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Keoni Viernes' 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the New Beast of the Las Vegas Strip

6 Nov 2012

Keoni's Evo encorporates traditional Japanese styling and racing functionality

Standing on the sidewalks of the Las Vegas strip offers an overwhelming view of a world built of lights, excitement and some of the best super cars in the world cruising up and down the streets of Sin City. It’s not uncommon to see some of the more glitzy models like Lamborghinis, Ferraris or a Rolls Royce mixed in among the tourist busses and family vacation mini vans but, there is no missing Keoni Viernes'custom 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX when it roars past. Originally from Pearl City, a town right next to Pearl Harbor Hawaii, Viernes now resides in the fabulous Las Vegas with his more than fabulous Lancer Evo. K&N caught up with Keoni to go over some of the more unique specs of his race ready import.

K&N: What was the initial inspiration for building and customizing cars?
Keoni: "My love for cars started when I use to go to Volkswagen car shows and seeing all these different cars and each had their own touch to it, and that’s what I wanted to do to my evo."

K&N: Did you choose this car? Why go with the Evo?
Keoni: "I always wanted a 4 door sports car that just so happened to be all-wheel drive and turbo. Still maintaining sleek race car look[s] but be able to hold passengers at the same time. Lastly, the infamous Hybrid Philosophy of building a complete race-street-show vehicle.

K&N: What drove you to make some of the design choices and styles for the Evo?
Keoni: "I had inspiration from the JDM or Japanese culture in modifying cars as well as other members of my team building Hybrid Quality Cars."

Recently landing a cover spot on Performance Auto and Sound magazine with a full 3 page feature, Keoni’s 2005 Lancer Evo is getting an excellent display in the lime light. Keoni is also connected to custom auto group, Team Hybrid which has also celebrated multiple member cover spots this past year. Keoni credits much of his success to his involvement with Team Hybrid. "This car started off as [a] reliable daily driver work car, and then it became a race car… ”stated Keoni. …”Then I meet up with some guys from Team Hybrid especially with the help of Founder/President James Lin, LV Chapter Director Archie Concon, plus a few other Hybridz as well as our great team title sponsors, and it became a complete "Race-Street-Show” car.”
Keoni also went more in detail to the custom body style of his Evo by "…taking different styles from each car and putting my own touch to it. At the start it was just your basic engine bolt-ons and rims,” said Keoni. "The car started off with the stock tarmac black color which was nice, but being most shows where at night you really couldn’t see the car. The dramatic change is when I started doing the body work and adding the Voltex Wide Body with a full custom paint job and this couldn’t happen without the help of Team Hybrid and James Lin. They helped me finish the front and rear fenders from Evasive Motor Sports (The largest Distributor of Voltex). With such [an] aggressive body kit, it needed aggressive color and familiar with Japanese scene using bright colors and graphics, I took a page out of there book and went with this color. My main reason was to have a car I can take to shows and compete with the best and then step to the race track and beat it up on the track."

Keoni had much help from the guys at Team Hybrid when installing the Voltex wide body kit

Keoni’s custom mods and styles have been seen at the following shows this past year:

SEMA
Motor Trend Auto Show
Motion Auto Show
SpoCom Auto Show
Import Face Off
Formula Drift
Mitsubishi Owner Day
Import Showoff Nisei Week
Wekfest
Slammed Society
Remix

While a pretty sight to see, Keoni’s show and go Evolution IX racer is no slouch with enough mods and upgrades to pump out a serious 450HP on the dyno. Here is the full spec sheet for the Mitsubishi:

This black and yellow Evo catches eyes everywhere, from cars shows, to the race track

Exterior
Voltex Street Edition Front Bumper
Voiltex Street Edition Canards
Voltex Front & Rear Wide Fenders
Voltex Side Skirts
Voltex Rear Diffuser
Voltex 1500mm Wing
Voltex Carbon Fiber Heat Shield
Vortex Generator
Window Shields
JDM Rear Evo 9 Tail lights
Carbon Fiber J- Panels
Carbon Fiber Vinyl Roof
House Of Kolors 4 Stage Sunrise Pearl with Ice

Engine
FP Green Turbo
GT-Spec Tubular Manifold

Keoni went with one of K&N's high flow air filters to feed the turbo powered engine that puts out 450hp to the wheels

HKS Reloaded Racing Suction Intake System
K&N Performance Air Filter
HKS 272 Intake/Exhaust Cams
HKS Adjustable Cam Gears
HKS Front Mount Intercooler
HKS Upper & Lower Pipping
Hallman Manual Boost Control
Turbo XS Oil Catch Can
Ingalls Stiffy Engine Torque Dampener
ARP Head Studs
Ralliart Red Oil Cover
Titek Carbon Fiber Hood Damper
APR Radiator Cooling Plate
JM Fabrications Spark Plug Cover
Tanabe Concept G Blue Turbo Back Exhaust
ClutchMaster Twin Dics
Greddy Type RS Blow Off Valve
Perrin Hose Kit

Even with a racing roll cage, passengers can still sit in the back seat or Keoni's Evo, just maybe not comfortably...

