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VWerks Sports a 392 Hemi Jeep Wrangler JK-8 at SEMA 2012

Dec 12, 2012

VWerks managed to squeeze a 392 Hemi under the hood of this 2012 Jeep Wrangler and debut it at SEMA 2012

When VWerks embarked upon a build for SEMA 2012, hours of thought and planning had already been dedicated to the project. Their goals had already been determined. As a company who manufactures off road products and builds specialty vehicles, they were focused on showcasing a means of increasing power and ramping up one's rig.

"We're more than a manufacturer,” explained Vice President of Product Development Engineering, Pat Muldoon. "Our goal is to help customers celebrate their passion, whatever it is, through vehicles customized to meet their lifestyle needs."

"We've noticed a trend across the country of Jeeps and trucks becoming the new hot rod. Our inspiration really was a 1932 Ford. We wanted to create the feeling of an old-school hot rod, but in a modern, dependable Wrangler pickup."

This 2012 Jeep Wrangler is one impressive ride as seen during SEAM 2012

SEMA was the perfect venue to announce their new 392 Hemi conversion package for 2012 Jeep Wranglers and JK-8s. This JK-8 build was the debut of their first production Hemi Jeep, and was nicknamed "Steel-Bender".

As increasing power was one of their main objectives, they would obviously target the engine early on in the build. Having the 392 Hemi calibrated by B&G Chrysler Specialists, they dropped an engine boasting an impressive 465 horsepower at 6,000 RPMs with 465 foot-pounds of torque at 4,200 RPMs between the fender wells.

The VWerks/Jeep Speed 392 conversion kit was an essential element of the modification, as was the VWerks/Hotwire Custom 392 wire harness. Also provided by their company, they installed a Jeep Speed dual battery box and a two-row aluminum performance radiator.

VWerks opted to use a high flow K&N air filter for their custom intake set up on this 2012 Wrangler SEMA Show vehicle

Keeping the internal components of one's engine clean is crucial, yet optimal air flow must still be maintained. That in mind, they went with a K&N air filter with a VWerks custom intake tube.

Having a long relationship, in excess of ten years, with K&N, Pat Muldoon was confident in the preferred air filtering system. "We're big fans of their product engineering,” he explained. "K&N makes solid products. We also love that they answer the phone; you can call someone up who knows what they are talking about, and get feedback and help."

SEMA 2012 held some relly cool vehicles including the 2012 Jeep Wrangler built by VWerks

Still focused on the drive train, VWerks opted to install a J.E. Reel CV Style front drive shaft, a modification that is available for both automatic and manual transmissions. While under the rig, they took advantage of the opportunity to attach VWerks differential cover protectors.

With the drive train ready and able to perform, the VWerks crew cast their attention to building a suspension capable of holding up to the rigors that a custom off road vehicle might bring.

Putting a VWerks 4” lift kit under the rig, they went with Fox External Shocks. The suspension would not meet their expectation if not equipped with a dual steering stabilizer kit, provided by their company, as well as their front stabilizer bar link kit.

VWerks offer a 392 HEMI conversion kit for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler

With the mechanical aspect of the build executed to VWerks high standards, they then directed their attention to aesthetics and launched modifications to the exterior to the Jeep.

Bolting on Pro Comp 17-inch matte black wheels, accentuated with VWerks custom center caps, they would certainly look for quality and performance while choosing a tire. That in mind, they installed four Pro Comp 35X12.5 XMT (mud terrain) tires.

Following their conviction to provide SEMA attendees with an eye-catching ride, they went with a VWerks JK-8 conversion. After attaching a premium hood the VWerks team supplied custom paint, pin striping and graphics.

There is a long list of upgrades for this cool 2012 Wrangler in order to meet SEMA attendees expectations

A Warn M8000 winch secured to a VWerks premium front bumper with shackles would serve two fold. It added to the overall look and would lend to greater mobility and ease of mind.

Moving to the back of the vehicle, a few more modifications were in order. Opting to coat the bed with a spray-on liner, they topped the project off with VWerks tubular bed rail extensions.

Although demanding and time consuming, the VWerks team had executed their build to the tee. Having previously showed a project vehicle at SEMA, they were aware of what attendees would be expecting.

"The biggest thing about SEMA is every detail will be scrutinized,” explained Muldoon "We like to build running vehicles that are fully functional and operational, yet look really cool, and are aesthetically perfect. We try to look at it from the perspective of a journalist; they might point their camera somewhere our eyes haven't looked closely."

