I am now the proud owner of a 99 Vet. I used to own a Camaro but decided to move it up a notch. Any way I was wondering how good the stock air box was compared to an aftermarket one. Obviously this is usually the 1st modification people do so I was wondering which ones are the best and make the most power increase. I have looked online and their arent really that many to chose from. But their is one that has caught my eye which is the Varoom kit. It says that its a 30 to 40 horsepower increase over stock and for $350 bucks I'd say that thats pretty good. But before I get one if theirs anyone out there that has this system or other systems and can tell me about them I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

 

Congrats. on your new Vette there Drill. Hope you are enjoying it. That air intake deal is the most talked about, debated, dead horse beaten thing on this forum..lol. I'm sure people will give you their .02. Enjoy your Vette. BTW, how long have you been on the Trail?? SFC Lane

 

Here read this...some good info----->http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...post1550439467

I have a Vararam, and I like it alot.

 

Take a look at the following (grouped by cold air and non-cold air, but in no particular order) and my comments, if any:

Halltech TRAP with cold air option: This design can bring cold air in through a “Tunnelport” cutout (where the license plate would reside) that provides the shortest ram-type air path to an air filter, compared to all the rest. Its Warhead filter can only be described as "Massive". Not the easiest thing to install. I believe that it is being discontinued, however.

Vararam: Brings cold air in through the fog light panel area to a panel-type filter. Downside: Eliminates engine bay-cooling air that would've come in from the fog light panels (Z06 or coupe/vert with opened-up panels), so the engine bay may end up being toastier, especially if you install headers.

Vortech Rammer: Brings cold air up from in front of the radiator and into an enclosed box. Its filter is quite a bit smaller than the Halltech Warhead or Blackwing unit.

Callaway intake system: This one relocates the MAF so that it is just in front of the throttlebody. It directs cold air from underneath.....a good system, but pricey.

K&N FIPK: This is more of a semi-cold air system, as the cold air intake opening is more of a slit. However, it is configured similarly to the Halltech Stinger-R and is 50-states legal. $350

Warm air systems: (Easy installation)

Halltech Stinger-R: Not only contains the massive Warhead filter, but also includes a larger-than-stock airbridge and smooth throttlebody coupler. For $239.00 or less, this system represents the best bang for the buck. Fortunately, for about $40, you can add cold air induction. See my procedure at http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm

Blackwing: Includes just a large filter, but an excellent one at that. Its cost is close to that of the Stinger.

Volant Twin Cone: This system gives you more open filter surface area than any stock box does and is well suited to an engine bay that gets cold air in from the fog light panels, as the filters are more or less in the air flow path.

How good are they? My experience has shown that most will bump up RWHP by at least 10. The advantage of having cold air is that power will not be "dialed down" under normally hot underhood (and intake air) conditions. You could easily lose 10 HP with a warm air system after engine bay temps rise during slow-moving conditions. Cold air prevents this from happening.

 

I figured its been a hot topic throughout the years but I still thought I would ask. I just figured that it being a Corvette that the air system in it now would be top notch and their would'nt be any point in buying an aftermarket one just for a few horsepower. And as far as the drill instructor its for a juvenile boot camp. But I did serve from 1996 through 2001, loved it. 11B Hooah. Thanks again for the help.

 

fjhytrfh

 

fgregregre

 

that and BSMs..floormats, exhaust, headers and tires

 

Welcome to the forum
I think Dave summed it up. Before you purchase...check around the various vendors or C5 Parts For Sale section , you may find a great or better deal

 

I figered that it is a hot topic and a debatible one at that. I figured that it being a Corvette that the air intake on it now was good enough and putting a aftermarket kit on just for a few horsepower would be a waste. As far as the drill instructor its for a juvenile boot camp. But I did serve in the Army fromm96 through 01. I loved it, 11B HOOAH. Thanks for the help

 

Thanks, I'll check on that.

 

Ok I believe you summed it up pretty well. I appreciate taking the time to type all that it will definatly be a help.

 

Could you tell a power increase right off the bat or did it feel stock still?

 

I love my Vararam. Check out this link to see my results.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...2&forum_id=103

 

What is the difference between a halltech stinger-R and a regular halltech stinger?

 

The only thing I will say is that there is no way any air intake will give you 30-40 HP alone, bottom line you'll need more mods to do that. I am not hating on the Vararam, but I think we all know that the advertised HP is otherwise there would be a lot less people buying cams/headers and more expensive mods.

btw- welcome and congrats on your new ride, I am a former F-body owner turned vette freak also.

 

Thanks for the input. I agree with the BS some of these companies say their products will do but I figured that it doesnt hurt to ask.

 

I can only speak for the Blackwing as that is the intake I am running on my car. It works great and I've been very pleased with the car's performance since the install. There are other very good filters out there including the Vararam and the Halltech Stinger. With any of these, you won't go wrong.

 

Thanks

 

Anyone have any info on the Hurricane air intake? Read once that they were the same as blackwing....