Just got back from an awesome road trip in my countryman! Reno to Los Angeles. I couldn't believe the difference going from an elevation of 4500 ft to sea level made in the exhaust pop and overall peppyness. I was loving the pop so much, it was almost embarrassing to be constantly letting off the throttle just to hear it. Now that I'm back in Reno it seems so quiet and boring. Is it just a tuning issue? What makes the big difference?

 

I notice the biggest difference based on temperature. I get the most pop when it's about 55 degrees out.

I'm moving from Albuquerque (~5000ft) to Florida (sea level) very soon, so I'll be curious to see what difference that makes. My CM has never been out of New Mexico/Colorado.

 

I had never had my CM at sea level before either and boy was I pleasantly surprised! I had not noticed so much of a difference with temperature. Here I have to struggle hear it (turn radio down, lean head out the window, low gear). Down there, it would be so loud it would surprise me after passing someone on the freeway at higher speeds. Wonder what it sounds like to them?

Is there anything that can be done to save the pop at altitude? Tuning?