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Ernie Adams with his wonderful dwarf 1940 Mercury 2 door sedan replica

K&N visited Adams’ Dwarf Car Museum in Maricopa, Arizona, and we can say with no small measure of certainty that there is nothing like it anywhere in the world. It is hard to imagine the hours of work and the limitless talent that have gone into the glimmering and sometimes whimsical creations that grace the Adams’ compound in the Arizona desert.

The cars are replicas of iconic American models built in smaller scale. When asked about the specific scale that he uses, Adams says that each car is based on 12-inch wheels (which are most often custom made) and the rest of the car is built to suit that rim size. In most cases, the scale becomes somewhere around 5/8 of full size.

Adams daughter-in-law shows how the home-built whitewall machine works

Building these dwarf customs means that Adams has had to be creative with his tools and techniques. Many of the metal bending tools, frame jigs, and various other custom pieces of equipment were designed and built by Adams.

Conventional metalworking equipment just didn’t work for Adams’ specialized builds. Adams’ daughter-in-law showed us a special jig that he designed to cut and paint whitewalls on tires that can’t be found in the vintage motif.

Adams also creates dwarf customs that reflect his sense of humor like his 'Hillbilly' Model A

Once completed, you might think that the cars become pampered showpieces. However, while his creations frequently win top prizes at leading car shows, Adams drives all of his cars. In fact, several of the street-legal dwarf cars have been driven cross-country to distant shows in places like Chicago, Illinois, and other states across the East and Midwest.

Creative badging and intricate trim finish Adams' amazing builds

Ernie's son Kevin has written a book on his father's life, cars, and the museum. 'Break Time at Ernie's' is filled with photos and great memories, and will soon be available to the public.

Ernie Adams and the rest of the family are welcoming, gregarious, and great fun to talk to. You will not regret a visit to the Dwarf Car Museum. As you peruse the photos, remember that each car is roughly the size of the one by which Adams is standing for scale.

The dwarf 1949 Mercury is one of Ernie's favorites. James Dean would be impressed

How cool is the 1934 Ford sedan with dwarf suicide doors?

Check out the detail on the back of Adams' dwarf 1954 Chevy Bel Air

Clearly, Adams' dwarf car creations are favorites at car shows

This dwarf hot rod and matching tiny speedboat are museum favorites

The cars look like full-size models without a person in the photo for scale

The 2019 Chevrolet Trail Boss will have unique styling and off-road inspired enhancements

While the Texas event was billed as a 100th Birthday party for Chevrolet trucks, it also served as an introduction to the all-new from the ground up 2019 Silverado 1500 line, with will be offered in eight different trim levels.

FAST FACT: The 1918 Chevrolet One-Ton truck was powered by a 2.8 L four-cylinder engine rated at 36 horsepower with an estimated 45 lb-ft of torque. Its top speed was 25 mph.

What we know so far is that the Trailboss is based on the Z71, but in addition “integrates the off-road equipment of the Z71 package as well as a two-inch suspension lift. “Unlike aftermarket lift kits, the Trailboss suspension is fully tested, validated, and warrantied by Chevrolet,” explained Chevy management.

Distinguishing features of the Trailboss from other Silverado 1500 trim levels are its gloss black grille, black rear step bumper, black Chevrolet "Bow-Tie" emblems on the front grille and rear tailgate, gloss black-finished aluminum-alloy wheels, large-diameter Goodyear off-road tires, "Trailboss" decals on the sides of the pickup box, front bumper-mounted center fog lamps, "Z/71" emblems on each front fender, and red-painted front tow hooks.

While we are not sure what powertrain will come in the Trail Boss, the dual exhausts say V8

As a leading supplier of aftermarket accessories, regardless of category, K&N is often at the very front of the line when it comes to vehicles provided to manufacturers for measurement, engineering, and new product testing.

In the meantime, if you own a 2007-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, K&N has plenty to offer you and your truck. Unlike an OEM manufacturer concerned over sound levels, cost, and every last ounce of weight, K&N develops products with only one concern in mind: increasing horsepower as much as possible.

