KKM - Update

Just filled up the first tank since installing the KKM filter. 21.8 mpg which is up from an average of 20.5-ish. I think it can only get better since I ran it harder than normal (cuz I like the sound!) :) But after the novelity wears off, I'll drive more prudently.<br><br>I also tried the door padding job described in the Escape club. I used egg crate type padding. I DID notice a difference, but I must honestly say, I'm not too impressed. It does appear, now more than before, that a significant part of the noise we all notice is road noise. Most all of the bumps, and other imperfections in the road now have a sound associated with them as opposed to just feeling them in the wheel along with wind noise.<br>As far as his comments about stereo quality -- The mids and highs are a *little* better. I already have more bass than I should and would like more treble/mid. It's definately not something I'd go on 'n on about like the Escape fellow did. He probably used a different insulation - but I don't see how it should make THAT big of a diff. Honestly, I was disappointed. I knew not to expect Cadillac quiet, but I was hoping for better.<br>Cost: $12.00 for 1 full size mattress pad from WaMart. It's just big enough to cut into 4's (1 for each door)<br>Anyway - that was my weekend!

Was it hard to remove your door panels? Do you think it was worth the trouble?

Removing the panels is one of the easiest things to do IMO - and I'm no rocket scientist. In the front door, there's a screw on the door by the latch. 1 behind a tab under the chrome door handle, and 1 inside the pull handle. Once those 3 are out just grab a corner and give a few short quick tugs. Work your way around till all the snap-ins are out, the door lifts up and off. Don't forget to disconnect the power window harness and remove the trim around the chrome door handle. Those snap-ins are fairly easy to break, though (knock on wood) I haven't broken any yet. <br>"Is it worth the trouble?" I guess it depends on how annoyed you are with the wind/road noise. The install from start to finish took maybe 2 to 2.5 hours or so - which includes cutting the foam and remounting my front speakers (A friend helped me make new mounting plates)