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The 21-2138DK can be used as a standalone filter for a project or as the replacement filter for the 21-8128DC intake system for 2015 Ford F-150 2.7L and 3.5L turbo trucks.

When it's spring service time for your car, truck, or race machine, the to-do list should always include checking, and replacing, or, if your vehicle is equipped with an AEM induction system, cleaning the engine air filter.

Newly available for many vehicles is AEM's tapered oval-shaped universal 21-2138DK Dryflow air filter. This filter is also the replacement filter for the AEM 21-8128DC Brute Force performance cold air intake system for 2015 Ford F150 EcoBoost 2.7L V6 turbo and 3.5L V6 turbo models. And you can install it yourself.

Featuring a Dryflow synthetic material, the 21-2138DK can be the quick, easy to install and maintain, and long lasting filter that you need for your project.

As a clamp-on replacement filter, the dual-flange 21-2138DK is versatile, efficient, and immediately brings increased filtration and better performance to your vehicle. For the F150 with the 21-8128DC air intake system, that means an estimated additional 17 horsepower and 18 pound-feet of torque at 5200rpm over the factory system.

Your vehicle's induction system will be better protected from whatever comes at it thanks to AEM's next generation filter media and high-volume construction. The top cap is rubber and the flanges are metal and fit inside the stock air box or directly onto the 21-8128DC intake, inside the heat shield. Designed in collaboration with K&N, the inventor of high-flow air filters, the specialized non-woven lofted synthetic material utilizes a structural aluminum screen for structural strength.

The filter does not utilize oil so it is easier to clean and reuse, so it can come back refreshed and ready to work for as long as you need it. AEM recommends using its 1-1000 air filter cleaner on both the inside and outside to loosen grime and dirt before rinsing it with water. Use cool or warm (never hot) water and gently shake it off. Allow the filter to air dry and it can even be replaced if it is slightly damp. The cleaner comes with its own instruction sheet and there is a video online for additional guidance.

When spring service time rolls around again, your car or truck should have had many months of clean, free-flowing air and a healthier intake system, minimizing this part of your maintenance routine.

When you're ready to get your 21-2138DK, use the AEM online Product Search or locate a dealer near you by using the AEM Dealer Search.

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