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Highly Modified 2009 Ford Mustang GT Owner Louie Bustillos Built Car Show Worthy Drift Ride

14 Aug 2013

1.) Louie Bustillos plans to add power and torque by replacing his 2009 Ford Mustang GT stock airbox with a K&N air intake.

2.) With K&N Ford Mustang GT air intake in hand, Louie Bustillos shows us how much he loves performance.

3.) Now that Louie Bustillos has removed the stock airbox, it is time to install his K&N Mustang GT air intake system.

What do you do when your prized possession gets totaled in an intersection? Well you start all over and build a new model that's bigger and better. This is exactly what Louie Bustillos did after a wreck in his 1998 Ford Mustang. Louie Bustillos soon purchased a brand new 2009 Ford Mustang GT and began considering what he could do to beat his old pony. He had major plans in mind and wasn't going to wait to get started.

4.) It is not without K&N's easy-to-follow air intake installation instructions that Louie Bustillos adds more horsepower to his Mustang GT.

5.) Louie Bustillos' new K&N Ford Mustang GT performance air intake was mated to a BBK 62mm throttle body and a 125 Wet Shot Nitrous system.

6.) Installed. K&N Air Intake 63-2565 delivers an estimated 15+ horsepower to 2007, 2008 and 2009 Ford Mustang GT models with the 4.6L engines.

First, Louie wanted a theme for his new ride and decided to design a Drift Mustang. He loved mustangs, and he loved going into a corner hot, then downshifting and sliding through the corner in a controlled manner. According to Louie, Mustangs were made to slide. In stock condition however, you can only get so much out of the GT. The first addition to his 2009 Ford Mustang GT was K&N performance air intake 63-2565. It's mated to a BBK 62mm Throttle body and with a 125 Wet Shot Nitrous system for that extra little kick of power. This custom ride is also equipped with a Steeda under-drive pulley kit that Louie had custom painted before he installed it. Louie Bustillos' Mustang GT also has a Trufiber Hood with a custom acrylic viewing window outfitted with blue LED lights to show off the motor even on the darkest nights.

I asked Louie why he chose to use a K&N air intake for his 2009 Mustang GT. "The brand name alone speaks for itself," he explained. His confidence in K&N products was clearly evident. "I love using parts that are not only a well-known product but have been known to perform and K&N certainly meets my standards for being a product on my car. K&N is just a well-known product across the board. There is not one person I know that has not heard of K&N".

Now that the motor was purring he had to start making this modified GT a little more show worthy. He began by removing all pieces in the engine bay and having them custom painted or carbon fiber dipped. The exterior of the car was custom painted silver and blue two tone to make it stand out at shows. Louie also chose to accentuate the body of the mustang with a duraflex Cobra-R front bumper and a 3D Carbon wing. When it came to wheels Louie wanted to throw some large wheels on the mustang, but opted to stick with 18" Velocity wheels, to take advantage of the horsepower, and make the car easier to drift on the track. He then installed A thumping sound system with 2 Kicker 12" subs. Louie mated the subs to amps that push the woofers hard enough to drone out the screeching tires. A few 8" tv's were also installed just in-case Louie ever got bored at a car show.

Louie is one proud vehicle owner as he states, "My car is for me...I wanted to build my ULTIMATE ride and I have finally done it!"

Related K&N News Articles about Ford Mustang GT models: 2012 SEMA Featured Bright Orange Ford Mustang GT with Matching Wheelchair Trailer; Larry Ashley's Custom 1968 Ford Mustang GT Features K&N Air Filters at SEMA 2012; Full list of K&N Ford Mustang GT Air Intakes; Full list of K&N Ford Mustang GT Air Filters

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Juan E. Sierra Ortiz Discusses His 1992 Honda Civic 3 Door Hatchback with JDM H23a VTEC Motor Swap

14 Aug 2013

Juan Ortiz didn't take any short cuts while building this Honda Civic; he even tucked the wires.

Recently, while at a car show, I was stopped in my tracks the moment i saw Juan E. Sierra Ortiz's 1992 Honda Civic 3 door hatchback. I have to say, I am normally not interested in this type of build, but Juan's Civic really stood out. It wasn't the JDM H23a VTEC motor swap or that almost every stock part seemed to have been swapped with either carbon fiber or chrome that stopped me. Juan's 1992 Honda Civic was over 20 years old and had to be one of the cleanest cars I've seen at a show. As I got closer, I could see the engine bay was just as immaculate. In addition to the engine swap, I noticed a complete MSD ignition set up, ceramic headers, K&N air intake and the wire tuck. Juan Ortiz didn't take any short cuts while building this custom Civic.

