5k muffler and "snorkel" removal

[John Karasaki <johkar@teleport.com>]

Has anyone with the non-turbo 5000 done this modification?  I've done it and
have been living with it for about 2 months now.  Wow!  I recommend these
very good, low cost performance upgrades.  I removed the center muffler
(resonator) and replaced it with a straight pipe.  Next, I removed the two
"snorkel" hoses and temperature controlled air diverter valve.  Finally, I
removed the plastic blank-out plate attached to the back of the grill.  This
frees up the air path to the intake box substantially.  Does anyone know why
the blank-off plate is there?  I hesitated for a moment about removing it
thinking a rock or some other road debris might come through the grill and
into my engine.  Then I remembered, there's a 90 degree turn and a thick air
filter between my engine's internals and the world.

The rear muffler is an Ansa unit.  I had a $10 "turbo" muffler there before,
but the resonance at 3000 rpm was terrible.  The system is louder than
stock, but is reasonable and pleasingly "throaty."  Next on tap, K&N filter
and 4kq exhaust manifold.

Happy motoring!


Regards,

John Karasaki

The Karasaki's, proud owners of AUDI automobiles

1981 Coupe
1982 TQC
1984 5000S Wagon
1990 V8