K&N Cone "K"onversion for 90-90

[Paul_Royal@idx.com]

Hi Folks,

     Saturday morning I found myself in Marblehead, Massachusetts HMS
Motorsport.  HMS specializes in BMWs and
they have a dyno.  After taking a look at the Schroth belts and picking up
some Ate Super Blue ($12.95 per..not bad) the subject
of K&N cone conversions came up.  HMS sells K&N, but they advised me NOT to
do the cone conversion that TAP sells.
     Granted, HMS admitted that they are not familiar with TAP; but say
that they have DYNO tested several cone type
conversions and have found that there is NO gain and more often an actual
reduction in horsepower.  WHY?  Well, as
close as they can figure, they think it is due to the nature of the air
that a cone is taking in...ie; WARM air.
     This begs some discussion.  I know that when my old GTOs and Pontiacs
sounded better that they felt quicker; an
emotional response to be sure...like how a clean car always seems to run
better.  Is it just possible that the K & N cone
conversion sounds better than it performs...OR ...is it the real McCoy?

     So, who's done a K & N conversion...and what do YOU think?
     Also, now I'm thinking of putting a K & N filter in the regular box,
but building some sort of forced air induction
                      path the regular box (no, not with a hood scoop,
wisea**)..anyone done this?

PS:  Point of interest, I've heard that no fewer than 3 Z3 Roadsters were
rolled in a recent driver's school...Z3's are not being
         allowed at the BMWCCA's driving school at NHIS in April (not even
with a rollbar)...this is all hearsay.

          Paul Royal
          90 90Q20v