C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

C4 cold air intake

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 12:05 AM
  #21  
Tom400CFI's Avatar
Tom400CFI
Team Owner
Pro Mechanic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Default

Originally Posted by lt4obsesses
When I put a K&N FIPK on my LS1 z28, I gained an average .2 sec at the drag strip. It's no secret that the LS engines respond well to CAI's. But it's also no secret (to us LT4 owners) that the LT4 will hold it's own against the LS1.
That has nothing to do w/cylinder head design; it has to do w/the factory air filtering system. Obviously, on the LS1 F-bod, it's a restriction -there is room for improvement.

In the LT1/LT4/LT5, the air intake is more than sufficient for stock, stockish and beyond, engines. My guess is that the filter system and ducting on the C4 would outflow that of a LS1 F-body.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 12:13 AM
  #22  
BacknBlack's Avatar
BacknBlack
Pro
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 654
Likes: 18
From: Linthicum MD
Default

I have the claw, but, I have cut a patch out of my radiator shroud to allow the cooler air into the filters. After cruising around or racing at the track, the tubing of the claw(all of the way back to IAT censor) is cool to the touch. Throttle response was also better after the fab on the shroud.

Not to mention the sucking sound it makes. Some mistake it for a blower. Maybe that's why I can't get anyone to race.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 12:36 AM
  #23  
Phat98's Avatar
Phat98
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 855
Likes: 36
From: Crystal Springs MS
Default

Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
That has nothing to do w/cylinder head design; it has to do w/the factory air filtering system. Obviously, on the LS1 F-bod, it's a restriction -there is room for improvement.

In the LT1/LT4/LT5, the air intake is more than sufficient for stock, stockish and beyond, engines. My guess is that the filter system and ducting on the C4 would outflow that of a LS1 F-body.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 12:58 AM
  #24  
lt4obsesses's Avatar
lt4obsesses
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Tom400CFI
That has nothing to do w/cylinder head design; it has to do w/the factory air filtering system. Obviously, on the LS1 F-bod, it's a restriction -there is room for improvement.

In the LT1/LT4/LT5, the air intake is more than sufficient for stock, stockish and beyond, engines. My guess is that the filter system and ducting on the C4 would outflow that of a LS1 F-body.
True, I had that thing on there for so long that I had forgotten what the stock air box looked like. It was pretty restrictive.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 01:13 PM
  #25  
ch@0s's Avatar
ch@0s
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by lt4obsesses
There is the claw, if you can find one. But from what I've read, it doesnt really offer enough of an increase in airflow to make me want to spend $300 on it. Plus the tubes are metal (heat).
I have $160 in it
It's also connected to a LSX on the other end so I couldn't tell you what kind of difference it would make on an L98. I always wanted one but like you I did not want to spend $300. I waited for a used one and put new filters on it. It may get powder coated red someday.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 01:29 PM
  #26  
Aaron Keating's Avatar
Aaron Keating
Drifting
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 2
Default

IIRC you can get a cold air system for the car for like 200 bucks for a TPI car. How much bang for the buck that is I'm not sure, but having had my stocker airbox off recently looking at it, I could see plenty of room for improvement on the internals of the air box. It's both ribbed inside (even more unfortunately the ribbing is right where the air begins making the transition from the air box to the mass air flow sensor. Right where the air induction is at it's most thin), and has 3 thick large pillars inside which would cause airflow restrictions.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-3-135-732.html

At the same time I'm getting this too
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-3-135-10734.html Should turn the car into a true ram air system between the two kits I think.

I'm getting mine after I do the exhaust, and intake manifold swap on my vette.
As far as the LT1 goes I'm not sure, as I do know the induction system is a little different.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette-3-135-733.html I will say this though, the metal isn't a bad thing really. I've had some experience with metal cold air kits in the past, and I've just not seen significant build up. You also know that in 24 years it won't be brittle and ready to snap into pieces should your induction get dropped on the floor.

Not that I know from experience or anything *shifty eyes*

Last edited by Aaron Keating; Feb 27, 2013 at 01:38 PM.
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 02:17 PM
  #27  
higgyburners's Avatar
higgyburners
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: Eugene Oregon
I believe in the Beer Fairy
St. Jude Donor '15,'19
Default

If you going to do all that you should probably take it to the next level.... http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...r/viewall.html
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 02:48 PM
  #28  
lt4obsesses's Avatar
lt4obsesses
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Default

Originally Posted by lt4obsesses
The other thought I had/have, if I ever stroke the engine and need more air, would be to get an aftermarket CAI designed for the C6. Fitting this will require cutting the radiator shroud, as the air bridge on C5/C6 cars had a much steeper slope. I believe that because the C6 bridge couples more directly to the intake on those cars, the space between the MAF over the radiator would be similar on ours, allowing the C6 airbridge to fit. But until, I have more cubes, I can't see the cost/effort being worth it.
Originally Posted by ch@0s
I have $160 in it
It's also connected to a LSX on the other end so I couldn't tell you what kind of difference it would make on an L98. I always wanted one but like you I did not want to spend $300. I waited for a used one and put new filters on it. It may get powder coated red someday.
I suprised that you didn't try and go with one of the C6 CAI's like the Airaid, or Blackwing. Or perhaps you did and it couldn't fit, I would just think that an LSx engine would benefit tremendously with that set up. Perhaps I'm mistaken.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 03:11 PM
  #29  
shakedown067's Avatar
shakedown067
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Default

My custom coldair intake. Cut lid, K&N filter, cut out bumper.



