Evo air intake is it worth it?

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Originally Posted by jrblackbox

Saw a great deal on the Evo air intake on 6speed. Been thinking about one for a while, but, don't know if it is worth the work to install, and then possibly fouling the MAF. I searched here but didn' t get much additional info to make my decision. Anyone here sorry that they put one in?

I have used the K&N system on many other cars/bikes/sandrails before. I figured the EVO would be a simple way to improve the performance of my car with little or no downside. Here is what I have learned about the EVO intake on the Boxster so far. I was very surprised by what I found:

Pluses

The induction sound is marvelous.
It's a re-usable element that can be cleaned any time. Very convenient.

Minuses:
*Possible fouled MAF sensor from over oiling.
*Not smog legal on a street car in CA.
*Bumped me into a higher class (no longer street stock) for Auto-X and track events.
*In testing it was found to allow more air flow but also more dirt flow so engine life is shortened somewhat due to cylinder wear.
*PITA install requiring demolition of the stock intake.
*When tested by Excellence Mag. the Boxster actually lost power across the rpm range on both the dyno and elapsed time in 1/4 mile. Unless combined with high quality headers, exhaust and dyno tuned ECU the result is a slower car.

For me the costs far outweighed the benefits of adding the EVO. Everyone must decide for themselves what is important to them on their car.