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SEMA featured 2010 Chevy Camaro with Z/TA Firebird conversion kit

Legend has it that a firebird has golden feathers and eyes like crystals. She is a powerful source of light and a single feather will illuminate an entire room. There was a time you could spot one on the hood of a Pontiac Trans Am, but the Firebird has been extinguished. Yet its legacy lives on thanks to Projxauto co-owners, Doug Street and Lowell Kiester. The two business partners designed the Z/TA package, a Firebird conversion for the 5th Gen Camaro, which received a great deal of attention at the 2013 SEMA show.

Projxauto Z/TA package includes a K&N cold air intake system as shown at SEMA 2013

"When the 2010 Chevy Camaro came out, we were eager for the sister car the Firebird, but that obviously did not happen," remarked Street. "We felt that there was a need for a Trans Am conversion to satisfy true Pontiac enthusiasts. And we wanted an OEM look and feel to the car with simple, modern-day muscle, and iconic styling cues that honor the rich heritage of the Firebird. Through the SEMA org, we were able to get much of the C.A.D. data for the new Camaro, and with that we proceeded to design our conversion package."

Projxauto is a design and engineering company located in the Detroit area and they first and foremost provide design services for the automotive suppliers in the Detroit area. "We have been in business since 1994," said Street. "We specialize in automotive Class 'A' surface development, body design, and interior and exterior trim."

The Pontiac Trans Am legacy lives on through Projxauto’s Z/TA package, their Firebird conversion for the 5th Gen Camaro.

"We set out to make a modern day Firebird with styling cues from the past. Our goal was to create a conversion package that looked like it came off the showroom floor, we wanted to have an aggressive Pontiac look, yet we did not want it to look aftermarket. We also wanted a body package that could be installed by virtually anybody. Our conversion package has been completely designed and engineered just like the Camaro panels. Basically you remove the Camaro panels, paint the new panels, and then re-install them. This is not some fiberglass kit!"

Projxauto also produces injection molded bumper covers, grilles and tail lamps. They use new OEM fenders and re-stamp them to get a flush fitting air extractor. And the "crown jewel" of their package is an all aluminum hood.

This was the 3rd year Projxauto displayed their Z/TA package at SEMA

"I believe we have to be one of the only aluminum hoods on the aftermarket," said Street. "Our entire conversion package is manufactured here in the Detroit area by automotive suppliers. This was our 3rd year displaying our Z/TA package at SEMA, and we believe the show went well, it's always a little hard to judge, it takes a little time, but after a while we get many orders from people that saw us at SEMA."

A few years ago Projxauto displayed an innovative cargo management system for pickup trucks. They struck a deal with Dodge and they sold their system through Mopar to the Dodge dealers. "Until Dodge actually stole our idea and created their own," Street adds, "Even though we had patents and grounds to fight them. They ended up going through bankruptcy and we did not have the legal funds to challenge them. So we decided to build another product and that is our Z/TA package."

One of the interesting options to their Z/TA package is the functional shaker scoop, like the ones on the early Trans Am, which had a functioning flapper door that pulled cold air into the carburetor.

"Our shaker scoop also opens up under heavy load via electric solenoid and vacuum switch and pulls outside air in through the shaker and then ducts it to a K&N cold air intake system," Street explains. "When you are sitting behind the wheel of the car looking out over the shaker and you step on the gas, the shaker lifts up and rolls to the right, the door opens, and then you hear the nice throaty sound of the engine that gets greatly enhanced with the K&N cold air intake system."

"We chose to offer our package with the K&N system because of the brand name. We know that K&N is a well engineered product, and that offering our functional shaker system coupled with the K&N cold air intake was the way to go. We had to engineer and manufacture our own heat shield so that we could have our duct open and push air into the K&N filter. Also with our unique hood, we wanted to make sure that we made a good seal when the hood is closed. We feel the system is well engineered, and while our car looks great with the hood closed, when its open and you see that shaker scoop sitting on top of the engine, and a blow molded duct connected to a great looking K&N system, you can see right away that this is no dummy scoop, it actually is functional! Just like the early TA cars."

