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2011 to 2014 Ford F-150 Pickup with 5.0L Engine Gets Power from K&N Air Intake

Nov 8, 2011

Dyno Chart for 2011 Ford F-150 5.0L

Options can be really exciting when it comes to purchasing a new pickup truck. The popular 2011 Ford F150 provides plenty of options, such as; 3 different engines, 3 bed lengths, 3 cabs sizes, and a hand full of interior and exterior upgrades. One impressive option is the throw back 5.0L engine that produces an estimated 360 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. Like most factory vehicles, some horsepower is lost due to a restrictive factory air intake system.

K&N Air Intake System for 2011 to 2014 Ford F-150 5.0L

An easy way to gain power and performance is to bolt on a K&N air intake system custom designed to fit your 2011 and 2012 Ford F-150 pickup with 5.0L engine. If you have a different F-150 use K&N's vehicle search. Part number 57-2581 fits the 5.0 liter model. It includes a low restriction K&N air filter and free-flowing roto-molded intake tube. Dyno testing was performed on the 57-2581, and revealed an estimated gain just under 12 horsepower at 5304 rpm when installed on 2011 Ford F-150 models with the 5.0 liter engine.

The 57-2581 is equipped with air filter part RC-5173, which is washable and reusable. This over-sized performance air filter can go for up to 100,000 miles before it needs servicing depending on driving conditions. It allows high air flow while providing outstanding filtration. In order to provide cooler air to the engine the RC-5173 is isolated from much of the engine heat by a custom designed heat shield. It is placed on top of the OE inlet in the lower airbox assembly so it can direct cooler outside air toward the air filter.

Owners of a 2011 to 2014 Ford F-150 5.0L can feel confident with K&N's 57-2581 performance air intake, because it is backed by the famous K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty^®. The 57-2581 comes with simple installation instructions and can be installed in 90 minutes or less. Check out the 2011 and 2012 Ford F-150 5.0L Non-Metallic Air Intake Installation Video.

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.

Numerous NHRA Finals Has K&N's Peter Biondo Eyeing Multiple Championships

Oct 27, 2011

Peter Biondo's Super Stock GT/DA 2000 Pontiac Firebird

Over the last two NHRA National events in Reading and Phoenix, Maspeth, New York's Peter Biondo has racked up three final rounds and immensely added to his 2011 NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series National point totals. Biondo continues to sit number one in both Super Stock and Super Gas and with only two Nationals left, all eyes are on the east coast racer to take home double championships.

The first two of Biondo's finals came for him during the 27th annual Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania, which for four of the sportsman classes was delayed by a week because of very soggy pit area conditions. Biondo points out that the feel of Maple Grove Raceway event was a little different than a normal National. "It did feel a little more like a divisional and it was run very quickly," he said. "There really wasn't much time to think between rounds. It was very much hot lapping all day long."

Peter Biondo's Super Gas 1963 Chevy Corvette Roadster

Biondo, who was again competing at this event in both his Super Stock GT/DA 2000 Firebird and his Super Gas 1963 Corvette Roadster, prefers racing at events that run quickly like the one did at Reading. "As a driver, it definitely makes it easier when you are running round-robin," he explained. "The weather's not changing, the cars are more dialed, so you can just focus on executing the starting line. You don't have to pay as much attention to the wind, track and weather because it's the same every time. You're not waiting three hours or three days even to make your next run. So as a driver, it's also a little easier to keep your game face on all day, too."

"At Reading, there was zero time to think about anything between rounds," he said. "Especially with those two classes, Super Stock and Super Gas run back-to-back."

In Super Stock, Biondo drove his K&N Firebird through five tough rounds where he sent home, Brinkman, Fetch, Smith, Welker and Miller before finding himself in his first final of the weekend with Joe Santangelo.

"I try not to focus more on any one round or car any different than the next. I try to go up there and do my very best every time," Biondo confessed. "For some reason, I'm sure it was thinking about the points in the back of my head, I was more focused and driving better in Super Gas."

Going into his Super Stock final, Biondo continued to try to combat some of the issues that the carburetor had been giving them in the Firebird. "The car was running anywhere from a sixty-two to a seventy," he said of his ET's during eliminations. "So for the final, we kinda dialed on the high side and hoped that I could hit the tree and do my job. Santangelo did a much better job there and forced me to break out."

Also making his way to the final in Super Gas, Biondo made his way past Paden Sr., Goldman, Sawyer and Barbato in rounds one through four. This set him up for an all-important bye into the championship round. "There's no better feeling, at three cars, than to be sitting there with the bye," he said. "Especially since the race was my last [National] claim for points and I knew deep down, that I needed to improve. I didn't think my score was good enough to hold up. So, having that bye and being able to go to the final, plus adding points was very important to me."

