Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Intake Loudness Scale: OEM to K&N to CSL then back to K&N and now to Eventuri

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    Intake Loudness Scale: OEM to K&N to CSL then back to K&N and now to Eventuri

    Ok, guys, I spent all the monies so you can have my opinion on the loudness of each intake. I just installed the Eventuri intake and I think this is the one I am going to keep and I am the most happy with.

    On a 1-10 scale of intake sound/noise from the engine (1 being the quietest and 10 being the loudest), this is how I would rank them all in terms of sound:

    1 - OEM Intake System
    3 - K&N Intake System
    6 - Eventuri Intake System
    10 - Karb CSL Race Intake System

    If you check out my other thread on why I got rid of my CSL box, it was mainly due to the fact that I have SMOG regulations where I live (SoCal). Installing and uninstalling the CSL box every two years and having to perform a drive cycle for smog is not something I have time for. The mechanical process is not difficult at all, but still is a timely pain. Don't get me wrong, I love to wrench, but I'd rather not deal with my wife asking me what I am doing and why my car is always broken. haha.

    The CSL box was amazing and I had the Alpha N tune. The tune was fine, but it did have its idiosyncrasies due to the fact that it was an Alpha N tune. Moving back to a MAF sensor with the K&N and now to the Eventuri intake, the car is just smoother, more refined, slower, but pleasant. Less hair on fire, go go go, with the CSL intake and AN tune. One thing to note, and I'm sure people have heard me rant about, was the lack of exhaust note that I had with the CSL intake. The sound from Eisenmann Sport exhaust was basically nil. The CSL box would drown out the exhaust. Also, I felt like I was driving a lot faster just to get the RPMs up to hear the CSL intake. A good and bad thing. Now with the Eventuri intake, I can actually hear my exhaust and it kind of compliments each other. I think I still want a louder muffler, but for now, it's actually ok.

    Anyways, whats the point of all this? Not sure, just another forum member's subjective view on all the main style of intake systems for the e46 m3. Look, ma! I owned all the cool intakes for the e46 m3! weeee

    Julian's main takeaway from spending almost $5500 on intakes:

    If you have the OEM or K&N and were wondering if you should go with the Eventuri or CSL, both will be fine, just depends on your budget.

    If you were to live in an area where you didn't need to SMOG the car, get the CSL intake with the MAP sensor conversion.

    If you live in CA and have to smog the car every 2 years and are single or married without children, do the CSL intake with the Alpha N tune.

    Otherwise, save some $$ and get the Eventuri....or K&N.

    #2
    This isn't complete without doing Eventuri + Karb MAF airbox.
    Instagram: @logicalconclusion

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by EthanolTurbo View Post
      This isn't complete without doing Eventuri + Karb MAF airbox.
      ugh. *takes credit card out…*

      Click image for larger version

Name:	image.gif
Views:	110
Size:	521.3 KB
ID:	310034

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by EthanolTurbo View Post
        This isn't complete without doing Eventuri + Karb MAF airbox.
        This. I'm in the process of installing the Karb airbox with Eventuri. I'm excited to see how it turns out.

        Comment


          #5
          I never considered the MAF Karb airbox because of the issues of it holding onto the intake elbow, as well as I would still have to uninstall it when I do smog anyway. I wonder if I wrap it in a mat vinyl wrap it would pass visual? Haha

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by jpy1980 View Post

            ugh. *takes credit card out…*

            Click image for larger version  Name:	image.gif Views:	10 Size:	521.3 KB ID:	310034
            lol true enthusiast and team player right here. Really appreciate the write up and curious if you should try a CSL tune with HTE on top? I keep hearing this is the way to go with a CSL intake without going Alpha N,
            Last edited by simon_c; 06-26-2025, 10:10 PM.

            Comment


              #7
              I know this sounds ghetto, but what about taking off the sound insulation on the back side of the hood? Would that help make the intakes louder? Just curious as I've seen people mention it. What would be the detriment of taking it off?

              Comment


                #8
                Look up “sound generator” on the forums since that might be something you would want to try

                Comment


                  #9
                  Yea, I think I spoke to that guy about his "sound generator" before. He kept telling me to message him on WhatsApp and it sounded super shady, so I never went through with purchasing one.

                  Let us know how the Karb CF OEM box install goes. I'm sure it will be louder for sure.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    To be fair, I've never driven or even heard a CSL intake in person so won't be able to compare. Waiting on some parts and probably will have it installed in a week or so hopefully.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by simon_c View Post
                      To be fair, I've never driven or even heard a CSL intake in person so won't be able to compare. Waiting on some parts and probably will have it installed in a week or so hopefully.
                      Curious to hear your feedback on this piece, all the reviews I've read seem pretty positive.

                      Been wondering if it'll be enough to scratch my sound itch post-Eventuri, so that I can cast the Karb OE box from my mind and spend that money elsewhere.
                      '04 LSB Coupe 6MT

                      Comment

                      Working...
                      X