The zalman 9700 wasn't suposed to be that bad, not very quiet at full whack but still half decent cooling, but it was hidiously over priced.
You're current setup shouldn't be bad, I'd check fans and settings, probably reseat the cooler, make sure you didn't put on too much thermal paste.
Check the flatness of the cooler base and cpu with a Straightedge make sure nothing major is wrong there.
The p182 has dust filters that need to be cleaned but do keep out the worst of it.
As to noise and temps, it all depends on what you mean by "crap" however they can probably be improved by replaceing coolers and fans. it all depends on your opinion and a more detailed information about your current set up. (eg what setting have you got the stock tri-cool fans on? what are your current temps idel and under load? how have you got the zalman cooler fan setup? are you over clocking?)