Upon startup with the new AirMax, I was immediately impressed with the sound that was now coming from under Zippy's hood! The OEM air filter silencer works WAY too well. There's now a throatier sound at idle and under acceleration that I like very much.
I wish the AirMax housing blocked off more engine compartment heat. It's pretty much open on the engine side to suck in that hot air. It also would have been better to have a snorkel of some kind on or near the K&N filter to take advantage of the OEM hole for cool air. We tried to figure out a way to use the OEM air filter housing snorkel to direct some cool air to the K&N, but couldn't figure out quickly how to get the snorkel separated from the filter housing without a lot of trouble.
As far as performance, I really don't have any quantitative empirical data, any "before" and "after" times, but Zippy "feels" quicker. She sure sounds louder, too, but not too loud. When I accelerate and then let off the gas quickly, there is a "rattling" sound that was not obvious before the AirMax installation. I assume that's normal turbo noises.
Overall, I'm pleased. I hope when I get an upgraded exhaust system that Zippy will be even Zippier.
Update, 5/2/03. I've changed my mind. Zippy may "feel" quicker, but not that much quicker. Horsepower gains? Seem to be minimal.