From replacement air filters that improve response and power to air intake kits that can add nearly 18 estimated horsepower, here are the K&N products that’ll improve your second and third generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500:

K&N OE Replacement Air Filters

K&N High Flow Replacement Air Filters add response and performance to your Silverado or Sierra

K&N OE replacement air filters for Chevy Silverado 1500 & GMC Sierra 1500

2007-2018 4.3 L K&N 33-2129

2007-2013 4.8 L K&N 33-2129

2007-2018 5.3 L K&N 33-2129

2007-2013 6.0 L K&N 33-2135

2009-2018 6.2 L K&N 33-2135

K&N Performance Air Intake Systems

The K&N 57-3058 adds 17.6 estimated horsepower to 2007-2008 4.8 L Vortec L20 V8

Most K&N air intake systems include a heat shield with rubber weatherstripping to isolate the cool, fresh intake air from hot engine air, which would reduce its efficiency. As required, a fitting for the MAF sensor is incorporated in the kit.

While most K&N air intake kits feature the company's cotton gauze filter media, it has introduced the K&N Blackhawk Induction air intakes feature a black powder coated air intake tube and reusable non-oiled synthetic air filter for excellent airflow and engine protection.

K&N performance air intake systems are dynamometer tested to estimate the horsepower gain you can expect with a K&N system, while a typical air intake installation can be completed with a screwdriver, pliers, and a ratchet-set in 90 minutes or less. K&N specifically engineers our intake kits to use existing factory holes and mounting points, making installation simple and straightforward.

K&N Air Intake Systems for the 2007 – 2018 Silverado and Sierra 1500:

2014 - 2018 4.3 L K&N 63 Series AirCharger Air Intake 63-3085 +10.0 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 4.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3085KP +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 4.8 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3058KP +12.5 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 4.8 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3058 +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 4.8 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3058 +17.6 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 4.8 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 4.8 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 4.8 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 5.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3058KP +12.5 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 5.3 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3058 +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 5.3 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3058 +17.6 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 5.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 5.3 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2009 - 2013 5.3 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 5.3 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3082KP +12.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 5.3 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3082 +8.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 5.3 L K&N 63 Series AirCharger Performance Air Intake 63-3082 +10.7 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 6.0 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3058KP +12.5 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 6.0 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3058 +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2008 6.0 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3058 +17.6 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2009 6.0 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2009 6.0 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2007 - 2009 6.0 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2010 - 2013 6.2 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3070KP +9.9 estimated HP Gain

2010 - 2013 6.2 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3070 +12.2 estimated HP Gain

2010 - 2013 6.2 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3070 +10.3 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 6.2 L K&N 77 Series Performance Air Intake 77-3082KP +10.2 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 6.2 L K&N 71 Series Blackhawk Air Intake 71-3082 +9.0 estimated HP Gain

2014 - 2018 6.2 L K&N 57 Series FIPK Performance Air Intake 57-3082 +13.8 estimated HP Gain

2014 – 2018 6.2 L K&N 63 Series AirCharger Performance Intake 63-3082 +13.8 estimated HP Gain

The substantial power plant on the Boulevard benefits from the airflow of the K&N SU-1409 filter

Of course, engines pushing that much displacement need air and lots of it. The Suzuki Boulevard is especially receptive to the added airflow that K&N filter technology delivers. The K&N SU-1409 direct replacement air filter is just the prescription to open up the lungs on several Boulevard models produced from 2009 – 2017.

It’s pretty simple. More air to an engine greatly increases the potential for more power. Restrictive stock filters limit the air available to the fuel injection system which, in turn, limits the bike's performance potential. K&N has been producing and refining free-flowing filters for over four decades.

Performance gains that a rider can feel is what K&N is all about. One of our astute customers, Sherwin H. from Union City, Georgia, was effusive in praising what the SU-1409 did for his 2009 Suzuki Boulevard M90.

“I noticed it idles a whole lot smoother,” said Sherwin. “[It] pulls stronger from a dead stop. Downshifting and passing had definitely improved. Can't beat that formula - more air, more power. Very, very pleased with this product.”

The SU-1409 filter uses K&N's oiled, cotton gauze filter media for performance and protection

The benefits of the SU-1409 don’t stop with more power and great filtration. The filter is also easy to install and is extremely cost efficient over its guaranteed lifespan. Again, our happy customer, Sherwin, may have put it best.

“Considering the fact that a new regular filter for this bike is about $85 for a single use, highly restrictive filter, this is actually a great deal,” Sherwin said. “If you have ever changed the air filter on your bike then you will have absolutely no problems installing this filter. Just read the instructions and you will be very happy with how easy it is to install.”

All you need to carry out the periodic filter maintenance is a K&N recharge kit like the 99-5000 filter care kit. The kit includes filter cleaning fluid and filter oil.

