Cold Air Intake on 996

OK, as a newbie here, I now understand that many of you have installed a different air intake and filter, mainly to get a nicer and more audible sound from the intake, even if it may not produce any more power. That's cool. In looking at the pics of the EVO and other systems, and calling them "cold air intakes", are we implying that the OEM system is not also a CAI? In fact, it seems to me that some of the aftermarket systems are less of a CAI than the stock Porsche one. I mean, on the OEM system, the air is coming directly from outside the engine bay, through the deck lid. It seems that some of the aftermarket systems are drawing air from inside the engine bay, or am I not seeing the pics properly? I guess I am saying, is that when one installs an aftermarket CAI, it is usually to replace the OEM unit which is sucking in hot air under the hood, and getting a real power increase, as well as an increase in intakake noise. Comments? ...Rickker '99 C4

I'm sure nobody is implying that the OEM unit isn't a cold air induction system. They have to call the product something, and CAI accurately distinguishes it from, say, ram air, or forced induction, which would be the other two versions of an intake, I guess. I love my EVO. For me, the noise is part of it and both is enjoyable and serves a purpose (if you think hearing the engine is an important part of being an engaged driver). I actually do also believe that it makes more power, but it feels to me that it does so in a very narrow rpm band pretty close to the redline where nobody but a racer can make any meaningful use of it. Which pretty much describes the whole car, come to think of it.

Quotes source post: 5210162

Thanks Bruce. Your last sentence is right on. Except for track days, we can't really fully enjoy our performance enhancements, not if we want to hold on to our driver's licences. It's great these days to be on a forum like this and to get first hand feedback from others on various kits, supplier quality and so on. I wish there had been something like this back in the '70s when I was modding my 1969 911T. ...Rickker

Rickker Another EVO fan here, however, I have found no performance benefit when using my car on our public roads. I do agree with Bruce that the noise factor adds to my driving enjoyment. I also have the Porsche Sport exhaust modified to be open at all times. On the track, I have noticed an improvement. On the long uphill Andretti straight at Mosport, I noticed that I was able to gain a number (3?4?) car lengths over a similar 3.4L Cab. This was repeated consistently throughout the day. I also have the GIAC chip flash so I'm not sure which modification contributed most to this advantage. If ultimate track speed was your goal, I would choose instructed track days vs acquiring an EVO intake. A higher exit speed from the Mosport 5a/b/6 corner sequence would negate my observed EVO/GIAC advantage. I am having the IPC plenum installed in April...... I can't resist modifications despite my previous advice. By the way Bruce, I have been using Michelangelo's Auto Salon for our cars since your recommendation and have been very pleased...thanks. Ian

Quotes source post: 5211526

Great post. Glad you're happy with Mike, and you're more than welcome. Honest, hard working guys who want to do a great job are hard to find in this town.