"Everything has to be perfect,” he continued. "So we start by analyzing our booth space, and what we hope to accomplish through our vehicle builds. Then we plan the vehicle out, and of course, have to build it. It takes a lot of long nights to get it done, but it's always well worth it.”

Other Jeeps at SEMA include AEV Conversions Jeep Wrangler JK, Rebeca Olavarrieta's 2011 Jeep Wrangler, the Project Rescue Rubicon 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, BDS Suspension Modified Jeep TJ, Jeep Grand Cherokee Storm Chase Vehicle, Falken Tire's Rubicon Unlimited and the award winning Jeep Wrangler JK Hemi with 4WD.

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.

Tim King and TMI Products Inc. Build 1966 Chevelle for SEMA 2012

Dec 12, 2012

Tim Kin decided to go with a K&N XStream air filter assmebly on his 1966 Chevelle SEMA Show vehicle

At fifteen years of age Tim King purchased a 1966 Chevelle, with intentions of eventually building the car to what he considered perfection. While employed by True Connections, he slowly and methodically purchased parts for the future project, storing them until the time was right to embark upon the build. Well, the owner recently tackled the challenge, and at the endeavor's end, showed up at SEMA 2012 with the epitome of a classic muscle car.

After executing the needed sheet metal work, the General Motors Sales Rep for TMI Products, depended on the company to provide his ride with a flawless paint job and stitch up the interior. With these two chores behind him, King tackled the remainder of the project by himself, using the parts he had been accumulating throughout the years.

Many 2012 SEMA attendees stopped to admire the Grey 1966 Chevelle owned by Tim King

Back in the muscle car era, one could rest assured that those admiring a fella's hot rod would eventually ask to look under the hood. With that in mind, King spent his fair share of time building a high-performance engine.

Tearing his 454 big block engine down, King bored the cylinders sixty-thousandths over stock specifications, and went with 9:1 compression pistons. Eager to enhance his performance even more, and likely anticipating a lope, he chose to install a Voodoo cam.

Attaching an Edelbrock intake atop the engine, he bolted on a Holley 750 double-pumper carburetor to ensure an ample flow of air and fuel reached the cylinders.

An air bag supesnion give this 1966 Chevelle a great stance worthy of 2012 SEMA recognition

Prior to attaching the valve cover pans he opted to replace the stock rocker arms with something that would lend to better performance and less wear, and cinched down the Roller rockers with confidence.

Acutely aware that performance would suffer if restriction was not addressed, he bolted Doug Thorley Headers to the heads. Eager to guarantee an optimal exhaust flow, he installed a Flowmaster 3-inch exhaust kit.

Tim King most certainly did a great job on this 1966 Chevelle displayed at the 2012 SEMA Show

Planning to head off any cooling problems at the pass, the car owner chose Maradyne dual cooling fans. To provide even a cooler environment for the engine to perform at its peak, he also inserted a radiator cover by Undercover innovations.

After stretching Taylor Spiral wound wires from the distributor cap to the plugs, he focused on providing his engine with the best filtering system on the market, that in mind, he turned to K&N products to ensure optimal air flow, while keeping the internal components of his engine contaminant free.

"I used the K&N filter and air filter lid,"recalled King. "I wanted to ensure the engine could breathe! The first time I used K&N was on my quad, when I was just a few years old”.

This 1966 Chevelle packs plenty of power with a well built 454 cubic inch motor

With the engine build behind him, Tim King centered his attention to the remaining components of the drive train. Pulling a T-56 six-speed transmission from a 1999 Camaro, he secured it to the back of his newly built 454. After installing a Hurst Nitro-Stick II shifter, he knew it was important to make one more modification to handle the rigors when the rubber met the road. It only made sense to add a 12-bolt posi (positive traction) rear end to the recipe for speed and performance.

While under the rig, King began his quest to provide a suspension that could complement the the drivetrain's modifications. He went with a SC&C Stage II kit, with adjustable upper control arms and one-half inch taller ball joints for the front end, and a poly kit from UMI performance in the back. As a finishing touch underneath the car, he opted to install custom air bags by Bio Kustumz.

Updating his brake system with four wheel slotted and drilled disc brakes from SSBC, he chose 19/20"NewGen Descendant Rims, Nitto 555 tires.