Mishimoto Aluminum Radiator
Mishimoto Slim Fan
Mishimoto Overflow Bottle
ETS Aluminum Radaitor Pipe
BR Mini battery Kit
BR Spec J&E Tough Skirt Coated Forged Pistons
BR Crower Rods
BR Bronze Valve Guides
BR Dual Stainless Steel Valve Springs
BR Titanium Retainers
BR Ported & Jet Coated o2 Housing
Walbro 255 Fuel Pump
Tuned on 100 Octane

Brakes & Suspension
WP PRO 8 Pot Front Brakes
WP PRO 6 Pot Rear Brakes
Kabee Full Coilover Suspension
APR Flex Control Bar

Interior
Bride GIAS Low Max (Gradation)
Custom Red Leather (Recaro) W/ Embroidered "Evolution & Mitsubishi Logo"
Wedge Engineer Seat Brackets
NRG Short Hub
NRG 3.0 Quick Release
OMP Tommie Makinen Steering Wheel
Evolution 9 Billet Shift Knob
B&M Short Shifter
Cusco 6 Point Roll Cage (Camaro Green)
Apexi Auto Turbo Timer & Harness
Gruppe-S 60mm Gauge Panel Defi Link Meter BF 60mm (Boost, EGT, Oil Pressure)
Defi BF Tachometer 80mm

No detail was missed when building this awesome street machine and it is evident inside and out

Defi Control Link
M1 Harness Bar
Takata Harness

Wheels & Tires
CCW Race Classics (18x10.5 F+12 R+12)
BF Goodrich g-Force Sport Comp 2 (255/40 r18)
Project Kics Neo Chrome Lug Nuts
Ichiban +25mm Wheel Adapter

ICE
Sony XAV-64BT
Sony XM ZZK3301 Class D Amps
Sony Front & Rear Speakers
Sony Tweeters
Sony XZ-LD106P5

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Meet Alf Serrato's Venomous G35 6MT Coupe, AKA the Black Mamba

6 Nov 2012

Alf Serrato's Black Mamba G35 coupe

Style and comfort have never been blended so well with high performance in the Infiniti G35 Coupe. With its sleek lines and luxurious interior, you would almost forget your taking a turn in 4th gear. Like most vehicles, this roadster looks great in any color. But nothing truly captures a car's soul like when it's in the best color of all, black, and that is just what California custom vehicle owner Alf Serrato has done with his black on black on black 6MT coupe. K&N had a chance to catch up with Serrato and go over the custom specs of the appropriately dubbed, Black Mamba.

K&N- What inspired you to have a passion for customizing cars?

Serrato- "I've always had a passion to have something different than your average car. I have owned several cars since first getting my license in 1988 and every one of them have been customized.. It's a lifestyle.. Shopped for a few months for a car like this and happen to be walking around the dealership when one rolled off the truck with the plastic still on it. MINE!"

K&N- What drew you to this specific model? Why the G35?

Serrato- "The G35 6MT Coupe is mix of sport and luxury. It's quick and handles well. To me the styling will never get old."

K&N- So why the unique look of near blackout on the vehicle, why did you choose it?

Serrato- "My car is black and I chose yellow to be a contrast color. I believe a black car with yellow accents catch the eyes of an enthusiast, a non-enthusiast, and just about anyone including judges."

K&N- Why did you choose a K&N filter ?

Serrato- "K&N [products] are not only easy to clean, but they are known to have free flowing filters, [and the] 1,000,000 mile warranty too!"

K&N-Any info of where the Black Mamba has been and where it may be going?