Juan E. Sierra Ortiz is proud of his 1992 Honda Civic 3 Door Hatchback and K&N air intake system.

Growing up, Juan Ortiz always wanted to make his parents proud, and building a car was the best way to prove his passion for the automotive scene. Juan explained that his car might not be the latest or greatest, but it's his, and he built it. He mentioned that if he didn't know how to do something, he would research it until he was confident he could do it. "Ever since I was young, I have been into racing and car shows," Juan told me. "My father's workmanship and passion for cars has always inspired me to be the best at whatever I do."

Juan is an Army Instructor in the U.S. Army and uses his Honda Civic as his daily driver. His Civic has traveled to numerous training bases around the U.S. and several car shows along the way. "It makes me feel good to drive the car on a daily basis and I know the car will get me to wherever I need to go," Juan explained. "And if it does break down, I know I can fix it since I built it all myself".

Very clean customized Honda Civic with JDM H23a VTEC engine.

When asked what he would consider his specialty while building this ride, Juan told me that because he has done almost all of his own work, every aspect could be considered his specialty. "If I don't know it," Juan stated. "I will learn to do it!"

This soldier has invested many hours wrenching on this custom ride and its tidiness and cleanliness demonstrated a dedication and attention to detail that is likely carried over from his training in the Army.

Ortiz's Honda Civic is not just a show car, it's a daily driver.

I asked Juan why he chose K&N for his performance air intake. "K&N has always been among my top choices for performance and looks." he said. "It's proven to me it's top performance and quality." The K&N air intake system for many Honda Civic models between 1992 and 1995 is K&N 63-1017. "I've used K&N air filters in my other pride and joy," Juan continued. "A 1991 Mazda mini pickup standard cab short bed with a 383 small block Chevy mated with a 350 Turbo transmissions and 9" Ford rear end. K&N proved to work awesome with my 750 Holley four barrel carburetor."

It is clear to see that Juan is pursuing his passion within the automotive scene. His performance modified 1992 Honda Civic 3 door hatchback is not a full-time show car, it's his daily driver. What more can one ask for than to drive your pride and joy everyday.

Juan E. Sierra Ortiz's 1992 Honda Civic 3 Door Hatchback		You'll find carbon fiber and chrome all over this Honda Civic		Ortiz's Honda Civic also has a complete MSD ignition set up and ceramic headers.

Ortiz's Modified Honda Civic had JDM H23a VTEC motor swap

Ortiz's Modified 1992 Honda Civic had
JDM H23a VTEC motor swap

This 1992 Honda Civic is equipped with
K&N air intake 63-1017

Related K&N News Articles about Honda Civic models: Highly Modified JDM Honda Civic Hatchback Track Car is a Daily Driver for Owner Shawn Nichols; 2012 & 2013 Honda Civic Gains Horsepower with K&N Air Intake System; 2012 Honda Civic Si 2.4L Gains Horsepower and Torque with K&N Typhoon Air Intake System; 2012 Honda Civic SI with 2.4L Engine Owners Only Need to Buy One Air Filter for Vehicle's Life; Full list of K&N Honda Civic Hatchback Air Intakes; Full list of K&N Honda Civic Hatchback Air Filters

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K&N's Alyssa Riker Goes on a Four Race Win Streak in the Micro Rookie Class

12 Aug 2013

Riker Racing also earned their first ever feature win at Hamlin Speedway.

When school fires back up Alyssa Riker will be a senior at Delaware Valley Regional High School, and there's a real good chance that her summer vacation tales will be a big hit with her friends. The Milford, New Jersey teenager spent a good part of her summer racing and winning.

"I think winning the last three races that I have competed in says a lot about both my team and my steady improvement as a driver," said Riker. We won two feature races at Greenwood Valley Action Tracks (GVAT) back-to-back and I won my first feature race at Hamlin Speedway two weeks ago. It shows that we have the ability to change up our conditions on a last minute basis and still be confident that we will be competitive. It also boosts my confidence. It shows me that I have the experience and success I need to hopefully move up into the Regular 270 class soon."

K&N's Alyssa Riker won back-to-back weekends at Greenwood Valley Action Tracks in June.

Alyssa Riker's winning streak began in June at GVAT located Orangeville, Pennsylvania, she started third in her heat and made it to the front before the first corner, after that she never looked back, leading all the way to the checkered flag. Then in the feature, Alyssa Riker showed her experience as she waited patiently to make her move to the front coming out of turn four. "From there on I led the rest of the race, passing lapped cars, and eventually won my third feature of my micro career," she said.

