If a air filter could run for president, the K&N Cold Air Intake would win by a landslide. Promising nothing that it will not deliver, with no inferior materials or hidden weaknesses to mar its performance, this power-boosting modification to the cars, trucks, and motorcycles of the world is a reason to raise the flag.

The creators of the front-running units that fit over 5,000 vehicles are no brag, just fact engineers who understand both what an engine needs and what the people want. They provide a horsepower boost that is street-legal in every state of the union - including all the edges - and will satisfy emissions requirements in all states that do not use California limits. The huge increase in air flow is made possible by the many-finned filtering device that also provides a clear path to the engine through high-performance black polyethylene tubes or slightly less efficient but beautiful aluminum ones.

Described on the company website as a 'large conical open-element air filter', the intake only requires cleaning every 100,000 miles while doing a superior job blocking dust and debris. This easy-care attitude is part of the skill that makes such efficiency and performance easy for the millions of car fanciers who like to do their maintenance and modifications themselves.

Of course, the kits themselves are easy to install, designed to go on without cutting or drilling in almost every case. Matching factory holes and mounts, the kits go on with a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a ratchet set in about an hour and a half.

Visiting the K&N Engineering, Inc. Website will convince you that these guys do not promise more than they can deliver. Why their name is not a household word is a mystery, given all the muscle cars out there. The folks at K&N are not resting on their laurels, either; they are constantly looking for ways to amaze even themselves.

For real power, check out the K&N Cold Air Intake and see if you can drive over a million miles, which will run out the warranty on the device. Then you can frame it and hang it on the wall.