Serrato- "[For 2012] HIN Pomona, HIN in Long Beach, Motion Auto Show (3rd Place), AutoCon LA 2012, Auto Gallery 2012 (Best Infiniti) , Extreme AutoFest (Best Infiniti), Extreme Dimensions Open House, G35 Sedan GTG IV(Best Engine Bay)." Serrato went on to mention that his car is still up for some changes in the years to come. As a proud member of R-Rydes Car Club, the Black Mamba is sure to turn heads wherever it travels. The complete list of specs on his G35 6MT are listed below:

The Black Mamba sports a K&N highflow air filter bolted to a customer intake tube

The Black Mamba

Engine/Drivetrain Modifications:
VQ35 v2 (1-5-2010)
Polished Cosworth Manifold w/ CF endcaps
Polished Cosworth Fuel Rails
Polished Lower Collector
Polished Timing Cover
Polished Throttle Body
Polished VTC Solenoids
Polished Furookie Intake
Polished Stainless Allen Bolts ( entire bay )
Polished ARP Nuts Painted Valve Covers
Painted Pulleys
Polished and Chromed Brackets
Polished T-Bolt Clamps
Full Wire-Tuck
Stainless Steel Braided Radiator Hoses
Various Earls AN Fittings and Clamps
MotorDyne "ART" pipes V1 (woohoo)
Stillen TD SS Exhaust with Single Wall Tips
JWT clutch/flywheel combo
UpRev Osiris Tune @ Church Automotive 304.9rwhp 285tq

Alf Serrato's G35 has the proper stance that can be appreciated by any car enthusiast

Suspension Modifications:
HKS Hypermax III Non-Sport Coilovers
SPL v3 Front Camber Arms
SPL Rear Camber Arms
SPL Upper Control Arm Bushings
SPL Lower Control Arm Bushings
SPL Compression Rod Bushings
SPC Toe Bolts
Custom Polished and RRYDE Burnt ARC Titanium Strut Tower Brace and Brackets
Powder Coated Stillen Sway Bars
West End Aligned and Cornerbalanced
PowerGrid Front and Rear Endlinks

Wheels/Tires Modifications:
3-Piece SSR SP3 Super Black Coat
20x9.5 +0 HP Disk w/225-35-20 Yokohama S-drives
20x11 +3 MD Disk w/255-35-20 Yokohama S-drives
AP Racing Custom Powdercoated 6 Piston Front BBK
2-Piece Rotors w/12 pt ARP Hardware
AP Racing Custom Powdercoated 4 Piston Rear BBK
2-Piece Powdercoated Rotors w/12 pt ARP Hardware
Volk Formula Racing Lugs

Black on black offers a classy look for almost any show vehicle

Interior/Exterior Modifications:
Authentic Kuruma Z Front Bumper
ARCH non-modified Poly Impul SS
Custom Modified Chargespeed Rear w/add Carbon
Rear Fenders Rolled and Pulled
Front Fenders Rolled and Pulled
Debadged Trunk
20% Tint
06-07 JDM Taillights
JDM DD Conversion w/Active Dual Climate Control
Eclipse 5435 double din AVN
MB Quart Q-series 6.5 components
MB Quart Ref series 6x9 components
JL 12W7
JL 1000/1
JL 450/4
Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob
Nifty Shifty Shift Boot Oem Leather w/Orange Stitchin
Fiberglassed Trunk
JDM Clear Corner w/Bump
2006 Projectors
LED's
OEM Blacked Out Grill

Hours of hard work have been plugged into Alf Serrato's G35 and he calims there are more to come

JDM RHD Battery Cover
Polished NRG Hood Dampers
Optima Yellow Top Battery
ARC Oil Cap ( Custom ) Custom
Polished and RRYDE Burnt ARC Titanium Air Diversion Panel
SxExCx Polished Overflow Tank
SxExCx Polished Power Steering Tank
Koyo Slim 36mm Polished Radiator (Modified)
RRYDE M-Spec Custom Polished Aluminum Fan Shroud with Spal Fans
(Modified) Driver and Passenger Side Chrome Coolant Pipes
Crossover Bypass Mod by RRYDE
High Polished RAREJDM Aluminum Underpanel

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Yamaha YZ85 Dirt Bikes Get Engine Protection and Performance with K&N Air Filter

5 Nov 2012

Replacement Air Filter for 2003-2016 Yamaha YZ85 dirt bikes

Split-second decisions made by anything less than commonsense ultimately, and always, results with an abrupt introduction to the unflinching laws of physics. Discovering where commonsense ends and recklessness begins can often be painful though, which is why learning to ride off-road, sans traffic and asphalt, is the ideal means to initiate an understanding of two wheel boundaries.

