What does "Intake sound" mean? (re: EVO kits, de-snorkel, etc.)

[socratic]

Reading the threads that sprung up about EVO intakes and de-snorkeling, I have heard that intake sound is improved.

What do you guys mean when you say this? I know it's hard to describe but what is "intake sound"?

Years ago in my 1980 Honda Civic, I replaced the stock carburetter with Webber downdraft one and a K&N air filter. What I heard immediately afterwards was:

1) a prominent HISS when I opened the throttle; likely the air being sucked into the carb barrel
2) under wide open throttle, I heard a wonderful throaty sound. A deeper sound that made it seem that I had a larger engine in the car than that little 1.3 L it actually was.

I liked the throaty sound A LOT.
However, I was indifferent to the hiss. Having the hiss made it different than stock and when I was young kid at the time, I though it was cool. But I'm thinking that a hissing Boxster is not so cool.

Anyways, if these EVO (and others') intake increases the throaty sound, that would be great. But if there is an ancompanying HISS, then it's diminishes the increase.

[Rail26]

Good question. I'm curious too...does de-snorkeling give it a throaty sound? What is the drawbacks of doing that?

[xclusivecar]

I think de-snorkeling makes a HUGE difference. The car now snarls/growls and at WOT while passing someone on the right...well...I have scared the hell out of people in other cars while doing just that!

Remember...you will receive NO POWER GAINS from doing this and it will cost $0.00 to perform such a mod. On the other hand you can spend $300 and up for an "intake", receive the SAME sound, and supposedly gain 2-5 HP (although I don't believe it and still wouldn't spend that kind of money for that kind of HP). You will NEVER feel 2-5 HP increase anyhow.

Then theres the oiled air filter issue. Do a search and see how many people have lost their MAFs because of the oiled filter.

Wanna de-snork?!?! Heres a link:
http://www.xclusivecar.com/Porsche_Boxster_S_DeSnorkel_Mod.htm