Hey everyone! Just a quick question from a new S2000 owner. I removed the top cover of the stock airbox and drove it around a bit to see how it would sound. Does an aftermarket intake system sound similar in tone and raw decibel level? I realize that some intakes sound different from others (there's a variability I'm sure). With the cover off, I like the growl it makes from say 3000 - 5000 but VTEC is extremely loud! It's almost too loud! I don't know how you guys with intake and exhaust handle it. It draws so much attention. Thanks in advance.

Dimitri

 

Yes, it's just as loud if not louder with most of the intakes. Well, atleast the tube type intakes like AEM, Injen and K&N. I'm not sure how the mugen/J's compares. I think it sounds great, and if you're not on the throttle full out, then it's moderately quiet. You want to hear something when you're pushing the gas right?

 

I'm willing to bet the AEM style intake is louder than removing the airbox lid. I have been told by muscle-car freaks that my car is loud at WOT in VTEC. It's not bad inside the cabin, but it turns heads on the street (especially at VTEC engagement.)

I have a stock header and exhaust.

When driving around in traffic, it sounds almost stock.

Loud=GOOD.

 

Is it ok to drive around without the box cover on? Is it on there to just keep things more quiet or does it serve a purpose?

 

It serves a purpose.

It helps to direct airflow INTO the intake.

It helps keep the filter clean.

It has been reported (though the validity is something I question) that you actually lose power when you take the cover off. I have no idea how this could have been tested if it was.

 

You don't lose power directly from taking the cover off, you gain heat which in turn makes you lose power.

It was measured by using an ODBII scan tool to measure air intake temperatures.

Heat = bad.