The following weekend Riker Racing was back at GVAT. After nearly winning her heat again, Alyssa Riker had to pull a redraw for the feature. "Luckily enough I picked number one which got me a pole starting position," said Riker. Taking full advantage of her first place start, Alyssa Riker lead the 12 car field flag-to-flag for another micro win in the rookie class. After the race her comments were "Through a couple of cautions and some bumping around, I was able to lead the whole race and go on to get another feature win. Two weeks in a row is a big deal for us and we are so happy that we were able to pull it off."

Alyssa Riker's next race was also scheduled back at GVAT, her home track, but bad weather changed those plans. So they followed the sun and headed to Hamlin Speedway for the first time in two years, and there things started on a foul note.

"Before the heats were set to go out, we had a practice session. My dad pushed me out onto the track and the car wouldn't start. It wasn't getting any fuel so we brought it back to the trailer to find out what the problem was."

Dad cleaned the carburetor and got the micro running. "We went out for the heat and the car felt good. It was fast and was handling well. I started 5th and got up to 3rd place out of 6 cars." In the 12 car feature Riker started in 5th, but she soon found herself in second after the lead cars tangled. "I held onto second place the whole race until the last lap," Riker remarked. "Coming to the white flag I was able to pass the first place car, which seemed to be having motor problems, and I ended up taking home my first win at Hamlin Speedway. It was a great win for us especially after not being there for over two years."

"The one major change we made to the car this year is my dad (Jamie) changed the car from being completely coil springs, to only the front being coil, and the back being torsion bars. This helps the car handle when the track conditions aren't ideal. The change has really helped because our 2013 racing season has been amazing so far. We have raced six times and I have come out with three of my five career micro wins within those races. We had a rough start to the season, but it wasn't long until we were back to being competitive and consistent. And in racing consistency is one of the most important things. I expect that we will stay on the path that we are on now, getting top-three finishes and possibly a couple more wins."

"Thank you to K&N and everyone one of our sponsors and supporters for helping us get to this position. I know we say it a lot, but we seriously wouldn't be here without each one of you. Thanks for everything!"

K&N News Update: Only minutes after filing this story we got word that Alyssa Riker earned her 3rd win of the season at GVAT and her 4th win of the year overall.

Highly Modified JDM Honda Civic Hatchback Track Car is a Daily Driver for Owner Shawn Nichols

12 Aug 2013

Japanese Domestic Market style Honda Civic with JDB D15b engine owned by Shawn Nichols

1994 Honda Civic owned by Shawn Nichols uses a K&N clamp-on performance air filter.

When you grow up at the track watching your uncle run 9 second 1/4 mile passes in an AMC Gremlin, you tend to follow in their footsteps. This is no difference for Shawn Nichols.

Growing up in a low to mid income family is never easy and non-necessity items are always on the back burner. As for Shawn Nichols, he has much higher expectations. He chooses to save his money and invest in in top products rather than buying cheap and settling for less.

Shawn Nichols' custom 1994 Honda Civic hatchback track car

This Honda Civic is Shawn Nichols' daily driver and he says he is proud to drive it every day.

Shawn Nichols is the owner of a 1994 Honda Civic hatchback which is famous in the JDM scene when it comes to building track cars. From the day Shawn Nichols purchased his Honda Civic, he has invested his money on what he says, are the best parts available. Shawn Nichols' custom Civic was outfitted with a complete motor swap to a JDM D15b motor with a stage 3 vtec with performance headers, Megan Racing Exhaust and a Centerforce clutch set up. When I asked about his air intake system, Shawn Nichols explained how his civic uses a custom air intake tube that works with his engine swap, but clamped to the end is a universal K&N performance air filter. When it comes to the running gear, this Civic sits on 16" XXR wheels and Tokico Blue Struts mated with Skunk 2 Coils. As you can see Shawn Nichols is trying to keep this car as "JDM as possible," meaning Japanese Domestic Market style.

I asked Shawn Nichols why he used K&N's universal performance air filter to be part of his build. "K&N has been part of all of our family build , so why choose anything else," he explained. "It has always done my family right at the track so it was my only choice in my eyes!"

Shawn Nichols also mentioned that his 1994 Honda Civic is his daily driver. He is proud to drive it every day and gets a lot of praise from all his friends who enjoy the ride as well.

Shea Holbrook Racing Earns Pirelli World Challenge Championship Points at Lime Rock Grand Prix

12 Aug 2013

Shea Holbrook is finding the proper balance as a driver and team owner, but when the green flag waves, she’s only focused on racing.

In December of 2009, when we first meet with Shea Holbrook, her teen years were barely behind her, yet she was already a luminescent blip on racing's radar. She had just won her class in a FARA 3-Hour endurance race and then followed that up with a second place in a 6-hour race. Holbrook had also managed to raise a huge chunk of money for the Susan G. Komen charity. At the time we declared "...she is without question the real deal - a champion both on and off the track."

