Hey guys, after a hectic month I was finally able to find some time to make an exhaust video for you guys as well as give a quick look at what the AFE CAI looks like in the engine bay. My buddy and I made this in the spur of the moment so it's not as polished as I feel it should be. But it'll give you guys an idea of what the AA headers and exhaust package sound like.
AA headers and Exhaust: I have gotten the chance recently to ride in a normal E46 330 as well as a bone stock ZHP. All I can say is wow. I do love the way the stock ZHP exhaust sounds and even though it's a great system, it's a bit too quiet for me. I blame that on my muscle car roots haha.
The cat-less headers make a noticeable difference with the pickup and feel of the car as well as add a better and more pronounced sound. Paired with the AA exhaust the car then has a great tune that, while a bit raspy and seemingly high pitched in the cabin, outside sounds surprisingly good and quite aggressive at WOT. All while managing to stay away from that typically annoying and just pointlessly loud sound of a fart can special.
Under 3k rpm the exhaust is fairly quiet and even a bit reserved while keeping a low growl and a nice low rumble. Above 3k rpm when pressing of the accelerator the exhaust becomes very loud, very aggressive, and personal opinion here but veery fun to listen to. At highway speeds it's noticeable but it settles into a more refined and mellow tone.
AFE PRO DRY CAI Intake update :
Definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY noticeable at 3k rpm and above. The car, simply put, breathes better. I tossed my oem air box back on for a week and I didn't think I'd notice much of a difference. I even have a K&N drop in for it... There is certainly a big difference. Once again as I stated before, I am in no position to toss out HP numbers. But the butt dyno likes it lol. You can feel the car breathe better across the rev range and the associated ear candy melody coming from the engine bay is wonderful.
My particular intake has a lil whistle with it. Yeees I've checked my vacuum lines and already replaced both intake boots and have no codes associated with it or power loss. And you can hear it coming from the intake. It's a lil different from the sound of a vacuum leak. Some people hate that whistle. Me? Well I like all kinds of "good" engine noises so, I love it.
Conclusion:
If you're sitting here debating to modify your exhaust or intake.... Just do it already lol. The combined ear candy alone is worth it. And the feeling of a car breathing better at both ends vs stock is both surprising and welcome.