For the serious mini racer and future Arenacross champion the Yamaha YZ85 is the last rung in their education before moving into full-grown motorcycles. The YZ85 is ready to race right out of the crate and features a high performance, 85cc 2-stroke engine that provides legendary Yamaha durability. It also features a liquid-cooled six speed close-ratio transmission that is light and compact with a rigid single-backbone, semi-double-cradle frame. The broad handlebar and flat fuel tank, radiator shrouds, side panels and rear fender provide the rider the control and the freedom to move around and weight transfer.

Another important lesson to take hold of early is that by simply swapping the factory installed air filter with a K&N YA-8502 washable and reusable motorcycle air filter, you'll be assuring your YZ85 motorcycle is getting outstanding levels of engine protection and performance, in the harsh off-road environment. The secret to their success lies in the exclusive characteristics of the filter medium, which was originally developed by K&N all those years ago in the off-road dust of desert and motocross racing.

K&N's YA-8502 reusable air filter is engineered to increase power and torque, and the unique oiled cotton gauze filter medium, layered between two sheets of aluminum wire mesh, is how that's accomplished. This thoroughly tested and proven replacement filter provides outstanding filtration and exceptional air flow to help optimize performance, and to keep your YZ85 engine running clean for a very long time.

The YA-8502 can hold a huge amount of dirt before cleaning is required. The length of riding time between servicing depends on your particular off-road riding circumstances. When it is time for servicing K&N recommends a Recharger Filter Service Kit, which contains industrial strength air filter cleaner and air filter oil. Using the K&N Recharger® Kit can restore the air flow and cleaning efficiency of your K&N air filter to perform like new with every cleaning, for many years of off-road riding.

K&N YA-8502 fits the following Yamaha Motorcycles:

2016 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2015 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2014 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2013 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2012 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2011 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2010 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2009 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2008 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2007 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2006 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2005 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2004 YAMAHA YZ85 85
2003 YAMAHA YZ85 85

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Land Rover Defender with 2.4L Diesel Engine Adds Performance with K&N Lifetime Air Filter

5 Nov 2012

Replacement Air Filter for 2007 to 2016 Land Rover Defender models with 2.4 liter engines

Whether you are leading an exotic safari in the deepest African bush or taking a light off-road excursion through your local national forest, the redesigned Land Rover Defender is one of the most rugged and versatile vehicles in the world. It's simple design and stark interior offers drivers a strong focus on the road ahead. The Defender also offers a powerful 2.4 liter diesel engine capable of tackling a wide variety of terrain. To keep your Land Rover Defender's engine protected and performing through virtually any trail, drivers can outfit their stock air boxes with K&N performance air filter 33-2992.

33-2992 flow chart

The K&N 33-2992 high flow air filter is designed to increase air flow and overall engine performance while protecting the motor from harmful contaminants drivers may encounter. Part number 33-2992 is manufactured using multiple layers of washable reusable oiled cotton gauze. This unique design allows dirt to become captured deep within the microscopic filter fibers while allowing more air to pass through to the engine boosting engine performance. Backed with K&N's world famous Million Mile Limited Warranty, the 33-2992 is a perfect upgrade for any 2007-2016 Land Rover Defender with 2.4 liter diesel engine. With proper use and service, the 33-2992 air filter can also save money as the lifetime air filter eliminates the need to constantly purchase restrictive disposable air filters over and over again. Depending on your individual driving conditions, this lifetime air filter can be used up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is needed.

The 33-2992 air filter fits 2007 through 2016 Land Rover Defender models with 2.4 liter diesel motors. This high performance K&N air filter is easy to install. Simply remove your old disposable air filter and replace it with the 33-2992.

K&N air filter 33-2992 will fit the following Land Rover Defender models:

2016 Land Rover Defender 2.2L L4 Diesel
2015 Land Rover Defender 2.2L L4 Diesel
2014 Land Rover Defender 2.2L L4 Diesel
2013 Land Rover Defender 2.2L L4 Diesel
2012 Land Rover Defender 2.4L L4 Diesel
2012 Land Rover Defender 2.2L L4 Diesel
2011 Land Rover Defender 2.4L L4 Diesel
2011 Land Rover Defender 2.2L L4 Diesel
2010 Land Rover Defender 2.4L L4 Diesel
2009 Land Rover Defender 2.4L L4 Diesel
2008 Land Rover Defender 2.4L L4 Diesel
2007 Land Rover Defender 2.4L L4 Diesel

For a full list of Land Rover Defender air filters, visit KNFilters.com.

