Steve Burkett is a 7 month member of the Swift Car Club but has been building cars since he was 15 years old. Now at age 40, those 2 1/2 decades of experience are shown in his styled 2008 GMC Yukon which is fresh off a win at the DUB Phoenix show for best street SUV, best interior and audio/video. Needless to say he is ready for SEMA 2010 since he was unable to make the 2009 event.
2008 GMC Yukon is ready for 2010 SEMA Show
Swift Car club has over 150 members in areas of the country. It has been involved with many different auto shows over the years and has boasted winning best club at the DUB Phoenix auto show.
Steve has two words for why the Yukon is his choice, "passenger space." With the large interior, Steve told us of how he and his friends could go where they wanted and all enjoy the upgrades
2008 GMC Yukon
installed by Superior Autosound and the custom flame graphic designs done by Mike Royal that even reaches into the engine compartment. Set up on 26" Lexani wheels, and equipped with an AEM induction system (21-8023DP) with the Dry-Flow technology air filter, this Yukon is a custom designed SUV built for show and still serves as a great everyday drive with added power and performance.
"I have always been into custom cars and want to stay with it," says Burkett. "I consider it a lifestyle, it's artistic and it's what I wanted." Steve's Yukon is scheduled to be a featured vehicle on display at the SEMA event from November 2nd - November 5th in Las Vegas.
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
In the late 1960's, the Chrysler Corporation debuted its iconic Dodge Challenger. The Challenger was appropriately named as it was released to challenge the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang in the then new muscle-car class.
Dyno Chart for Dodge Challenger 3.5L V6
Fast-forward to the present day and the Dodge Challenger is in its third generation. The current Challenger model was designed in 2008 as a remake of the original with a twist of vintage styling and modern technology.
AEM has just released a cold air intake for 2009 and 2010 Dodge Challenger
and Charger models with 3.5-liter SOHC V6 engines. AEM parts 21-696P (Polished) and 21-696C (Grey) are two-piece aluminum induction systems that feature a large, molded rubber elbow coupler and massive 7-inch tall DRYFLOW performance cone shaped air filter.
These 3.5-liter V6 engines are relatively underpowered in relation to engines
in other muscle cars. With only 250 horsepower from the factory, AEM engineers looked to not only improve peak power gains with the 21-696P or 21-696C Cold Air Intake but to improve low-to-midrange power production as well.
Cold Air Intake for Dodge Challenger 3.5L V6
During AEM testing a Dodge Challenger realized a 7.36 horsepower improvement at 3800 RPM with the AEM cold air intake installed. Peak horsepower was also improved, going from 174.52 in stock trim to 177.43 horsepower. A substantial addition in torque was also recorded during AEM's testing, with a maximum gain of 10.63 ft/lb at just 3500 RPM with the intake installed.
The 21-696P and 21-696C Cold Air Intake systems come with a large oil-free DRYFLOW performance air filter (21-2147DK). The 21-2147DK has a flange inside diameter of 3.5-inches (89mm) and a height of 7-inches (178mm), allowing the delivery of a plentiful amount of airflow to the 3.5-liter V6 engines of the Dodge Challenger and Charger. The DRYFLOW air filter media creates a filter that is extremely durable, easily cleaned and delivers excellent filtration. For added filtration, AEM offers Filter Wraps that are manufactured from durable micro-screen materials that are pretreated with a proprietary hydrophobic process. AEM filter wraps repel water splashes and extend the filters service life. For the 21-696P and 21-696C air intake systems, AEM Filter Wraps are available as a separate accessory (Part Number: 1-4007).
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
The new 2010, 2011 and 2012 Mazda 3 2.5L with manual transmission is proving to be quite a popular compact model.
It provides great power, handling and fuel mileage.
Dyno Chart for 2010 and 2011 Mazda 3 2.5L
Cold Air Intake System 21-695P
AEM sought a way to make
this compact speedster even more powerful by developing a specially designed
Cold Air Intake System with either gunmetal gray or polished aluminum intake tube finishes. Product number 21-695C (Gunmetal Gray), and 21-695P (Polished).
"The development of a true cold air induction system for the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Mazda 3 was approached by keeping the overall design and installation of the system simple while still enabling it to perform significantly better than the stock intake," says product design manager John Concialdi.
He also explained that the intake itself is simple for the end user to install
in part due to the development of a special throttle body coupler which allows use of the OEM PCV hard line. The intake itself was developed with 2.75" diameter tubing
that goes to a cone shaped air filter with an offset flange. This
allows placement of the filter in a low isolated location behind the front fascia
so it feeds cooler outside air to the engine. AEM's R&D group tested
several different Venturi sizes until the right one was found to satisfy
their demands for proper fuel trims and power output.
The 21-695C and 21-695P
intakes performed strongly during testing showing a gain of 6.7 hp at 6100 rpm and 5.75 ft-lbs of torque at 6100 rpm. This kind of performance gain along with an easily cleaned non-oiled filter create a simple yet powerful upgrade for your new 2010, 2011 or 2012 Mazda 3 2.5L
with manual transmission. AEM has been pioneering well engineered Cold Air Induction systems since 1994 and the 21-695C and 21-695P are no exception to AEM's strive for great performance and precision engineering.
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
Tanner Foust and team Rockstar Scion take 1st place at Throwdown in Monroe, Washington
Team Rockstar Scion definitely threw down at Throwdown in Monroe, Washington. Driver Tanner Foust had many "one more time" races and put everything on the line. On their last set of tires, Tanner was able to take an impressive victory for the weekend and put Team Rockstar Scion back on the top of the podium.