KTM, the Austrian motorcycle company, has long been serious about building competition-spec motorcycles for serious riders, and their efforts have been rewarded with numerous off-road, motocross and even Supercross championships. Now, for the past couple of years they've become ultra serious about building awe-inspiring street bikes. Case in point, the 2013 to 2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke R is aptly nicknamed "the beast."

K&N Replacement Air Filter for 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure, Adventure R & 1290 Suto 2016 per Duke R

At the heart of the 75-degree twin is the engine from their RC8 Superbike, only now it's bored and stroked to 1301cc and delivers a whooping 180 horsepower and 106 foot-pounds of torque according to KTM.

Not to worry though, the extra added attention to the street bike market hasn't lessened their efforts in the adventure arena by a long shot, as the 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure/Adventure R will attest to. A genuine adventure bike with all the right specs and boosting a 150 horsepower seemed absurd not so long ago, but KTM made it happen in a huge way.

Flow Chart for K&N 2013 KTM 1190 Adventure, Adventure R & 1290 Super Duke R Air Filter KT-1113

KTM has earned a reputation for doing things the right way, so has K&N, and now you can combine their efforts by simply upgrading to a high performance K&N KT-1113 reusable air filter. Designed to fit directly into the existing air box, this high-flow air filter is engineered to increase horsepower, acceleration and torque, while providing outstanding filtration and engine protection.

The K&N KT-1113 performance air filter is made with K&N's "XD" extra-fine weave pleated cotton for improved performance on the road or in extremely dusty and dirty off-road riding conditions.

With K&N's KT-1113 air filter installed, you can ride for extended periods between service intervals, depending of course on how and where you ride. On the road with the Super Duke you may ride up to 50,000 miles before filter servicing is required. Because this filter is washable and reusable, servicing is as effortless as following the uncomplicated cleaning instructions in a K&N Recharger Service Kit (99-5050).

K&N KT-1113 fits the following KTM models:
2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke R Special Ed. 1301
2016 KTM 1290 Super Duke R 1290
2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R 1195
2016 KTM 1190 Adventure 1190
2016 KTM 1050 Adventure 1050
2015 KTM 1290 Super Duke R 1290
2015 KTM 1190 Adventure R 1195
2015 KTM 1190 Adventure 1190
2015 KTM 1050 Adventure 1050
2014 KTM 1290 Super Duke R 1301
2014 KTM 1190 Adventure R 1195
2014 KTM 1190 Adventure 1195
2013 KTM 1290 Super Duke R 1301
2013 KTM 1190 Adventure R 1195
2013 KTM 1190 Adventure 1195

For all K&N KTM 1190 Adventure air filters visit the Air Filters for KTM 1190 Adventure page on KNFilters.com.

Jaguar is a company with a rich automotive heritage dating back almost a century, full of luxury and performance. However, a “Jag” isn’t the mid-life-crisis-mobile it was for so many years. It’s redefined for in the 21st century with a new edge, perfectly displayed in the XK. The interior is well-seasoned with refinement and technology from aluminum or wood trim to a touch-screen infotainment system and 10- or 16-way power adjustable seats, just to name a few of the many features. And to move all this luxury, the XK is equipped with a 4.2 liter V8 engine that churns out 300 break horsepower. Wrap all of this in an aluminum body that takes some styling cues from Aston Martin and the curves of actress Kate Winslet, and you have the essence of a proper British luxury sports car. The question then becomes, with this modern-day refinement being so well done, is there room for improvement? The answer is yes- with the K&N 33-3010 performance lifetime air filter.

