Ram air or BMAD
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Temple, TX
Ram air or BMAD
ok, so I have seen both setups and want to know which really will work better? I mean these seem like a better idea than cutting my airlid without having cool air in the engine bay to begin with, Im also thinking that it might make the car sound better when revving? kind of a little whoosh, haha make fun of the sound effects all you want. If anyone has experience please let me know I know that the BMAD is around a 100 while the other ram air is close to 500 for that price i could by the slp claw with the BMAD, seems kinda red. to pay 500 for that thanks guys!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
Likes: 707
From: WI
The BMAD is for cooling the car via more air to the radiator, not air intake for the engine. The A/O forced air system will make more of a sucking sound effect and is for intake air, not cooling the radiator.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Temple, TX
oh ok thanks for the input (new to all this stuff) anyone used either and can attest to if they work well or not? Imho I think they both look cool, but probably not both on the same car.... haha thanks!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: Temple, TX
does anyone have both with pics? I think they both look good by themselves but dont know if they would look awkward together? I know you can just get the front plate for 170$ wouldnt it be possible to make your own tubing and cut the lid and bolt on a piece that you could clamp the tubing to and save 350$? thanks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
I have a BMAD and like it alot. My engine temps are cool and have been for quite a while (170-177) on the highway at 70MPH and in heavy traffic 190-197. On ocasion, in heavy traffic, it will hit 200 degrees.
Purchased the SLP "claw" used on eBay but it has very little effect if any, on performance.
AND....it fits like a glove. Thirty minute install was just about it. Eric was great dealing with. I got my money's worth from the "BMAD".
Purchased the SLP "claw" used on eBay but it has very little effect if any, on performance.
AND....it fits like a glove. Thirty minute install was just about it. Eric was great dealing with. I got my money's worth from the "BMAD".
Last edited by runner140*; Dec 19, 2006 at 01:25 PM. Reason: The seller treated me well and I like the product...
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Elite Torch Red Member
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From: Exit 89 GSP,Lakewood,NJ The Land Of Mojo
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I have a BMAD, but since I whacked a few curbs, it's not at its optimal angle, so I'm not seeing any benefit. The BMAD will help direct air towards the rad. Our air cleaners are in front of the rad, so any additional airflow is not realized as greatly.
ou have to remember that opening the lid only really accomplishes one thing-it makes the filter get dirtier quicker.
On a stock engine you won't see much from an open lid, you still have the TB and intake to worry about as well as the MAF.
The engineers no doubt spent a lot of time and money designing the underhood part of the car, they had to work with the design. It is my opinion(and it just may be fact) that in the case of the Corvette, it was function follows form rather than form following function.
ou have to remember that opening the lid only really accomplishes one thing-it makes the filter get dirtier quicker.
On a stock engine you won't see much from an open lid, you still have the TB and intake to worry about as well as the MAF.
The engineers no doubt spent a lot of time and money designing the underhood part of the car, they had to work with the design. It is my opinion(and it just may be fact) that in the case of the Corvette, it was function follows form rather than form following function.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Florida
My experience is -
I give it a thumbs down.
I purchased the Big Mouth Air Damn from Eric and I was so unhappy with his product I sent it back requesting a full refund. Eric´s air damn did not fit correctly on my late model LT1 and I refused to drill into my lower bumper support beams which cost a lot to replace according to my local Chevy dealer. I called Eric and after he did his best to talk me into keeping it. I said no thanks. In my honest opinion, Eric talks to much and his air damn is overrated.
One more thing - it took exactly 32 days for a full refund, a personal check. Two weeks after sending the air damn back and no response, I called Eric, he bitched and moaned saying, "My accountant needs to approve the return to send you a refund". Over two weeks later I finally got my money back. As I ended the conversation, Eric, who can´t seem to stop talking said, "I´ve never had a return, you´re the only guy that´s ever been unhappy with the Big Mouth."
I will say it looks very cool when installed correctly on some Corvettes like the Grand Sport. The temps lowered claim, I do not know as I never installed the product on the car.
Bottom line: The BMAD was a serious aggravation, set me back S&H charges and over one month waiting for a refund.
I purchased the Big Mouth Air Damn from Eric and I was so unhappy with his product I sent it back requesting a full refund. Eric´s air damn did not fit correctly on my late model LT1 and I refused to drill into my lower bumper support beams which cost a lot to replace according to my local Chevy dealer. I called Eric and after he did his best to talk me into keeping it. I said no thanks. In my honest opinion, Eric talks to much and his air damn is overrated.
