I did the same modification as my first when i purchased my car...look where it got me.
As for the K&N's.....if you dont know how to clean and reoil them PROPERLY (and i state that heavily) dont even bother with trying to do it as you are more than likely going to mess up the MAF sensors. I did it, as i had K&N's on other cars before, and swore that I did it right...800 bucks later for new MAFs, I learned how to to it properly.
Dont be scared by that bit, i just want you to know that you need to be VERY cautious when cleaning and more importantly reoiling them, which should take place about every 10-15K miles as even though OEM filters are changed at 30K intervals, K&N's flow more air and hence they can allow more particulate matter to enter the engine if not properly taken care of.
Best of luck and enjoy..i completely agree with you on the slightly louder and snappier throttle.