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I am considering changing the stock intake box for the Vortex Rammer kit on a 2003 C5 coupe. Any opinions? Is it worth the time & money for a daily driver? I have already installed a Corsa Touring exhaust and plan to put in an X pipe section to replace the stock H connection.
if you drive in an area with constant rain it is not adviced as it is a bottom feeder and as soon as you hit a good puddle *sucking noise* .. right into your intake filter.
I have the Vortex Rammer and I love it. I also have the Corsa Indy's w/o X-Pipe. When I installed the Rammer it was a noticeable HP improvement over the stock air box. My Vette had more power in all ranges, especially at freeway speeds.
As mentioned before, it is a bottom feeder and I have driven through rain storms where the rain was coming down so fast you couldn't even see the road. I've had mine on for over 2 years and over 38,000 miles and have not had a problem. I have read on this forum about guys going through a puddle and experiencing hydrolock.
Mine is not a daily driver and I try not to drive in the rain, but when I'm on a cross country trip you must drive in the rain sometimes. Just be aware of the fact that the air is coming from down by the radiator and drive accordingly. I mean no high RPM's, that is what will get you in trouble in the rain/puddles.
Had my BPP Vortex for over 2 years, and never a problem with water. I've ran through normal rain and puddles, but I never really splashed it. I would think it would have to be a HUGE puddle to cause a problem. I just have never ran through one.
I have a 2000c5 that was purchased new. I put the breathless ram air on right after purchase . I have never had a problem and living in Florida we get our share of rain. It definitely increased performance and I don't drive through large puddles but do drive in rain. I did corsa and later added the x pipe,if I did it again I would leave off the x pipe as it changed the sound.
if you drive in an area with constant rain it is not adviced as it is a bottom feeder and as soon as you hit a good puddle *sucking noise* .. right into your intake filter.
All CAIs are more prone to hyrdo lock than non CAIs. However the bottom feeders like the Vortex seem to be the worse offenders. If you want a CAI go with the Vararam. It's not hydro lock proof, but IMO it is better than the Vortex for both performance and it's less likely to cause hydro lock. Do a search and you will see most members who have hydrolocked their engines were using bottom feeders like the Vortex.
I am 50 4Ever's neighbor and I also have a Vortex Rammer. You would have to be in a very deep puddle to cause hydro lock. Rain in the form of mist is ok but to have the intake inlet under water is not. Last week I had to drive in the rain because our third car was in the bodyshop recentlly and is now curing in the garage. I am happy with my Rammer. Doug
I would simply play the odds. There are literally thousands of this brand of system in use, and you may have to scour the web for days to find people who have hydrolocked a vette with one of these. I have no clue the stats, but I'm sure it ranks up there next to almost never.
On the other side, they kick A$$! Definite driving difference.
Protect your investment and Increase your performance with The Big Mouth Performance Air Dam ! specailly for bottom breathers. Not only will increase the cold static pressure going into your breatless rammer but keep all the water from spashing into your air filter.
I've had my Vortex on for 5 years without any problems. I did buy a spare filter to swap out and clean every 6 months.
I used to live in Cincinnati and my Vette was my daily driver through all sorts of rainstorms...never an issue.
The Vortex filter does not sit low to the ground, unlike some other designs that moved the filter next to the ground. The Vortex filter connects directly to the MAF end.
I and a lot of other C5 ers had Breathless lower temp thermostats that wouldn't allow the coolant to heat up in the winter, so I wouldn't buy any other Breathless products.
I had the Vortex Ram Air on my 2000 Hardtop for 2 years and never a problem. Including driving in a very heavy thunder storm, from Bowling Green, KY. to Nashville, Tenn. and back, 2.5 hours straight not a problem. C5 Vortex Ram Air
I have had a Vortex for about 6 months. No problems, living in Florida rain. Power difference is immediately improved. I too have the Corsa Indy exhaust. Great mods.