Now this IS interesting...

Went to drop off my Crossfire for my first (free) oil change at the dealer.

I left the new Magnaflow exhaust in place but pulled off the AMG air boxes and put the stock engine cover/intake tubes back on.

WOW ! BIG difference ! Car was MUCH quieter at start-up; much smoother sounding. But initial throttle response was NOT as good and it DID NOT rev as freely. I'd say I'm down at least ten horsepower with the stock set-up versus the AMG parts. Frankly I'm really surprised at the difference in performance and, most of all, SOUND !

I'm going to the strip soon now that I've gotten past the first dealer service visit. Think I'll bring along the stock intake/engine cover and see how it effects track performance. I'm pretty certain it'll back-up my subjective impressions!

Cheers,
Slim