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Question on smooth air intake coupler hose

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Old 07-02-2017, 04:19 PM
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BlueTwoToneCorvette
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Default Question on smooth air intake coupler hose

I just installed a replacement open air filter cover in my 85 because I made 2.5 more hp and even more torque with it off on my dyno run.

I was thinking about replacing the ribbed air intake coupler hose with a smooth one. They are about $50. Does anyone have any experience with this mod?

Thanks
Old 07-02-2017, 08:36 PM
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cv67
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no power gain...most the bolt on stuff you see in catalogs doesnt really do anything

Last edited by cv67; 07-02-2017 at 08:43 PM.
Old 07-03-2017, 12:11 AM
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tlong
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Most report collapsing under acceleration vacuum. The corrugations prevent this without much restriction. Both sre over 4100 and are not going to psy you bask with power.

Last edited by tlong; 07-03-2017 at 12:16 AM.
Old 07-03-2017, 10:44 AM
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mlm0
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I use one on 89 with no problem. Went to 52 throttle body and old on won't fit
Old 07-03-2017, 10:46 AM
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mlm0
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[QUOTE=mlm0;1595068265]I use one on 89 with no problem. Went to 52 throttle body and old one won't fit[/. QUOTE]
Old 07-03-2017, 04:03 PM
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ctmccloskey
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Default Smooth coupling from MAF to Throttle Body

I have one on my 1988, I have used this type since 1998. It is made of 1/4" thick rubber and is a pain to get on the first time. I do not believe that it could collapse enough to interfere with airflow. I have never felt it or seen one collapse as the material is so heavy.

The interference of the corrugation is probably minimal but it does disrupt the airflow. On a car as a whole I doubt it makes any additional horsepower.

As earlier mentioned, most catalog stuff is pretty lame, I installed a K&N air filter the day I bought the car. Those make a difference but again it is hard to quantify.

Good Luck with your Corvette
Old 07-03-2017, 06:49 PM
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BlueTwoToneCorvette
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Thanks guys, maybe I'll think about it when I have $50 to burn. I'll make sure I get a thick one so it will be stronger.
Old 10-16-2018, 04:07 AM
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ZEROVETTE7
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Did anyone replaced the stock corrugated one with a custom made of aluminum? What would be the required thickness? Any feedback?
thx
Old 10-16-2018, 11:26 AM
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Eilias
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I think the only thing aluminum would do is dress up the engine compartment. It would weigh more (probably not enough to matter), soak up additional heat from the engine bay (again, probably not enough to matter), and be more of a pain to remove and install than the stock coupler (probably the biggest deal breaker, but still should only bother you when you need to change the air filter).
Old 10-16-2018, 12:36 PM
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81c3
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There is a hard plastic insert that fits inside the factory accordion snorkel hose. Thats the best way to go imo. No issue with heat, weight, wont collapse & good fitment.... I have one on my ZR-1. Works as described! Im not sure if they are made for your 85. Ill check the name of the company when I go home for lunch.

Last edited by 81c3; 10-16-2018 at 12:43 PM.
Old 10-16-2018, 12:58 PM
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ZEROVETTE7
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Thanks for the feedback. 👍🏻
I guess I’ll stick to the stock
Old 10-16-2018, 05:39 PM
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Looks like they were only made for the LT-5.... sorry about that!
Old 10-17-2018, 12:04 AM
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Originally Posted by 81c3
Looks like they were only made for the LT-5.... sorry about that!
no worries
appreciate it 👍🏻
Old 10-26-2018, 01:18 PM
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Just wanted to hop in on this thread as well as I also had been thinking of adding the smooth power coupler. Couple of points:
1) I have the K&N filter and I have opened up the air filter housing lid
2) I have a Borla exhaust system
3) March Power & AMP pulley system
4) Everything else is stock at the moment.