Biondo took his semi-final round bye in Super Gas and met up with fellow Div. 1 racer, Dale Koncen in the final. He gave up a .005 at the tree, but did an outstanding job of driving the stripe in his K&N Corvette to push Koncen way under the 9.90 index and take his first Super Gas National event win of the season. Championship points for Biondo, which added very nicely to his four NHRA Super Gas division titles from earlier this year to keep him in the number one spot in the country.

With no time to celebrate, Biondo loaded up and headed west for the 27th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals, just outside of Phoenix at Firebird Raceway.

"I really think it is something that everyone on this side of the country needs to experience once," he said of his hefty trip out west. "It's so nice and dry. It's just a totally different deal out there. I would highly recommend everyone go out there to race just once."

"I was able to make it to the quarter-finals in Super Gas," he explained of his Arizona event. "I actually lost a really good round there. I was .009 and 9.906 and lost. It was a good run against Gerald Turczyn Jr."

Where Biondo didn't fare well enough to make it into another final in his Corvette that was a different story in his Super Stock Firebird. For the second NHRA National event in a row, Biondo was in the Super Stock final and looking to make it a more favorable outcome than the week before.

"In the Super Stock final, I actually found a new way to lose," he laughed. "My lights the last three rounds before that weren't great, so I decided to take the top off the button, you know we don't have delay boxes in that class, so we adjusted with the transbrake button. I put shims on it to shorten up the travel a little bit to hopefully get back to a .012 light or something. In the rush, I guess I didn't tighten up on the top of the button and that was the end of that."

The try at a better light caused Biondo to have a terribly uncharacteristic .144 red and send reigning NHRA National champ Ryan McClanahan to the winner's circle. "When I pushed down on the button, the car started rocking back and forth. I bumped the top of the button and the car just took off," he added.

"The experience of running out west with some guys I don't normally get to race with was a really cool experience and to be there to see them win, well that was even better," he continued. "My buddy Steve Casner winning in Super Gas and Steve Williams from K&N winning in Super Comp. That was great to be there for that."

Biondo not only currently sits number one nationally in Super Gas and number three in Super Stock, but he is also looking to secure both NHRA Div. 1 class championships, as well.

"I couldn't do what I do as a driver and stay focused on the tasks at hand if I didn't use parts on any of my cars that I didn't fully trust one-hundred percent," he pointed out. "My K&N oil and air filters more than do the job I need for them to do, especially when I am at a race like Reading was, where we are making hot laps. The cars have to be there for me and with K&N protecting them in so many ways, it's just something I never have to even give a second thought to."

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.

Kody Swanson Wins Big at Toledo Speedway Leading Every Lap of the Rollie Beale 150

Oct 26, 2011

Kody's power-steering pump broke around lap 50, but he held on for 100 laps, becoming the first driver to lead all 150-laps of a Silver Crown event.

Adversity is our friend - it's how we learn what we're made of. Everyone's plans get broken, tumbles get taken, expectations fizzle. Ultimately though, it's what we choose to do after getting knocked down that defines us. Kingsburg, California's Kody Swanson way to deal with disappointment is to remain focused on all the positives and move forward. It's a trait his younger brother Tanner shares as well.

Kody Swanson started on the pole, grabbed the lead, and led every lap of the Rollie Beale 150.

At the Rollie Beale 150 USAC Traxxas Silver Crown Series finale at Toledo Speedway, Kody first claimed the pole in his Toyota/Team Six-R Beast/Toyota, at a speed of 121.548 mph. Then he led all 150 laps from green to checkered flag.

"Considering the circumstances that I've gone through this season, this final Silver Crown race really meant a lot to me," Kody told K&N News. "One year ago, I was in a position to steal the Championship as an underdog, and had I not had some really bad luck in the middle of the season (cut rear tire while leading at Raceway Park), we just might have done that."

"So, this year, I was really looking forward to trying to win that Championship for Team 6R Racing. Being that I missed the first three races (of an eight race season due to injuries resulting from a crash), that was out of the question. So I was really focused on salvaging my Silver Crown season, and capping off the year on such a strong note is a great way for us to look forward to 2012."

For a while during race it appeared as though Tanner was going to make it another sensational first and second place Swanson brother's finish. Tanner was running in third and pressuring second place, when his engine let go after only 50 laps.

Capping off the year on such a strong note, says Kody, is a great way for the team to look forward to 2012.