K&N Replacement Air Filter for Jaguar XK

K&N air filter 33-3010 is precision engineered to be an easy-to-install performance upgrade for the 2006 (from 9/06), 2007, 2008, and 2009 Jaguar XK 4.2 liter V8 models. This panel filter is constructed with a durable urethane sealing lip to help ensure a positive seal in the factory air box. The 33-3010 also uses K&N’s famous oiled cotton gauze air filter media to help minimize restriction, increase airflow, and provide excellent filtration efficiency and engine protection.

Flow Chart for K&N Jaguar XK Air Filter 33-3010

While K&N's Jaguar XK air filter 33-3010 is designed to increase horsepower and acceleration, another benefit of the oiled cotton design is that it’s washable and reusable so it never needs to be replaced. The filter can even go for up to 50,000 miles between cleanings, depending on driving conditions. It’s also backed by K&N’s famous Million Mile Limited Warranty so it’s the last air filter you’ll ever buy for your Jaguar XK.

The Jaguar XK is a beautiful example and continuation of Jaguar’s pedigree of performance and luxury, and deserves an upgrade from a company with an equally impressive heritage. K&N invented the reusable high flow cotton air filter in 1969 and has been perfecting the technology ever since, making it the world’s leading manufacturer of washable performance air filters. The 33-3010 air filter embodies K&N in every way and is the perfect performance upgrade for your Jaguar XK.

K&N 33-3010 lifetime air filter was engineered to be a simple add-on to improve performance in the following Jaguar XK models:
2009 Jaguar XK 4.2L V8
2008 Jaguar XK 4.2L V8
2007 Jaguar XK 4.2L V8
2006 Jaguar XK 4.2L V8 – from 9/06

For all K&N Jaguar XK air filters visit the Air Filters for Jaguar XK page on KNFilters.com.

Veteran stunt driver Mike Ryan and his hand-built Freightliner have collected 12 Pikes Peak championships to date.

In June of 2013, we reported that Mike Ryan had teamed up with a couple of firefighters from FireForce Racing, and that they had just successfully completed the NORRA Mexican 1000 in a 46-year-old Ford F-100. Having rightly confirmed that old dudes and trucks do indeed rule, this time around Ryan is demonstrating that without question - size matters. At the 2013 SEMA show in Las Vegas, a colossal crowd favorite was Ryan's semi-truck, a road racing and drifting truck built specifically to compete in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.

"This will be our 16th year racing semis' in that event," said Ryan. "We have seven class records and many wins in our years there (12 PPHC Championships to be exact). Our drifting video ‘Size Matters' (Semi Truck Drift Gymkhana Feature), that we shot three years ago currently has about 1.8 million hits, and we are finishing the final edit of ‘Size Matters 2' that we will launch in mid to late March."

Ryan's mountain munching Freightliner is a hand-built 2,400-2,800 HP Detroit Diesel Powered Series 60 with a modified ZF 5-speed sequential shifted automatic transmission. Ryan details, "Banks Power added an 8.2 liter super-charger, a Banks ‘Straight-Shot' water-methanol 2-stage direct injection, and fully integrated Banks controllers and associated electronics that mate with the DD ECU. We run custom compounded Michelin Tires, Fluidyne coolers, Castrol Lubricants, Howe Steering, Accuride Alloy wheels, Jet-Hot coated everything and K&N oil filters and engine and diff breathers."

Ryan is a veteran Hollywood stunt driver and stunt coordinator who's job has been crashing trucks or cars in scores of films since 1977, including the Captain America 2 (which will be released in the next month or so), Men in Black 3, Fast & Furious 5, 6 and 7, The Italian Job, Swordfish, After the Sunset, Herbie Unloaded, Independence Day, Fire Down Below, Black Dog, Terminator 2, and even further back to before Thelma & Louise.

"In addition, I started Picture Vehicles Unlimited in 1982 to broker vehicles to the TV commercial industry," Ryan adds. "There are very few vehicles ever built that we haven't been involved with in one way or another over the last 32 years. We modify, fabricate, build from the ground, prep them for stunt work or just supply them to film, TV, commercials, print and accident re-constructionists."