I guess the question is do the sum of the parts do anything to increase torque/horsepower? If you have the following set up do you see any real gains or is it a waste:
K&N Filter
Open air box lid
Power Coupler
Air Foil
Free flowing exhaust
PMC Performance Chip

I am in no way trying to build a horsepower monster car, but I would like to be able to beat Accords and Camrys off the line (getting harder and harder to do). My car is saddled with the 2.59 rear at the moment & I probably won't be changing that anytime soon. No will I be adding a supercharger or anything like that ($$$$$). Long tube headers may be a viable addition. So I am curious if any of these add-ons make measurable improvements when all used in conjunction with each other (I am sure that individually one sees little to no effect).
Old 10-27-2018, 08:28 AM
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cv67
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They may add up to something, just not much .Headers and gears are improvements youll enjoy. Id jump a full point on your rear gear if you can to really notice it.
Old 10-28-2018, 11:34 PM
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RedHot85Vette
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Originally Posted by carsofchaos
Just wanted to hop in on this thread as well as I also had been thinking of adding the smooth power coupler. Couple of points:
1) I have the K&N filter and I have opened up the air filter housing lid
2) I have a Borla exhaust system
3) March Power & AMP pulley system
4) Everything else is stock at the moment.

I guess the question is do the sum of the parts do anything to increase torque/horsepower? If you have the following set up do you see any real gains or is it a waste:
K&N Filter
Open air box lid
Power Coupler
Air Foil
Free flowing exhaust
PMC Performance Chip
.
nothing is a waste if it's all good hot rodding... if it looks cool, and or performs cool... it's all cool...

I'm a firm believer in a-little-bit-here-a-little-bit-there... maybe just one element may not do the trick, but maybe that same element combined with other related elements... well then I believe you then have a "System"... if a k&N Filter is a nice thing to have... then give it an Open Air Box to make it happier (I have my filter attached w/o an air box, no cutting, no muss, no fuss)... then why not hitch it to a Smooth Bore Coupler... and then an Air Foil... to create a "High Performance Air intake System". I'm no engineering genius, but it seems to me a Free Flowing, Smooth Flowing, Air Intake has got to be worth something. And again, as a Complete System. Otherwise. why bother with K&N Filters, and mangled up air boxes.... Is it not because you want Better Air Flow?! ... Your Engine wants Air, and lots of it, shoved down it's throat as quick as possible...So why not throw a Smooth Bore Coupler and an Air Foil... I'm for all of that... screw the cost! $50 Bucks, $27 Bucks, whatever! Small potatoes! Cut back on the beers and smokes for a week... another thing about that smooth coupler, you can put some really cool stickers on it because it's smooth... put an Edelbrock sticker on it and get people to believe it's a genuine Edelbrock part... and anyway, it's just all good hot rodding and something to talk, converse, debate, argue, rage, about with the boys.

ps. there's absolutely no way that throttle body, as hard as it could ever suck air, is gonna collapse that smooth bore coupler... never, ever, never...
Old 10-29-2018, 01:39 AM
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Hot Rod Roy
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Originally Posted by RedHot85Vette
There's absolutely no way that throttle body, as hard as it could ever suck air, is gonna collapse that smooth bore coupler... never, ever, never...
Maybe with a totally clogged air filter!

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Old 10-29-2018, 01:45 PM
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RedHot85Vette
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Originally Posted by Hot Rod Roy
Maybe with a totally clogged air filter!

....not even full clogged-o-concrete... never, ever, never...

ps. like your handle "Hot Rod Roy"... is in keeping with "good hot rodding", bravo!
Old 10-29-2018, 02:29 PM
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Mr. Peabody
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Originally Posted by cuisinartvette
They may add up to something, just not much .Headers and gears are improvements youll enjoy. Id jump a full point on your rear gear if you can to really notice it.
With a 2.59 rear-end, a swap to the factory offered 3.07 will give you a significant improvement in SOTP performance. When I was test driving many C4's prior to purchasing, the difference between similarly equipped automatics with 2.50 vs. 3.07 felt like going from 6 cylinders to 8 cylinders between 40 - 80mph.

Last edited by Mr. Peabody; 10-29-2018 at 02:29 PM.
Old 10-29-2018, 03:30 PM
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carsofchaos
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Originally Posted by Mr. Peabody
With a 2.59 rear-end, a swap to the factory offered 3.07 will give you a significant improvement in SOTP performance. When I was test driving many C4's prior to purchasing, the difference between similarly equipped automatics with 2.50 vs. 3.07 felt like going from 6 cylinders to 8 cylinders between 40 - 80mph.
Yes totally agree I have been looking at doing the rear end swap. A month or so ago I missed out on a chance to get a new 3.73 rear, new housing, all new parts, for $650. Kicking myself ever since. I've only driven one other C4 and it had the 3.07 and I totally agree the difference between 2.59 and 3.07 is immediately measurable.


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