What is this very loud sound that comes from air filter box, in the space ahead of the air filter right next to the air inlet in the fender well? It'* like a sucking/grinding sound kind of mixed together. Is this normal for a non supercharged 2000 SE?

It is quite loud and very noticeable at startup, then dies down quite a bit in about 20 sec. It normally goes away completely when driving or idling for awhile. To be normal vacuum pressure, it just seems awfully loud coming from in there.

Normal cold-start high-idle IAC (idle air controller) flow. We all have it.

Now if you gut your airbox or put a FWI or CAI, look for that noise to become a little louder.

where is said label. My car was origionally a rental from California I've always wondered whether it has a special emmissions package and what it consists of and how to remove it

There is no power to be gained. The emissions label is required by the EPA (federal law) to be under your hood in a 'conspicuous position'.

Well that would be a first. Usually california emmisions make cars gutless. I always hated the rentals I drove in CA compared to other states but who knows maybe it was all in my head.

The difference between CA cars and 'normal' cars USED to be different. There'* virtually no difference now, and in most cases, the vast majority of new cars comply with CA'* CARB regulations (California Air Resources Board).

(native CA here).

cool - learn something new everyday