One more thing - it took exactly 32 days for a full refund, a personal check. Two weeks after sending the air damn back and no response, I called Eric, he bitched and moaned saying, "My accountant needs to approve the return to send you a refund". Over two weeks later I finally got my money back. As I ended the conversation, Eric, who can´t seem to stop talking said, "I´ve never had a return, you´re the only guy that´s ever been unhappy with the Big Mouth."
I will say it looks very cool when installed correctly on some Corvettes like the Grand Sport. The temps lowered claim, I do not know as I never installed the product on the car.
Bottom line: The BMAD was a serious aggravation, set me back S&H charges and over one month waiting for a refund.
Last edited by arkie; Dec 19, 2006 at 11:23 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 110
From: Brandon Fl
I give it a thumbs down.
I purchased the Big Mouth Air Damn from Eric and I was so unhappy with his product I sent it back requesting a full refund. Eric´s air damn did not fit correctly on my late model LT1 and I refused to drill into my lower bumper support beams which cost a lot to replace according to my local Chevy dealer. I called Eric and after he did his best to talk me into keeping it. I said no thanks. In my honest opinion, Eric talks to much and his air damn is overrated.
One more thing - it took exactly 32 days for a full refund, a personal check. Two weeks after sending the air damn back and no response, I called Eric, he bitched and moaned saying, "My accountant needs to approve the return to send you a refund". Over two weeks later I finally got my money back. As I ended the conversation, Eric, who can´t seem to stop talking said, "I´ve never had a return, you´re the only guy that´s ever been unhappy with the Big Mouth."
I will say it looks very cool when installed correctly on some Corvettes like the Grand Sport. The temps lowered claim, I do not know as I never installed the product on the car.
Bottom line: The BMAD was a serious aggravation, set me back S&H charges and over one month waiting for a refund.
I purchased the Big Mouth Air Damn from Eric and I was so unhappy with his product I sent it back requesting a full refund. Eric´s air damn did not fit correctly on my late model LT1 and I refused to drill into my lower bumper support beams which cost a lot to replace according to my local Chevy dealer. I called Eric and after he did his best to talk me into keeping it. I said no thanks. In my honest opinion, Eric talks to much and his air damn is overrated.
One more thing - it took exactly 32 days for a full refund, a personal check. Two weeks after sending the air damn back and no response, I called Eric, he bitched and moaned saying, "My accountant needs to approve the return to send you a refund". Over two weeks later I finally got my money back. As I ended the conversation, Eric, who can´t seem to stop talking said, "I´ve never had a return, you´re the only guy that´s ever been unhappy with the Big Mouth."
I will say it looks very cool when installed correctly on some Corvettes like the Grand Sport. The temps lowered claim, I do not know as I never installed the product on the car.
Bottom line: The BMAD was a serious aggravation, set me back S&H charges and over one month waiting for a refund.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I'm not sure who would buy it without checking the install photos that show bolts in the skid bars and mention the use of a power drill, but he should make that fact more visible, it's understandable that some vette owners would get queasy drilling holes in their car. Sounds like he picked the wrong time to be a salesman.
.
Anyhow, here's mine, decide for yourself. I volunteered some rudimentary test data for Eric when he first started selling them. I was surprised at the increased airflow, I think it's worth testing with some datalogging equipment.
There's so much aftermarket garbage out there with false claims, that it's nice to see a forum member willing to stick his neck out and come up with something that actually works.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Dec 19, 2006 at 12:46 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,799
Likes: 2
From: Cape Coral FL
Mine fit no problem. I checked the website, you wouldn't know it requires drilling until looking at the photos and captions on that first link.
I'm not sure who would buy it without checking the install photos that show bolts in the skid bars and mention the use of a power drill, but he should make that fact more visible, it's understandable that some vette owners would get queasy drilling holes in their car. Sounds like he picked the wrong time to be a salesman..
Anyhow, here's mine, decide for yourself. I volunteered some rudimentary test data for Eric when he first started selling them. I was surprised at the increased airflow, I think it's worth testing with some datalogging equipment.
There's so much aftermarket garbage out there with false claims, that it's nice to see a forum member willing to stick his neck out and come up with something that actually works.