With the mechanical aspect of the car completed, Tim King began to contemplate esthetics. Adding to the quality workmanship of the Full Sport-R Series interior provided by TMI products, the car owner secured an Eddie Motorsports steering wheel to the column, and added a Dakota Digital VHX gauge package to the dash.
 

With the help of many sponsors and friends Tim King was able to finish this sweet 1966 Cehvelle in time for SEMA 2012

Although TMI Products has been building innovative interiors for SEMA cars for more than twenty years, this was Tim King's first personal build. Referring to the inspiration of the project, King said, "We wanted the interior to pop. That's why we went with white."When asked which modification earned the most attention, he continued, "The air bags. Getting that stance low is what draws people in.”

Although such a project was demanding and consumed an astronomical amount of time, at the build's end, Tim King walked away not only with an impressive vehicle, but a sense of satisfaction unsurpassed. When asked what it took complete such a venture, his answer was short and to the point. "This was my first year,"explained King. "It took a lot of energy drinks and long nights.”

Other similar SEMA show vehciles can be found in these related articles:
Hellcat Camaro
SEMA Show Cars K&N Display

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.

How to be a Christmas Gift Giving Hero - Think Inside the Box

Dec 11, 2012

Who says Christmas gifts have to fit into a shirt-box, or a stocking hung on the mantle? For the perfect gift that keeps on giving for the next million miles - think inside the box. By simply removing a vehicle's existing paper air filter, and slipping in a K&N lifetime replacement air filter, you can give a gift of enhanced performance. Every time the gift recipient gets their car's oil changed and is asked about buying another restrictive paper air filter they can think of you as they decline the offer because they have a K&N air filter that can go for up to 50,000 miles before servicing is needed and then they just service the filter and replace it.

K&N air filters are the gifts that keep giving for a million miles.

Think it through, how much post present opening discussion gets fired up by another gym membership or a sweater with a neon art-deco motif? Yet, let that someone special in your life unwrap a bright shinny K&N box filled with their vehicle's air filter and they will be talking about it long after your Christmas tree is taken down; you will be their hero for years to come.

K&N makes filter gift giving and finding the right filter straightforward as well. Visit the How to Find the Correct Air Filter video on KNFilters.com or contact K&N and they will be happy to assist you. You'll discover just how easy it is to find the right K&N air filter using your computer or mobile device.

High quality products and the right balance of airflow, filtration efficiency, dirt capacity, and reliability are what K&N has represented worldwide since 1969. When you give the gift of a K&N replacement air filter, you bestow on family or friends excellent filtration while reducing restriction, which increases engine performance. Anyone can give new socks, but what's that really say, take care of your feet, have a nice walk? When you give K&N you illustrate a deeper understanding, not only for that individual, but for the special bond that exists between vehicles and their owners.

K&N air filters are designed to increase horsepower and acceleration. They can help a car or truck to run better so it can make driving fun again. Take a look at some of the feedback we get from K&N users. Now, you can either give another average striped tie, terry-cloth robe, or something else that will probably stay in the box, or you can give the "The World's Best Air Filter" with the industry-leading Million Mile Limited Warranty, and be a hero every time your gift keeps another paper air filter from being bought.

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.

Beau Baron Pulls Off WORCS Championship While David Haagsma Grabs #3 Spot

Dec 11, 2012

Beau Baron Maxxis/H&M Honda ATV poster

2012 proved to be special year for professional ATV racer Beau Baron and his Maxxis/H&M Motorsports team. Baron captured the WORCS ATV Pro Championship with a dominating performance aboard his Maxxis Tires Honda, capturing the championship with a win at his home track, Honolulu Hills MX in Taft, California, with a full complement of his friends and family cheering him on.

"It was great winning the championship at home," Baron said. "I was a little reluctant to make an official invite to all of my friends and family because I did not want to jinx my chance of winning in any way. I felt like if I asked people to come that it meant I was expecting to win, and I know it's not over until I cross the finish line with a checker flag waving."

"Somehow word got out a little, and more of my family and friends showed up than usual. In the end I was really happy they were there with me."

The most impressive part of the championship run may be that the H&M Motorsports team just completed their first year in racing, and the team was able to capture two championships. Teammate David Haagsma captured the Quad-X Pro 450 championship while also finishing third in the WORCS Pro series.

David Haagsma Maxxis/H&M Honda ATV poster

"As a brand new, first-year team, we had a lot of obstacles to overcome. I'm just very appreciative of the team because they handled most of them. I think the most important thing we did was prove ourselves. One championship is impressive for a new team, but two really makes a statement. We are all proud of that."