Shea Racing Touring Car and Touring Car B-Spec Honda drivers earned valuable championship points at Lime Rock.

We didn't have to wait long for her to make good on that prognostication, when barely sixteen months later, she won the 2011 Long Beach Grand Prix in the Pirelli World Challenge Touring Car division. Mind you there were many other racing victories and milestones between these events - the point is, Shea Holbrook's racing IQ continues to evolve at a blistering pace.

Shea Racing is now a burgeoning four driver team, and the Shea Racing Touring Car and Touring Car B-Spec Honda drivers recently scored valuable points to move up in the Pirelli World Challenge Championship at the Lime Rock Grand Prix. Shea Holbrook also improved her position in the No. 67 Honda Fit, as she started eleventh, and worked her way up to a fifth place finish in race one. In race two she ran as high as third place, ultimately finishing fourth, just shy of the podium. And, that's where we started our conversation this time around.

Lime Rock is infamous for being physically and mentally tortuous, yet you figured it out quickly, how'd you do that?
"Luckily, I was able to test prior to the race weekend which helped tremendously, as it takes a lot to be fast at that particular track. In a TCB car you're flat out from the exit of T3 to the braking of T1, and Lime Rock only has 7 turns! It's one of those tracks where you either have them or not, and by "them" I mean "steel ovaries!"

P.J. Groenke was a bit of a wild card in the beginning said Shea Holbrook, but he quickly bonded with the team.

How does it make you feel to have your entire team put together such a solid showing at Lime Rock?
"It feels great knowing the hard work the team has put in, paid off during that race weekend. Shea Racing isn't a new team, but we're new to a multi-car program. Without our drivers, Jon Miller (Touring Car driver), P.J. Groenke and Brian Fowler (Touring Car B drivers) and partners like TrueCar, Lucas Oil, Hendrick Honda, Radium and K&N Filters we wouldn't have the platform we're able to present today."

It appears as though you're all jelling together very quickly as a team, how's the team spirit right now?
"We really do have a close-knit group of people at Shea Racing. My family plays a very large role, as my dad (Team Principal, Jeff Holbrook) and I own the team, and my mom is in charge of all the logistics, and as we all know, "logistics" can mean many things and many different jobs. Plus our crew guys we practically adopted."

"Jon Miller and Brian Fowler I knew previously, and I knew they would make great additions to the team. P.J. Groenke was the wild card, and we actually met for the first time in person at the first race. We have a solid bond now and want to see everyone succeed, even if we're competing against each other."

Shea Holbrook and Groenke are more than happy to offer a joint autograph.

How do you like having the team and do you feel it helps your overall efforts on the track?
"There's different ways of looking at owning and racing for your own team. From my experience, and in talking to others in similar situations, the key to everything is proper balance. I recently had a great conversation with Sarah Fisher, ex-IndyCar driver and now team owner, about balance. One thing she mentioned that I couldn't agree with more, was about delegating jobs and trusting people to do their respected jobs."

"One person can't do everything on the team, and when they try, that's when avoidable mistakes start to happen. I've been working on proper balance and I give 100% to both jobs, but when it comes time to do my job as a racing driver, I'm solely focused on that. I didn't really expect so many people to come up to me to talk about the growth of the team and what it's like for me. It reminds me how much I love the people in this industry, because they see the whole picture and what it takes collectively. It puts a really big smile on my face to hear people talking about Shea Racing and the drivers and our sponsors as a whole. We're still somewhat the underdogs and everyone wants to cheer for the underdog. The crew doesn't look at Shea Racing as something I built - they look at it as something we built together - and that's as they should."

What's up next?
"We just finished Round 9 and 10 with Pirelli World Challenge at Mid-Ohio and had a solid points weekend. I scored another top-5 finish securing a 6th place in the TCB Championship. Jon Miller sits in 6th in the TC Championship and P.J. Groenke is 5th and Brian Fowler is in 21st. Currently, we're back in Florida at our home shop, working on cars getting them prepped for the Sonoma Grand Prix August 22-25th."

Related K&N News Articles about Shea Holbrook: Shea Holbrook's Newly Expanded Team Starts 2013 Pirelli World Challenge Season Strong; Pirelli World Challenge Racer Shea Holbrook Prepares for 2013 Race Season; K&N's Shea Holbrook Streams Live In-Car Video from Her TrueCar and Virgin Sportscar; Shea Holbrook Wins Grand Prix of Long Beach & Becomes 2nd Woman to Win a World Challenge Event

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