Just as the Orion manned spacecraft that will take man to Mars has superseded the Apollo capsule that took man to the moon, so is the new K&N 54-5000 Orion universal intake system replacing the Apollo closed air intake in the K&N lineup. And there’s more than just a similarity in names; the Orion is a leap forward in technology and capacity, just as the new spaceship is compared the older one.

First and foremost, the 54-5000 Orion system offers twice the intake capacity of the Apollo. This is the result of several factors: the many hours spent by K&N engineers developing Orion’s final shape, as well through the utilization of a larger air filter element almost 50% taller than the one used in the Apollo. With a housing inlet of 100 mm and a filter outlet of 76 mm, the Orion Intake System can easily provide sufficient airflow to engines producing 500 BHP or more.Why might someone choose to install the 54-5000 Orion universal intake system? There are several reasons. One is that while K&N has a wide offering of kits, it doesn’t offer an air intake system for every model of car and truck. With the Orion universal intake system, owners of these vehicles can now enjoy the benefits of improved power and response that a K&N intake system provides.

Another application where the Orion System solves a common problem is under the hood of highly-modified cars, for example one where an aftermarket turbocharger has been added. There may no longer be sufficient space at the front of the car to mount a large conical air filter so instead an intake pipe can be routed from the grille and intake air fed to a remotely-mounted Orion system. An additional benefit of the Orion system is that the air flow is isolated from engine-generated heat, assuring only fresh air reaches the throttle body.

The ability to mount the filter remotely offers advantages to rally and rally-raid competitors, as well. Should teams be concerned about under-hood mounted air filters clogging with mud, dirt, or sand during an event, the air intake can be located inside the cockpit, with an intake tube feeding into the remotely-mounted Orion system. The Orion system can also be incorporated into a snorkel intake.

In addition to its performance capabilities, the 54-5000 Orion system reduces intake sound. While many enthusiasts enjoy the contribution a K&N intake system adds to the sound of their car or truck, it’s not entirely universal. For someone seeking a more quiet solution to adding power, the Orion system is an excellent choice.

As with other K&N air filters, the Orion’s filter element is washable and reusable, and can be cleaned with K&N 99-5000 filter care service kit at up to 80.000 km service intervals, depending on driving conditions. Plus the included air filter, K&N E-3051, is designed to last for the lifetime of your vehicle, which K&N guarantees with the 10-year/Million Mile Limited Warranty.

For more information on this intake system, check out K&N.