"Tanner always does well focusing for races, especially big events," said Kody. "Case in point, he won his first Night Before the 500, at a track he'd never even been to (O'Reilly Raceway Park). So it was no surprise that he was strong at Toledo. While all know that it's part of racing, having something completely out of your control, take you out of a race, can be the most frustrating part. As good as his car was handling, he definitely had a shot at the win, and being sidelined early just adds insult to injury. He was still happy for the entire team, and he was the first person to greet me in Victory Lane in Toledo. But you better believe he'll be motivated when we get to Irwindale for Turkey Night."

"I don't think anyone has ever led all 150-laps of a Silver Crown race before," said Kody after being asked about his stellar feat. "Last year was the first year the Silver Crown series ran 150-lap races, and I'm the first to ever lead one wire-to-wire, so that was pretty neat."

Kody had his own trouble after a caution on lap 50; his power-steering pump was on the fritz. "So when we went back to green, I had to find a way to make things work. After a few laps I got a really good rhythm going, where I could turn the racecar by getting back to the throttle and getting the power steering pump to kick back on and turn the car. It was a little more difficult in lapped traffic, so I was happy to get a little breathing room before the end, and actually pull away by about a straight-away by the finish. After going through all of that, I was really excited to win for my team."

Do you guys have anything going between now and the Turkey Night Grand Prix?
"I actually hooked up with Alan Kaiser Construction Racing from Napa Valley, California earlier this year for a USAC Western Classic dirt race at Chico," added Kody. "We won the first night out, and now we're going to try our luck at the Oval Nationals in Perris. Knowing that I don't have much dirt Sprint car experience, we're just going to have a good time and try our best! We're both trying to work some things out for other races in mid-November, but we're both looking forward to Turkey Night."

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.

Alexandra Juteau Wins 2010-2011 MX Provincial Women's Pro Championship

Oct 26, 2011

Alexandra Juteau recently celebrated her CMRX ATV MX Series Championship.

As a teenager, Alexandra Juteau, of Quebec, Canada, had the opportunity to attend an ATV session under the supervision of multiple Canadian Champion, Richard Pelchat. After the champion rider suggested that Juteau consider racing, she spent a few weekends watching him compete, and in turn was convinced to give it a shot. "He is the principle reason why I got interested in racing," recalled Alexandra.

Six years have passed since Juteau embarked upon her first race, and all of her hard work and perseverance paid off this season, as the twenty-one-year-old rider recently earned the title of 2010-2011 MX Provincial Women's Pro Champion.

Racing in Women's Pro class of the CMRC ATV MX Series, Juteau and her team recently rolled into La Croche, Quebec, eager to race in the eighth and ninth rounds of the series at the Quadcross Quebec Championship.

In her sixth year of racing, Alexandra Juteau recently earned her first championshipion the Women's Pro class of the CMRC ATV MX Series.

During round eight, Alexandra and her Yamaha YFZ R 450 took control of the race and never looked back until she was deemed the victor. Although anxious to compete in round nine, Mother Nature had other plans. Thunderstorms rumbled through, dumping torrential rainfall, and in turn cancelling the race.

Even though round nine had been canceled, and the final event of the season was scheduled for one week later, Juteau had already managed to accumulate enough points to earn the championship. "This was great," explained the rider. "No need to feel stressed, just one thing in mind... Have fun and appreciate! With six seasons of experience, I'm not easily stressed when I race now, but there is always the thought that you can experience problems that could lead to losing first place."

Attending the final rounds of the season with the championship already cinched, Alexandra had the luxury of riding strictly for fun. That said, Juteau had no intentions of taking it easy, and in turn won the Ladies Open class. After getting caught up in a traffic jam, consisting of herself and eight other riders, during the first lap of the second motto, Juteau managed to worm her way free and finished second in the Ladies pro.

Alexandra Juteau reently had the 2010-2011 MX Provincial Women'sPro Championship wrappedup during the next to last event of the season.

When asked the key to her success during the 2010-2011 season, Juteau credited her championship title to determination. "For me, a race is never finished until the checkered flag is waved. My starts are not always good, and I always have to come back from the back position to win." According to the rider, she credits a portion of her success to the ability to pass riders quickly. She stresses the importance of pulling away from the slower riders and working her way to the front early on, before the lead riders create too much of a gap.

Alexandra Juteau also credits good physical fitness to her recent success. "It really made a difference that I was in such good shape when the season began. I went to the gym five times a week all winter long. It helped me race consistently from beginning to end, and also helped develop my determination."