I've unfortunately never taken newer photos after I boxed in the bumper. You don't want air getting trapped in the front bumper cover as it'll cause lift at higher speed.


Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 08:03 PM
  #30  
ch@0s's Avatar
ch@0s
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 9,758
Likes: 49
From: Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by lt4obsesses
I suprised that you didn't try and go with one of the C6 CAI's like the Airaid, or Blackwing. Or perhaps you did and it couldn't fit, I would just think that an LSx engine would benefit tremendously with that set up. Perhaps I'm mistaken.
I havent tried anything else, I already had this from my previous set up ,Vortec head and HSR combo. I will tell you this the engine that is in my car made 380 RWH in the 99 Camaro it was in.The only difference is my stock 98 vette exhaust and this intake. My tuner had to add 10% fuel across the board so it is breathing a lot better in my car.We also haven't fine tuned it yet so it may make a lot more power. (crossing fingers)
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2013 | 08:17 PM
  #31  
leesvet's Avatar
leesvet
Safety Car
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
Default

Ram air was mentioned...

not really possible unless the inlet is outside of the combo air-box that houses the condensor and radiator with that fan system that pulls air thru...not a high pressure area to induce the ram air effect. The only other way is to catch the negative airstream behind an obstruction...where? install a shaker hood and go for it.

One interesting idea that I never saw developed was to flip the stock style air cleaner, cut an opening in the shround so the air cleaner opening was facing into the airbox ahead of the condensor,, mfg new duct to get back to the MAF and TB, and install a baffle or airfoil in the nose to direct high speed air flow at the open air cleaner intake. Viola ! cram-air.

never saw anyone do that but it was discussed somewhere many yrs ago,... I guess there were too many off the rack systems available for anyone to experiment..
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2013 | 10:45 AM
  #32  
oilyfishhead's Avatar
oilyfishhead
Racer
10 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 12
From: Louisburg NC
Default

No one has mentioned the sound. My 'vette still has the stock air box with a K&N. Years ago when I got my '96 Impala SS I added what's known as the "Home Depot" cold air system. It consists of a Camaro elbow, a piece of 3.5" exaust pipe, a sewer pipe clamp (from HD) and a cone shaped K&N. I'm pretty sure it has little effect on engine performance but it sounds awsome. At cruising speed it's quiet but at WOT the sound of the air rushing into the engine is really cool.

Do any of the systems mentioned above change the sound at WOT?
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2013 | 02:56 PM
  #33  
higgyburners's Avatar
higgyburners
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 8,172
Likes: 17
From: Eugene Oregon
I believe in the Beer Fairy
St. Jude Donor '15,'19
Default

Impala...Home depot...Camaro
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2013 | 03:39 PM
  #34  
lt4obsesses's Avatar
lt4obsesses
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
Default

Bottom line, if you're running a stock engine, your OEM intake is plenty.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2013 | 09:00 AM
  #35  
LD85's Avatar
LD85
Race Director
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 12,772
Likes: 17
From: Indianapolis IN
Default

Originally Posted by shakedown067
My custom coldair intake. Cut lid, K&N filter, cut out bumper.


what type of screen did you use?
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2013 | 03:35 PM
  #36  
Phat98's Avatar
Phat98
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 855
Likes: 36
From: Crystal Springs MS
Default

Originally Posted by leesvet
Ram air was mentioned...
COPO had mentioned doing a 'ram air' style intake similar to this after adding that scoop to that bitchin' hood of his. Perhaps he'll see this thread and chime in.
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2013 | 04:54 PM
  #37  
shakedown067's Avatar
shakedown067
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 33
From: Van Steel Corvettes
St. Jude Donor '12-'13
Default

Originally Posted by LD85
what type of screen did you use?
No clue, had the cover made by a local vette guy. AutoXTC.com
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2013 | 07:19 PM
  #38  
kleptopigdog's Avatar
kleptopigdog
Pro
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Falls Tx
Default

Made mine .No increase but sure looks neat and it gave me something to do while drinking beer!
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2019 | 09:52 AM
  #39  
MarkB85vette's Avatar
MarkB85vette
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 167
Likes: 10
From: Corpus Christi Texas
Default C4 air intake

Hello all, my 85 C4 has a broken bracket on the passenger side where the air filter lives. I have it held together with zip ties for now. I am planning to upgrade but based on this thread it seams like a stock intake with a smooth surface connector to the throttle body and a good K&N filter is the way to go. I have had great results on my imports with CAIs. Thoughts? My name is Mark BTW
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:20 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE