air intake system

Which intake system is better: the carbon fiber shark intake for the e46 or the afe intake system for the e46?

Some help please

let us know when you buy it

I currently have the Carbonio CF Cold Air on my 325i. Decent sound, no noticable power from the but dyno, but anyone who says that a CAI alone on something like my car can create a noticable boost is lieing out the ass. Some cars yes, most cars, no. When used in conjunction with other modifications, however, they can be very helpful.

One of the first intakes I was looking at (and to a degree, still am, I'm always looking for more power) was the AFe short ram. From what I have read (never actually seen one), they are supposed to be HUGE filters, and are quality pieces. My only qualm is that all the adds talk about a twenty horsepower gain, and I'm sorry, but even with a velocity stack, I just have a hard time believing that a Short Ram is gonna be getting 20 horsepower even at the crank, not to mention the wheels. That, and the $400.00 price tag for what amounts to be a slightly modified K&N, to me, just seems a little steep. I've heard internet rumors tht AFe is the way to go, but when it comes down to it, I'll have to feel it for myself to believe it. However, I have heard that it sounds real mean.

Jim Conforti makes a top notch piece as well, and I believe its the same basic set up as the AFe intake for a little bit less. Probably has the same sound as well. Conforti parts, as far as I know, are also BMW specific, where as AFe makes parts for a whole mess of other cars, so I think going with Conforti would be a slight better bet. Seeing as that I have neither, I can't comment on these two models specifically.

When it comes down to it, get the one you like better. As far as intakes go, unless you have an M3 or maybe a 330ci ZHP, you wont notice any major difference between the brands. Regardless of short ram or cold air, there is no major wheel power difference, so basically your gonna buy on whatever kit you like more.

I would also look into ECIS and Carbonio. I was about to go with the ECIS set up, but I got a better deal with the Carbonio. The Carbonio is a true cold air system while ECIS, Conforti, and AFe are short rams with heat shileds. The carbon fiber pipe also cleans up the engine bay real nice. Anyways, keep us updated on which one you pick up, and good luck!