Referring to her team, Juteau said, "They are the most important element of my success, for sure! My parents are really close to me, and are there for every race. They've helped me during all of those years to improve in the sport," explained the rider. "Dad is my mechanic and never stops pushing me. He really knows me and in turn knows how to make me react and perform at 105 percent. Mom is there to remind us when projects are too big, and make our lives easier at the races, by preparing food among other things. Our sponsors are also a part of the team, and make a difference by suggesting ways that I could improve my bike, and reduce the high costs of an ATV race season.

As one might suspect, Alexandra Juteau and her team are also acutely aware of the importance of maintenance. When asked if she used K&N products, Juteau said, "Absolutely! I use K&N filter # RF-1007. For me K&N means quality," she continued. "Their products have proved themselves and are leading in the industry."

When asked about her plans for the 2012 season, Alexandra Juteau explained, "I am presently working on sponsorship, which will determine the direction the 2012 season will take."

When asked if there was a message that she would like to relay to her fans and sponsors, Alexandra Juteau said, "A big Thank you!!!!! Thanks to all of those who support me in one way or another. I really appreciate what my sponsors have done for me. Thanks again to K&N, Desjardins Marine, Stadium Suspension, PLX Sport, G-Force, Gagne-Lessard Sport, St-Donat, and Forma Boots.

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.

K&N's Jenna Jefferies and Defending Champion Shelby Reid Win M.O.R.E Off-Road Race for the Cure

Oct 26, 2011

Reid and Jefferies discussed competing in The Race for the Cure at the beginning of the year, and once they landed some sponsors they made it official.

Women drivers and team owner's wives and daughters, female industry leaders and celebrities - all came together for the 6th Annual Powder Puff Off-Road Race for the Cure. The female-only event was presented by Mohave Off-Road Racing Enthusiast (M.O.R.E.), in Barstow, California, in a show of support for a great cause; Breast Cancer Research.

Jenna Jefferies said that once her and Shelby Reid landed their first jump, and saw they were in clean air, the nerves were all gone.

2010 overall champion, Shelby Reid teamed up with K&N's, Jenna Jefferies, and successfully defend her Unlimited Class 1 victory. Reid is a highly skilled and experienced driver, competing on a regular basis in the M.O.R.E. Series, as well as in BITD (Best in the Desert Racing Association). "I was really excited to ride with her," said Jefferies, "but I do have to say I was also a little nervous."

Jefferies has been around off-road racing most of her life. "I have done this race twice before with my sister-in-law, but those are the only races I have been in," adds Jefferies. Although she's been on some fast runs with her brothers in the past, this was her first ride as co-pilot, responsible for navigating the race, and she proved to be on top of her game.

Reid and Jefferies got off the line in their unlimited heat at noon, and it was a clearly an adrenaline-check start. Instead stomping the gas-peddle and charging, they first had to cruise at 35mph through the mandated speed zone. Then at mile-one the race was on.

Shelby Reid made it back-to-back wins at this year's 6th Annual Powder Puff Off-Road Race for the Cure.

"We passed the first car within the next mile, and then another," said Jefferies. "We finally passed the fourth car by race mile five and then it was just us and clean air. That was an awesome feeling. We hit our first jump and as we landed I just smiled, from then on my nerves were gone. At the same time, I realized that Shelby is quite the driver!"

The team of Reid and Jefferies definitely plan on coming back in 2012 to defend their title.

As they started their second lap Reid and Jefferies were informed that the second place car was about a minute behind them, and they were closing. "Shelby and I decided that we didn't need to worry about the cars behind us; we needed to focus on ourselves, and what was ahead of us. About a quarter through the third lap we were informed that the second place car had rolled (everyone was okay), and the next car was about nine minutes back. Shelby kept driving her pace and I made sure we stayed on course, the car temperatures stayed where they needed and that she obeyed the speed limits."

Reid and Jefferies decided to team-up for this event after attending races together over the past year or so. Reid and Damen shared driving duties last year and Casey preps her car for each race and helps out in the pits. "We talked about running it together at the beginning of the year, and were able to get some sponsors to help support us, so we signed up," explains Jefferies. "And we definitely plan on doing it again next year."

Jefferies has been working for K&N for over 12 years, and for the past six years she has been the National Accounts Manager. "It is a great job. I get the opportunity to help grow sales, as well as get our products into some of our top accounts stores and warehouses. I also get the opportunity to travel quite a bit and attend several shows/events. It has allowed me to really get to know the industry and realize what a great industry this is."

"It was definitely exciting winning the event, but it gives you chills when you see all of the people out there supporting breast cancer, and you hear the stories of the lives that were lost to this awful disease," continues Jefferies. "It is a great feeling to be part of this event and to raise money that goes towards better research, which helps to save somebody's life in the future."

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.

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