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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 Toyota Corolla iM between rounds

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

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

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 competition

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

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 Formula D Pro 2 events 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 the 3-month break between Formula D rounds

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

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

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 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

George Kiriakopoulos qualified 11th at Formula Drift Orlando, but would have to retire early

Kiriakopoulos started the season out in Orlando with no major expectations as a rookie, experiencing his first Pro 2 event alongside more than 20 other drivers. After the Thursday practice and qualifying session had ended, Kiriakopoulos had put his Universal Machine 370Z in 11th qualifying position, which guaranteed him a spot in the tandem battles. Unfortunately, during the practice session just prior to the Top 16 tandem battles, Kiriakopoulos broke the dogbox transmission in the car. Without a replacement available in time for the tandem battles, Kiriakopoulos would have to sacrifice his battle against fellow AEM Induction-sponsored driver Travis Reeder.

George Kiriakopoulos dealt with a broken steering rack at Formula D Atlanta, which cut down practice

In his first practice run out of the gate, Kiriakopoulos came into the first turn a bit too hot and pushed the front end of the car off course, which damaged the steering rack. The team worked hard to make the rack straight enough to run for the weekend, but the lost practice time made it difficult to qualify. Although Kiriakopoulos put two solid qualifying runs down that were scored, ultimately those scores wouldn’t push him into the top 16. By comparison, only 10 of the 30 other drivers were able to put down two full passes in qualifying, showing just how tricky the course can be.

George Kiriakopoulos unfortunately didn't make the cut for Top 16 at Road Atlanta

For Seattle, Kiriakopoulos will be debuting a new wrap design, which features AEM Intakes more prominently along with some other new partnerships. Kiriakopoulos has also removed some additional weight from the car, which should make the car quicker and more predictable in grip. Kiriakopoulos feels that he has the car and the skill to be competitive in Pro 2, and is anxious to showcase that at the upcoming Evergreen Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway events.

George Kiriakopoulos knows he has the car and team to be successful in the second half of the season