K&N Engineering

K&N air filter (center) and recharge kit

K&N Engineering, Inc. (also known simply as "K&N") is a manufacturer of air filters, cold air intake systems, oil filters, performance parts, and other related products.[1] K&N manufactures over 6,000 parts for various makes and models of cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, ATVs, industrial applications and more. Founded in 1964, K&N is headquartered in Riverside, California, in a complex of 10 buildings comprising nearly 400,000 square feet. K&N also operates facilities in England and the Netherlands.[1]

History

K&N was founded by Ken Johnson and Norm McDonald in 1964.[1] The name K&N came from the first letters in the founders' first names. Johnson and McDonald sold motorcycles and motorcycle parts and supported a K&N factory race team. Air filters soon became the primary focus of the company. In the late 1980s, K&N introduced a bolt-on air intake kit to replace the factory air box and air filter. K&N also released a line of oil filters with a stamped hex to accept a standard wrench for installation and removal. K&N has maintained very active involvement in racing and motorsports throughout its history, including the NASCAR Pro Series East and West,[2] and the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series.[3]

Racing

In February 2002, K&N entered the 24 Hours of Daytona race where up-and-coming driver, Joey Scarallo, was invited to be a driver.

Criticism

K&N's claims for their air filters have been the subject of some controversy, with 3rd-party tests finding that K&N's cotton gauze filters are less efficient and let more dirt into the engine than factory-equipment paper filters, and that they become increasingly restrictive as they are coated with particulates.[4]


References

  1. 1 2 3 "Company Overview of K&N Engineering, In". Bloomberg Business Week. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  2. ↑ NASCAR K&N Pro Series East
  3. ↑ Dirt Racing Report, 14 March 2013 Archived 10 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ Spicer, A (2008). "Comparative ISO 5011 Efficacy Tests of Nine Automotive Engine Air Filters". Testand Corporation.


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