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

Lloyd Brothers Motorsports Has A Great Night During Flat Track Race At Lima

26 Oct 2012

Henry Wiles returned to race with team Lloyd Motorsports in 2012

Many Flat Track racing enthusiasts likely mark the last Saturday in June on their calendars early. It's a twenty-seven year tradition in Lima, Ohio; it's a time when anticipation permeates the air, and the echo of screaming engines resonate from the Allen County Fairgrounds. It's a given that riders and their teams are going to show up raring and ready for battle.

Lloyd Brothers Motorsports rolled into the venue this season with vigor and high hopes of what Henry Wiles, could prove. After racing on the team in 2006 through 2008, Wiles and Lloyd Brothers went their separate ways. But he was back onboard this season, and success was on each and every members mind. "Henry is a true competitor," recalled team member, David Lloyd. "He is very dedicated as an athlete. He has tremendous natural ability on a motorcycle, combined with a high level of fitness, focus and dedication. We are never over-confident, but Henry is a proven winner at Lima. Everyone there knew he was the guy to beat."

During the qualifying race, Wiles muscled his David Gamble prepared Lloyd Brothers Motorsports/Foremost Insurance Company Flat Tracker through the field. Finishing with the second quickest time, the rider then dominated the pack in the Dash for Cash, not only taking the victory, but adding five points to his overall score. "The Dash for Cash is important mostly for the points awarded," shared David Lloyd. "We changed the suspension a little before the Dash, and it was a big step in the right direction. It was important for the main event, because it would be Henry's last time on the track before the 25-lap final."

Henry Wiles and Lloyd Motorsports recently missed a victory at Lima, Ohio by .22 seconds

As this was Wiles second Dash for Cash victory of the season, his confidence level was soaring going into the main event. The initial start of the race was voided when a rider in the second row started too soon, triggering a red light. AMA racing officials also cited Wiles for "rolling", which in turn took away his front position and sent him to the fourth row. Although, Wiles in an optimal position at the outset, he was clearly behind the eight-ball on the second start. But the rider had no intentions of letting his stroke of bad luck prove a hindrance. In fact, he went to work as soon as the race was deemed underway, steadily and methodically maneuvering his way through the field of riders.

With a few laps to go, the rider had managed to move up to the second position, and then the red flag flew. When the go-ahead was given, Wiles and fellow racer, Sammy Halbert, embarked upon a five-lap battle to the end. Henry Wiles managed to lead the race into turn three of the final lap when he was bumped from behind as Halbert tried to cut inside. When both riders had managed to get their bikes under control, Halbert had the lead and took the checkered flag only .22 seconds in front of Wiles.

"After being put on the fourth row for allegedly jumping the start, Henry made an incredible charge through the pack, ultimately arriving in the second position with five laps to go" explained his teammate. "Considering he lapped up to seventh place when he won at Lime in 2009, maybe I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was."

Lloyd Motorsports and Henry Wiles finished the 2012 AMA season in sixth place overall

When asked if he thought Wiles would have walked away victorious, if not for being bumped, David Lloyd continued, "For sure. Henry led down the back strait on the last lap. That (being bumped) set Henry up, and let Sammy by. If not for that, Henry would have easily won."

Referring to losing a race that was decided by fractions of a second, Lloyd continued, "You have to move on to the next race knowing that you were that close. Henry actually got passed at the Aprilla Flat Tracker, at Lima, in 2008 after being held up by a lapper. That night we lost by only .17 seconds. It would have been the first win for anything besides a Harley in fifteen years. As it is now, no other brand has beaten a Harley on a one-half mile in twenty years. Our bikes were closest to breaking the one-half mile win streak in 2008 and 2012 by a cumulative .39 seconds."

Although the Lima race didn't come exactly how Lloyd Motorsports and Henry Wiles had planned, they still left the venue confident that they had made a showing and wowed the fans. The points accumulated that night also played a large role in cinching a sixth place overall at the season's end.

Lloyd Motorsports and Henry Wiles are already anticipating what will transpire in the season to come and are aware that proper maintenance will play a huge role in their overall success. That in mind, the team is a strong advocate of using K&N products to keep their engines running contaminant free.

"Maintenance is everything," ensured Lloyd. "We use K&N air and oil filters, and their filter oil exclusively, in our motorcycles and vehicles. K&N products are the highest performing filters that we have tested. Flat Track racing is a dirty, brutal environment. Without K&N protecting the internals of our engines, we wouldn't be able to win."

In closing, David Lloyd said, "A strong team is the key to success. A strong team encompasses sponsors, rider and tuners; everyone who contributes positively. We have a lot of really great people and companies on our side. Our expectations are to move forward with development of our engines and chassis to become a challenger at every type of race track that we compete on."

Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world.

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