I'm not sure who would buy it without checking the install photos that show bolts in the skid bars and mention the use of a power drill, but he should make that fact more visible, it's understandable that some vette owners would get queasy drilling holes in their car. Sounds like he picked the wrong time to be a salesman.
.Anyhow, here's mine, decide for yourself. I volunteered some rudimentary test data for Eric when he first started selling them. I was surprised at the increased airflow, I think it's worth testing with some datalogging equipment.
There's so much aftermarket garbage out there with false claims, that it's nice to see a forum member willing to stick his neck out and come up with something that actually works.
That's why I use and sell them too...
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, Florida
You might love the Big Mouth, you might not. This is your decision, not mine.
Last edited by arkie; Dec 20, 2006 at 11:42 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Wait until this spring when Vararam is supposed to have their C4 Vararam ready. I've seen their C6 unit from which they are developing the C4 unit and from the looks of the C6 one it does look like with a little modification it will work in a C4, i.e. I think they are for real when they say they're coming out w/ a C4 unit based off the C6 one.
I really want one bad for my '95. I hope they come through for us '91 - '96 owners (the year range they say their C4 Vararam will fit)
I really want one bad for my '95. I hope they come through for us '91 - '96 owners (the year range they say their C4 Vararam will fit)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 110
From: Brandon Fl
Steve, I did my research and knew what was necessary to install the Big Mouth. Drilling is necessary, yes, but drilling thru expensive thick plastic/steel front support beams was not something I wanted to do. There were other factors, you need to lift the car up high to fabricate it right. Jack stands are not enough to do the job right. In my opinion this is a full afternoon job and needs to be done by a professional automotive fabricator. The paint job was not good, a lot of orange peel and one long micro-scratch on the bottom front inner area. But, by far what really turned me off was dealing with Eric and having to wait over a month for my money back. I want to stress this is not personal and I have nothing against Eric or anyone else. I just thought that giving my experience about this product might help the next guy.
You might love the Big Mouth, you might not. This is your decision, not mine.
You might love the Big Mouth, you might not. This is your decision, not mine.
I think it's ridiclous that it took that long for you to get your money. They sure wouldn't have shipped one to you and waited that long for payment.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Double Oak TX
My comment wasn't directed at you it was directed at the original poster. I quoted you to support my statement. I don't own nor would I own a BMAD so please don't mistake my statements for someone who cares about that product. It is simply from someone who had read and observed the lack of happiness of some purchasers of the product.
I think it's ridiclous that it took that long for you to get your money. They sure wouldn't have shipped one to you and waited that long for payment.
I think it's ridiclous that it took that long for you to get your money. They sure wouldn't have shipped one to you and waited that long for payment.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Under most conditions, your car gets enough air to the radiator in stock form to keep the temp close to the thermostat rating. At that point, the thermostat is controlling the coolant temp, so if you add more airflow, the thermostat will just counteract it by reducing the coolant flow. You might drop your temp by a measly 2 degrees in these circumstances. Similarly to a larger radiator, the bmad simply can't help when the engine doesn't need it.
You will see an improvement though, anytime the coolant temp is ordinarily well above the tstat temp, if you live in a hot climate, or run the car hard.
Think of it as a radiator upgrade. My heatsoak tests indicate that the bmad is bringing twice as much air to the radiator.
Your feedback is appreciated, but I don't quite understand a few things. I installed mine with the car on jackstands in about 1 hour with a power drill. I'm not sure what you expected it to attach to, It's obvious in the photos, and there's nothing else down there besides the skid bars to attach to, and every vette i've seen have curb rash on them anyways. It really sounds like you didn't do your research. There's no excuse for the month long wait though.
You will see an improvement though, anytime the coolant temp is ordinarily well above the tstat temp, if you live in a hot climate, or run the car hard.
Think of it as a radiator upgrade. My heatsoak tests indicate that the bmad is bringing twice as much air to the radiator.
Steve, I did my research and knew what was necessary to install the Big Mouth. Drilling is necessary, yes, but drilling thru expensive thick plastic/steel front support beams was not something I wanted to do. There were other factors, you need to lift the car up high to fabricate it right. Jack stands are not enough to do the job right. In my opinion this is a full afternoon job and needs to be done by a professional automotive fabricator.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Dec 21, 2006 at 10:07 PM.