Baron credited his intense training schedule for his success this year, and also did not hesitate to point out the bond that he shares with Haagsma. The two live nearby and train together regularly, pushing each other as if every day was race day and the winner was the champion.

K&N sponsored David Haagsma bringing some money home after WORCS victory

"We motivate each other and because of how close we live to each other, we ride together often. As racers, we feel like we always have to be competing, so it's hard to let that go even during practice and it always ends up that we really push each other. That's a much better way to practice than by yourself."

Baron also kept himself busy when not racing quads by competing in various SXS races. Essentially a mix of motocross and stadium short-course racing with the ultra-quick and increasingly popular UTV's, Baron saw far less success in the cockpit than he did on the seat this year; but that could all change next season.

"I added the SXS racing to my program last year but I was kind of on my own. I am excited to announce that next year the SXS racing will also be part of the H&M team's program and I think this will be a good addition. I am hoping to win championships in both the WORCS ATV and SXS series as well as the Quad X series next season."

Baron credited his team's reliability throughout the season on his successful year. While Baron needed only to avoid a DNF in the final race, he instead had the confidence to push his quad to the limit and wrap up the championship while celebrating a victory. One of the reason's his Sparks motor was so reliable was the use of K&N Filters.

"We use K&N Air and Oil Filters on our Honda TRX 450. K&N is obviously our biggest defense against dust and dirt. We know we never have to worry about the reliability of K&N's products."

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.

Andy Forsberg Continues his Journey of Dominance in Open Wheel Racing

Dec 11, 2012

Andy Forberg recently captured his 13th career championship in open wheel racing

Northern California sprint car racer Andy Forsberg continued to write his name in the record books in 2012, capturing his 13th career championship in open-wheel racing. Forsberg's #92 family owned entry captured the California Civil War for the 7th time in his career, including each of the last three years.

The only negative in the championship was the disappointing finish to the Civil War at Oceanside Speedway in Watsonville, California. Forsberg suffered motor problems and could not close out his championship with a race win.

"It was (a little bittersweet), you always want to go out on top," Forsberg said. "We had a lot of people there at the Civil War finale who normally wouldn't go to races, so to just fall out with ignition problems is frustrating. Luckily we had a big enough lead where it did not matter. It was still fun to get the night over with and win the championship."

Forsberg's season did not end after his Civil War clinching night. Over the final month of the season, Forsberg won an open show in Marysville, California, ran in the top 5 consistently and showed great speed at the Trophy Cup in Tulare, California. The continuous dominance of the open-wheel scene in Northern California has some people tired of Forsberg, but he doesn't mind.

K&N sponsored driver And Forsberg definitely values the importance of family and friends in the racing world

"I think there are a few people that are over seeing us win, some of them are race teams and some are fans. It's kind of funny to drive a good race, win and get out of the car to have the fans booing you. I guess it's part of the whole racing deal. I get it."

Some of the most memorable moments for Forsberg came in non-points races.

"Winning the Mark Forni Memorial race was real exciting. I moved up from fifth to the lead, jumped the cushion with ten laps to go and let Jon Allard pass me, but on the last lap I got back around him to win the five-thousand dollar purse."

Forsberg also won his 99th and 100th race on the same night at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California. Driving both the X1 and 92 cars, Forsberg won both the 360ci and 410ci mains.

Andy Forsberg relies on K&N products to protect his engine throughout the entire season, and with proper maintenance of course

"Everything went like a movie script. It was really cool."

The only disappointing note for Forsberg in 2012 was losing the 410ci championship at Silver Dollar. Forsberg tied for the points lead, but lost on the wins tiebreaker. But Forsberg said that loss was nothing compared to the divestating loss of two of Northern California's best.

"Losing on a tiebreaker hurts, but that's just racing. Just when you think you have seen it all, something else pops up. Those type of events put things into perspective, when actual heartbreaking events occur like when the Northern-California racing community lost David Tarter and Tyler Wolf this season. We raced with those two every weekend and we are definitely going to miss them."

While the losses of those in the racing community will hurt for years, Forsberg will always be able to look back at his personal accomplishments in 2012 and smile.

Forsberg credited the strong reliability of his motors for his success this season.

"We use the K&N Air Filters. Racing on the dirt is pretty important to keep the inside of the engine clean and the K&N Filters do a great job of that for us."

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.