I am considering a cold air intake to increase HP / Performance on my 1994. Does anybody have any experience with the Vortex Rammer CAI system ?

 

Generally, most members cut the stock air filter lid and use a K&N filter which provides more than enough air for hundreds less.

The Vortex Rammer filter housing is poorly made and very expensive for little gain. The housing will warp and crack and doesn't provide any real gains from a stock cut air filter lid.

Here's a link where you can purchase a cut lid for a 92-96 Vette. The 85-91 L98's have the whole center cut out.

http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000050F

 

I got one about a year and a half ago.I picked up a tenth or two in the quarter,i have a 95 A4. It lasted for about a year then it wrapped .I called BREATHLESS PERFORMANCE and told them it was wrapped ,they sent me a new filter box for free. All i paid for was shipping. I would buy one again, not for the hp, but for the looks.

 

I gained 10rwhp with mine.

 

I bought an extra lid at Carlisle, and just cut it so there is enough of the frame to hold the assembnly together. You will hear a slight difference in the intake sound at lower rpms-didn't notice any seat of the pants increase in hp--as many other have said

Steve

 

I have the vortex on my built l98
besides the better look it is LOUD
you can hear it sucking in air like crazy.
I dont have numbers.
I changed cam, intake, cai, lifters, and tune all at the same time
but it breaths just fine feeding my big ole new intake.

Sadly now my weakest link is my dart iron eagles lol

 

For the price, I expected better quality and better customer service.

I had to call several times to get them to ship it to me, after being assured that it was in stock at the time I placed the order. A few weeks later, their explanation was that they got a big order in from one of their vendors. They still wouldn't pay for expedited shipping.

Then when it finally did come, I was not very impressed with the thin plastic filter housing. Feels about as strong as an empty milk jug.

I don't have dyno numbers to support it, but I do believe taking the cooler, dense air from in front of the radiator is an improvement over the cut stock lid, which still gets warm air from the engine bay. As for "ram air," that will start an arguement so I won't say my thoughts on that. All I know is, the 1/4 times averaged a little under a tenth faster with it than with a cut stock lid.

Final answer: There are a lot better ways to spend the money and get more gain out of it, in my opinion. If I lost my car and had to start over again, this is one part that wouldn't be on my shopping list. Some form of cold air intake would be, but probably not this one.

 

I have the VRA on both Vettes, I cant tell if it makes any gains on the dyno but, the Vette responded stronger immediately after installation.

 

Hey all..... new to forum. Seems to be a great one.
I've been wondering if all these air filter options really work. I think the key is to get cooler air and didnt see many options except to cut the shroud and get it from the radiator fresh air chamber. So i investigated.
I went out and did some measurements on the stock filter cover, box and plenum prior to were it goes over the radiator. The limiting area of the stock stuff if the filter and cover were removed is the ducting that goes over the radiator. That measures 15 sq/in.
The louvered slots are 36 sq/in.
The faring opening on the cover is 25.375 sq/in.

So what I get out of this is the faring on the cover limits the louver openings but is still large enough to supply air to the duct that goes over the radiator. I'd say leave it all alone and replace the stock filter with a high flow type like a K&N.

One other thing I noticed about the louvers.... they will distribute and redirect the air up and evenly across the entire filter because the duct pulls from the side of the filter box rather than from the center of the filter box. Air always travel the path of least resistance which means the top of the filter will clogg way faster than at the bottom if the louvers are removed.

If you care... my measurements are I.D.
Duct over radiator is in 4 parts. 2ea 1x2, 2ea 1x5.5
louvers are 24 ea. .375x4
faring opening 1.75x14.5

Math usually doesn't lie, Any Disagreers?

 

I disagree
best way to get the most air is with a lil forced induction

besides that looks great

 

Pete,

I noticed you had the smooth Corvette Power Coupler on the LT1, as opposed to the stock corrugated ones. Did you notice a difference in power with them?

Nice looking engines

 

No, thats just for looks. I left the originals on the LT4. They are not worth the money.