Foust and his AEM sponsored Rockstar Energy Scion
"I haven't seen that level of commitment - and carnage - in a competition in a long time," said Foust. "That was some of the hardest driving I've ever done." Recently, AEM Intakes was able to ask team owner Stephan Papadakis about their weekend of racing at Monroe and what they're looking forward to in Las Vegas for After Dark. Here is what Stephan had to say:
How did the rounds go for you over the weekend at Throwdown? Can you describe your races?
Tanner making time for the fans in Monroe, Washington
Each round was very hard fought. Tanner had 2 "one more times" during the event. There were so many rounds that by the finals we were on our last set of tires. The guys were looking for good used tires to mount in case there was a "one more time" in the finals.
Tanner throws up big smoke on his lead lap.
How did the final round go?
Tanner had an OK follow run, then during Tanner's lead run, Ryan crashed trying to keep up. That crash sealed the deal and gave Tanner the win.
Were you having any challenges with car setup? What contributed to your consistency? Shorter wheelbase?
I feel like we've had a competitive car all year, and it was really up to Tanner this weekend. He put it all together.
How did the hot weather affect your driving this weekend? How were the track conditions?
The hot weather sucks while you are sitting and waiting for the start, but once you are on the track it's all about the round. Track conditions were very good. Lots of grip.
How do you feel about your team's performance this weekend?
The whole team did an excellent job! Tanner driving, Shawn and Aldo with the car prep and changing the tires each 2 runs, while getting new tires mounted on rims as well. It was a great effort from everyone.
How do you feel about the other teams' performances this weekend?
There were several teams that had great cars and good drivers. Each year we see the level of perfomance increase. Drifting is such a good sport.
What changes (if any) are you looking to make for After Dark in Vegas?
We will be increasing the cooling capacity of the engine and ventilate the hood more for cooling since it's supposed to be over 100 degrees. Also, we will be testing a new tire size - a bit larger for more grip, which translates into more speed.
Tanner Foust and team Rockstar Scion are sitting in a great spot as Formula Drift makes a smoky appearance in Las Vegas. The season isn't getting any easier as the championships are quickly approaching and teams might have to break the bank to top the podium on August 20th and 21st. Drift fans won't want to miss this After Dark action in Las Vegas!
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
The SpoCom Super Show at Long Beach was an amazing show! Over 200 models and hundreds of show cars descended on the Long Beach Convention Center for the biggest SpoCom event of the year.
AEM 2003 Infiniti G35 Showcar
Thousands of sport compact and automotive enthusiasts were on hand to check out new product offerings, some of the cleanest and most tricked out cars in the world, and of course, enjoy the bikini, lingerie, and urban dance shows and contests.
AEM Induction Systems was a strong presence at SpoCom, showcasing our new Electronically Tuned Intakes (ETIs), Hybrid Dryflow air filters, and Air Filter Restriction and UEGO Gauges. One of the highlights of the show was the AEM 2003 Infiniti G35 showcar, owned by Randy Riggs, winning Best Infiniti. Randy was kind enough to answer a few questions for AEM about SpoCom and his long-time relationship with everything automotive.
2003 Infiniti G35
What got you into cars?
I started getting into cars back in high school. My father would have me help him do repairs and oil changes on the family cars. So then I took auto shop class so I could learn more about repairing cars, which then led me to attending UTI trade school in Phoenix, AZ. I have been showing cars for nearly 25 years now.
What made you choose a G35?
I was about to get married and wanted to get my new wife a new car. Since I keep my cars for a long period of time, I wanted to get something that would be practical for a family.
AEM Booth - 2010 SpoCom Super Show in Long Beach
I have always had 2 door cars, but I thought about getting a cool sedan, since I thought one day we would have a family. Infiniti just released the G sedan and coupe. I really liked the coupe and still thought the sedan was really nice. One day I took my fiancé to look at the Infiniti sedans and she really liked it as well, but then all of a sudden she looked around the lot and saw the coupes. "I want that," is what she said, so I said "COOL." A few months later we went to the dealer to purchase the G coupe and received it the day before our wedding. We debuted it at our wedding reception, to the surprise of everyone, because we did not tell anyone that we were going to buy a new car, not even our own families.
SpoCom Long Beach Super Show
How have AEM products contributed to the performance and visual appeal of your car?
I really like the fact the AEM air filter is low maintenance. I like to keep my cars in top running order and having a clean air filter is important. Being able to just wash it and let it dry makes it very easy. The AEM gauges let me monitor vital readings about my car. I have AEM products on both my cars; my Honda Accord has every AEM product available for it. I have dealt with AEM for nearly 20 years, since back when it was a tuning shop.
How does it feel to win Best Infiniti at the 2010 SpoCom Super Show?
It is a great honor to win Best Infiniti at any car show, but to win at SpoCom is a much greater honor. The show is billed as "the best of the best" that compete. Every year everyone looks forward to this show and does their best to make their car the best it can be. This was my 3rd year to compete at this event. The first year I got 3rd place, last year I got 2nd place, now this year I won one of those coveted unique 1st place trophies.
SpoCom Long Beach Super Show was definitely the biggest show of the year, but the next stop, Honolulu, Hawaii, promises to be the most exotic as the big island says "Aloha" to everything Sport Compact on Saturday August 28th. Grab some friends and take a few days off for some hot sport compact action on one of the most beautiful islands on the planet!
To find all AEM products for your vehicle, use the AEM application search function and the Where to Buy function on AEMIntakes.com to find an AEM dealer near you.
