solid run in his lead, but it wasn’t enough to influence the judges into the tandem win. Lawrence went on to win the event, which shows just how strong and consistent his runs were over the weekend. Coming away from the weekend, Stratton felt that the team performed strongly, and they learned a lot about how to adjust to follow slower cars when chasing.

Dirk Stratton leads Kevin Lawrence in his Top 8 tandem battle in Orlando Photo by Valters Boze

Dirk Stratton leads Kevin Lawrence in his Top 8 tandem battle in Orlando

The second event of the Pro 2 season took place at Road Atlanta. Stratton was excited to get back to Atlanta as he never really felt comfortable driving the track last season. Qualifying went well, with Stratton qualifying second overall, which gave both Stratton and the team a huge boost of confidence. Unfortunately, Mother Nature threw a monkey wrench in the plan by bringing heavy showers for the practice and Top 16 round of tandem. The elevation changes of the Road Atlanta turn 10a complex that Formula Drift uses for drifting would mean drastically different levels of grip throughout the course, which would prove to be tricky for all the drivers.

Stratton’s Top 16 tandem battle in Atlanta was against Crick Fillipi. Shortly after initiation, Fillipi colliding with Stratton as he had misjudged the entry speed given the reduced grip levels. Stratton was able to save his car from sliding off course, but had a pretty substantial hole in the door after the collision. On the follow run, Stratton left a gap to account for the difference in grip, then closed it down entering the keyhole area of the track, and all three judges awarded the tandem win to Stratton. Looking ahead to the Top 8, Stratton knew that the drying conditions would continue to make the track treacherous, and the team made adjustments accordingly.

Stratton earned a pair of Top 8 finishes at his first two FD Pro 2 events Photo by Valters Boze

Stratton earned a pair of Top 8 finishes at his first two Formula D Pro 2 events of the season

Stratton would face Randall Waters in the Top 8, who had upset European driver Gyorgy Szilveszter in the Top 16 round. Both drivers would misjudge their entry on their lead run and slide off course. Due to the way the Road Atlanta course loops back on itself, a run is often red-flagged if the lead car slides off course to prevent a collision. With both drivers making nearly identical errors in the same location, the judges sent the tandem battle to a “one more time” round. The second set of runs would be much cleaner, with both making complete runs. Unfortunately, Stratton dropped a tire off course on both his lead and chase runs, while Waters would open up a large gap on his lead run to earn the tandem win. Overall, the team was pumped to have back-to-back Top 8 finishes, which puts them in 5th in the championship standings at the halfway point of the season.

In the three month layoff between Atlanta and Seattle, Stratton has continued to drive the car at events to better prepare himself for upcoming tandem battles. Stratton made appearances at both the Street Driven Tour in Virginia and GridLife Midwest in Ohio, where several other top drifting drivers were also in attendance, to continue to gain experience following drivers of different skill and grip levels. Stratton has no major changes or upgrades lined up during the layoff as both of his losses in tandem were due more to driving mistakes than mechanical issues. Last year, Stratton earned a Top 4 finish in Seattle, but knows that the event will be a tough battle as three of the top four drivers in the standings all claim Evergreen Speedway as their home track.

The Formula Drift Pro 2 season resumes at Evergreen Speedway, just outside of Seattle, Washington.

Stratton has continued to drive at several events during his 3-month break Photo by Valters Boze

Stratton has continued to drive at several events during the 3-month break between Formula D rounds

The distinctive C6 Corvette taillights peak through a cloud of tire smoke Photo by Valters Boze

The distinctive C6 Corvette taillights peak through a cloud of tire smoke on Dirk Stratton's Chevy

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BMW's 3-Series Sedan Gets More Power and Class From AEM's New Molded Intake System

A large 21-1015DK AEM air filter seals axially to the molded air box for added airflow into your BMW

A large 21-1015DK AEM air filter seals axially to the molded air box for added airflow into your BMW

With the ever-increasing popularity of European sport sedans, BMW has always seemed to reign supreme. The BMW 3-series sedan has become the quintessential “gentleman’s sports car” and remains the best-selling BMW offering. Available in many different configurations, the 320i and 328i, equipped with their 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engines, offer a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and speed. With driving modes that are adjustable on the fly, drivers can commute in luxury and briskly race around a track in the same vehicle, all while maintaining the great fuel economy that is required in today’s cars. The heavily engineered vehicles require more sophisticated products when it comes to modification and tuning and AEM Induction Systems left no stone unturned in their latest offering.

The engineers at AEM Induction Systems utilized 3D scanning technology to create the AEM 21-785DS, a molded air box intake kit that is designed to match the quality and class that BMW owners expect. Designed as two integral pieces, the lower half of the air box is designed to interface with the factory high pressure air feed, directing the air efficiently towards the AEM DryFlow axial-seal filter. The large AEM 21-1015DK air filter eliminates the need for a hose clamp, using a steel retention ring to seal the filter against the surface of the air box. Using this mounting style allows the filter area to be maximized within the tight constraints of the box, while still allowing the proper space for uniform airflow around the filter element itself.


The intake kit fits nicely with the rest of the components in the engine bay

The filter interface feeds directly through the tuned Mass Air Flow sensor section of the lower air box, which is designed to work with the factory ECU tuning, before entering the factory turbo coupler. This design shortens the air flow path and reduces restriction caused by the tight passages within the factory air box design. The lower half the air box also includes a molded auxiliary air feed designed to accept a standard intake coupler that may be drilled out by the end users for a custom solution as more power adders are installed. The top half of the air box seals the cold intake air from the hot underhood environment while adding air volume around the filter and serving as the mounting points for the air intake system.

The system’s organically shaped design mimics the look of the factory air box but offers refined styling and creates a more appealing symmetric look under the hood. While the air box is a sealed design, a clear AEM name badge window allows the air filter to be visible for added styling. These design elements combined help make the estimated 14 horsepower increase in horsepower and torque, with power and torque gains verified across the entire powerband.

The AEM 21-785DS intake kit comes complete with all the necessary hardware and components required for installation, requires no permanent modifications to any factory components, and requires only regular hand tools. The AEM 21-785DS kit is available for the following vehicles:

2015 BMW 328I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2015 BMW 320I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 BMW 328I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2014 BMW 320I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 BMW 328I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2013 BMW 320I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 BMW 328I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models
2012 BMW 320I 2.0L L4 Fuel Injection - All Models

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