The SU-1409 filter fits the following models:

The SU-1409 filter for the Suzuki Boulevard 1500 comes ready for easy installation

The area under the cab of the Starship is completely flat in order to improve aerodynamic efficiency

But what’s the actual effect if one were to take an integrated approach to optimize all areas of the tractor-trailer that the wind passes over? That’s what Bob Sliwa has been pondering since he founded AirFlow Truck Company in 1983. After a misspent youth drag racing a 1965 GTO and then a 1966 L88 Chevelle SS he decided to start a trucking company, first as an owner-operator.

Fast forward to 2009 when AirFlow developed its first hyper-efficient Class 8 rig. Equipped with a K&N air filter and nicknamed the BulletTruck, its nose looked like a cross between a Shinkansen and an NHRA Pro Stocker.

The gap between cab and trailer is electonically-controlled while solar panels contribute power

For example, the drag-inducing space between cab and trailer is closed by an electronically-controlled gap sealer. The system monitors the position of the truck in relation to the trailer retracting the sealer so that tight turning maneuvers don’t damage the gap sealer but then moves it back into place at highway speeds.

The underside of both the truck and trailer is completely flat, which eliminates a great deal of turbulence-induced parasitic drag that the engine must overcome, especially at highway speeds. This both increases fuel consumption but also limits the revenue-generating load the truck can carry.

Even how the air exits from under the hood has been treated for aerodynamic efficiency

On the roof of the trailer is a 5000 watt solar array, while there’s a regenerative braking system on the trailer’s rear axle that collects otherwise lost energy on downhill runs. Power can be stored in a battery system like a Tesla, then used to drive the electrical systems of the truck (eliminating the drag of an alternator, thus achieving yet another improvement in engine efficiency).

The engine is an X15 high-efficiency diesel from Cummins, offering the highest fuel economy in the industry. Because of the aerodynamic efficiency of the Starship, it doesn’t need to push its engine as hard as conventional trucks. So instead of running at the advertised governed speed of 1800/2000 rpm, the StarShip will redline at 1100 rpm, contributing to significant fuel savings. The engine is fitted with a unique Eaton transmission modified specifically for the Starship.

Those fuel savings actually relate to the weight capacity of the truck as well. Instead of the standard 250-gallon fuel capacity, the Starship will be fitted with a 100-gallon fuel tank. At seven pounds per gallon for diesel fuel, that’s a weight savings of over a half a ton that can instead be used to carry revenue-generating cargo.

Even the trailer end has received an aerodynamic treatment to further reduce parasitic drag

Improvements in aerodynamics on the truck have netted a 50% reduction in drag versus current trailer-trailer combinations. But there are other areas, particularly those affected by friction, that are addressed on the Starship as well, including low viscosity synthetic lubricants, low rolling resistance tires whose inflation pressures are constantly monitored and maximized for economic operation and long wear.

If you’re going to be attending the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky, from March 22 through March 24, be certain to stop by the Shell booth and take a first-hand look at the future of trucking as exemplified by the AirFlow Starship.

Matt Anderson's 1982 Harley-Davidson® FXRS custom is long, low, and unconventional

When the custom FXRS named ‘Hot Rod FXR’ rolled onto the red carpet of the Minneapolis, Minnesota staging of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS), something was clearly different than the other congregated custom Harleys.

Here at K&N, we love different. That’s why we sponsor three of the coolest classes at each stop of the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. Anderson's custom won the K&N-sponsored Modified Retro Class in the third stop of the IMS.

Anderson's unique engine configuration makes for a smooth exhaust design

The reversed V-twin puts the intake on the left side where a side draft Weber carburetor sits aggressive and prominently in its unconventional location. Of course, if the intake is reversed, the exhaust must be unconventional as well. The front header emanates from the rear of the jug for a clean, if a bit unsettling look.

More stops of the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and IMS will commence in 2018

The frame is long and low and the aggressively raked forks emerge from a retro half fairing. The foot controls are mounted in an extreme forward position creating a classic chopper riding posture.

The Gilby’s Street Dept. custom makes unconventional ultra-cool. K&N congratulates Matt Anderson on a head-turning build. For his efforts, Anderson rolls away with a cash prize and a substantial K&N product award.

After a long break for the holidays, the Progressive International Motorcycle Show and the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show will resume in the new year with stops in Cleveland, Dallas, Chicago, and Washington D.C.