In his downtime to unwind Ryan has raced motorcycles in the desert and vintage dirt track, he also raced off-shore boats in the 1980's and in cars. Ryan continues "It's been jalopies, street-stock, figure-8's, demo derby's, mini-stocks, some autocross and amateur road racing, the Baja 1000 in a Pro-Truck and the NORRA Mexican 1000 in our (abovementioned) 1968 F-100 Class 8 truck, which we are prepping for this May's event. The one constant is that I've always used K&N Filters. They never fail and it would be ridiculous for us not to use them."

Brett Alworth and Curt Hill transformed a homely 1972 Chevy Blazer into an award winning show stopper.

In 2009 Brett Alworth met up with Curt Hill and together they embarked on a two year journey creating automotive art. The unlikely subject for their project was a "homely" 1972 Blazer, which the duo determined would appear "stock-ish" - at first glance anyway. However, it's what sat underneath the surface that made the Blazer a crowd favorite at the 2013 SEMA Show, as it became a testament to suspension technology and creative vision.

Eric Reyes hand-painted the badge on the air cleaner cover.

Instead of bagging the truck, they decided to build the chassis around a coil-over system that Hill designed. The truck sits low at all time, and to accomplish this, many changes had to be made to improve the substandard frame. All cross members were removed to get the low-stance Hill's is renowned for. The result is a Blazer that rides well and handles like a sports car. Hill employed his innovative "Super Slammed" front and rear wheel wells to allow for the drop, yet still maintain perfect steering geometry. The potent small block kicks out 495 horsepower and 510 lb/ft of torque.

"I have been working in the automotive industry for the last 19 years," said Hill. "I worked for two shops before starting my own business five years ago. At Hill's Rod & Custom we can handle all of your custom car fabrication needs. We create everything from NHRA roll cages to Salt Flats racers, chopped customs to bagged Suburbans. We specialize in custom fabrication and we like making parts from scratch while maintaining the overall design of the build. We can take your dream, design it, create it and finish it to the highest standard. We usually don't do the same job twice and always find new ways to make and evolve cars to the best of our ability."

Hill's Rod and Custom also displayed a stunning 1951 Studebaker Woody Fastback at the 2013 SEMA show.

The Salt Flats racer Hill mentions is a streamliner that runs at Bonneville. It currently holds the record in its class (e/bgs). "Which stands for 259 cubic- inch motor, blown- twin turbo, gas," explains Hill. "And it holds the 2012 record at 334.260 mph. The owner of the streamliner is Dennis Varni, and we had it on display at SEMA in 2010. We run two K&N air cleaners on the liner, and that helps keep things from entering the engine at over 300 mph."

Hill and his Pleasant Hill, California shop have received numerous awards and countless accolades for their innovative creations. Before turning heads at SEMA, Alworth's Blazer debuted at the Grand National Roadster Show and it handily won its class. A follow-up victory at the Sacramento Autorama show proved that this truck was indeed a winner. At the Good Guys March show, Alworth's truck collected the Meguire's Magnificent Masterpiece and Award of Excellence.

Eric Reyes produced the original rendering of the Blazer and Hill and Alworth executed on that vision. Brian Jennings Kustom Restoration did the bodywork and paint, including fully detailing the fiberglass top inside and out. The Blazer has a K&N air filter and other breathers for the valve covers, and Reyes stepped in again to hand-paint the badge on the air cleaner cover.

"At the 2013 SEMA show I also brought a 1951 Studebaker Woody Fastback and showed it in the Dynamat booth," said Hill. "This was a full custom built woody. It has many items that have been hand built from scratch. I just finished a 1961 Ford Falcon too, and it was a ground up build. That car is on a boat and headed to South Africa right now for a vintage rally. It's also using a K&N air filter and breathers to keep the dirt out of the motor."

Hill says he would love to display the Falcon at the 2014 SEMA show, he just hasn't found a booth to have it in yet, adding "Any help would be greatly appreciated."