help with CAI and exhaust

[cammy035]

Hi. I would like to install the K & N CAI (part no.57-1000) on my 97 328ic, but don't know much about pros and cons and what exhaust modifications i should make if i install the CAI.
could someone give me some advice or direct me to the best sources for CAI & exhaust modifications on this car? Thanks.

[bhvrdr]

You do not "need" to do anything if installing a KN intake kit. I'll try and do some testing on a couple different models as soon as I have all my datalogging set up but I would suspect there will not be much of a performance gain. Gauze style filters like the KN will let in more silicates into the engine and oil compared to a multi layer sponge and an OEM paper but i've never seen an engine failure directly attributed to one. Change the oil a bit sooner if running an aftermarket intake, but should be common sense. So the pros are probably that some people like the ricey noise of an open air filter. The cons are that the kits cost money, provide very little performance gain, and slightly reduce the filtering ability compared with OEM.

For an exhaust, apparently the OEM system is not overly restricitive as even aftermarket exhaust manufacturers are only claiming gains of approx 10hp or so. Assuming that aftermarket manufacturers tend to slightly exaggerate numbers anyways, then that is pretty telling. If you were to go with a turbo or supercharger perhaps it would be more worth it and in that case you may want to look at a least restrictive setup that uses straight through mufflers with mandrel bending. The setups that offer that technology already packaged are the UUC/Corsa setup and the Rogue Enginnering DMS setup.

cheers! Mike

[Maxi]

I think if fit a sport air filter which coming with heat shild, and try to find some nice sport exhaust. replace the cat, headers.

fitting sport air filter, so more emisions, need better exhaust to give more power.

[bmxludwig]

When I redid my entire exhaust, meaning SS rep long tube headers, true duals with H pipe, and a catback.... I noticed some gain..... Don't expect much if you don't do it all.