Intake - Which one?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: San Clemente California
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Murphy TX
Danny,
That's what I use, but if you want to go with the vortex I highly recommend you find a used one. You'll get one much cheaper (on my '01 I purchased new, liked it, and on my '04 found a used one for 1/2 the price).
When the vararam became so popular used Vortex's hit the market in drones.
There are many opinions on intakes, but my experience over the last 6 years of C5 ownership is that most of the trends are fad related and which one is in style at the time. Sure, one may make a few hp more or less. That's just my honest opinion.
I observed 21 rwhp increase with addition of the vortex and borla stingers. That's all I can say that I have data on. I don't drag race, so have no times.
That's what I use, but if you want to go with the vortex I highly recommend you find a used one. You'll get one much cheaper (on my '01 I purchased new, liked it, and on my '04 found a used one for 1/2 the price).
When the vararam became so popular used Vortex's hit the market in drones.
There are many opinions on intakes, but my experience over the last 6 years of C5 ownership is that most of the trends are fad related and which one is in style at the time. Sure, one may make a few hp more or less. That's just my honest opinion.
I observed 21 rwhp increase with addition of the vortex and borla stingers. That's all I can say that I have data on. I don't drag race, so have no times.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: San Clemente California
Originally Posted by yellow01
Danny,
That's what I use, but if you want to go with the vortex I highly recommend you find a used one. You'll get one much cheaper (on my '01 I purchased new, liked it, and on my '04 found a used one for 1/2 the price).
When the vararam became so popular used Vortex's hit the market in drones.
There are many opinions on intakes, but my experience over the last 6 years of C5 ownership is that most of the trends are fad related and which one is in style at the time. Sure, one may make a few hp more or less. That's just my honest opinion.
I observed 21 rwhp increase with addition of the vortex and borla stingers. That's all I can say that I have data on. I don't drag race, so have no times.
That's what I use, but if you want to go with the vortex I highly recommend you find a used one. You'll get one much cheaper (on my '01 I purchased new, liked it, and on my '04 found a used one for 1/2 the price).
When the vararam became so popular used Vortex's hit the market in drones.
There are many opinions on intakes, but my experience over the last 6 years of C5 ownership is that most of the trends are fad related and which one is in style at the time. Sure, one may make a few hp more or less. That's just my honest opinion.
I observed 21 rwhp increase with addition of the vortex and borla stingers. That's all I can say that I have data on. I don't drag race, so have no times.
I was considering the Vararam but it looks like a PITA to install particularly, when you can get the same HP from the Vortex, or so they claim.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Originally Posted by rws.1
Based on all the previous posts I read from CF members with actual track times, I decided on the Vararam B2.
Definately the best at the track in my own personal experience.
The vararam install isn't that bad, just takes a little while compared to the others out there and it is a very snug fit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Originally Posted by DJN
How do you like it?
Just get some Z06 screens to go along with it.
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Thread Starter
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From: San Clemente California
Originally Posted by JoshVette
I don't know about him, but I love mine, no issues with water (like everyone thinks, not even at the car wash) and it kicks like a mule........ecspecially on mornings like this one when it's 39 degrees out....
Just get some Z06 screens to go along with it.
Just get some Z06 screens to go along with it.
Sounds good, I'm starting to lean toward the vararam. Been reading some threads and it seems that’s the most popular one. Did you dyno before and after?
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From: San Clemente California
Thread Starter
Team Owner
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From: San Clemente California
I found the Vararam far too cumbersome with too many sections to bolt, properly align, and, would thereby, leak. And, for the high cost, the Vararam comes with a very poor filter. Therefore, the Volant was the more comfortable choice for me. Moreover, in an effort to allow more air above shroud at speed for the Volant, I have also cut out the fog lamp shroud openings (both the left and right side) completely to, again, allow more air to the dual air cone filters. Lastly, I have had the Volant on my DD C5 for over three and a half years with no issues.
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Vararam is a nice intake. I have a Blackwing and have been please with it, but I think the Vararam may perform a little better, especially at speed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Originally Posted by DJN
Sounds good, I'm starting to lean toward the vararam. Been reading some threads and it seems that’s the most popular one. Did you dyno before and after?
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From: Newberry FL
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Originally Posted by DJN
This is the same one I bought brand new from the Parts Section. I did the install in about an hour and a half (took my time) and did not remove the shroud to do it, took a handheld drimmel and cut the hole out and did my install. I drove my vette cross-country through some heavy rains and no issues! I love my VORTEK! If I did any other intake, I would have went with the BLACKWING.
Melting Slicks
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From: ATL
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It really depends on your budget, etc, etc.
Best values of course are used. Anything in the cold air theatre oughta do. Keep an eye on ebay.
The Vararam is great and there is a great vendor here offering some super deals on new Vararams. I think it is VetteTech - just check the for sale section.
Vortex is a nice cold air system too. The filter looks to be difficult to clean to me however.
If money is not a problem, or you want to splurge, take a look at the Honker. Newest product out for about $450. The filter looks to be much easier to clean and care for versus the others.
Several options are available, including the zip-tye mod of a K&N filter to your current set up.
Have fun with whatever you choose.
Best values of course are used. Anything in the cold air theatre oughta do. Keep an eye on ebay.
The Vararam is great and there is a great vendor here offering some super deals on new Vararams. I think it is VetteTech - just check the for sale section.
Vortex is a nice cold air system too. The filter looks to be difficult to clean to me however.
If money is not a problem, or you want to splurge, take a look at the Honker. Newest product out for about $450. The filter looks to be much easier to clean and care for versus the others.
Several options are available, including the zip-tye mod of a K&N filter to your current set up.
Have fun with whatever you choose.
Team Owner
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by DJN
What intake will give me the most HP? Car is stock right now, only runniing Borla Stingers with a Bassani X pipe at the moment. 
There are several good after market intakes you can choose from. Some are easy to do at home and some are a little tougher. I wouldn't count on adding much HP with a new intake and filter. They help but, not enough to make a big difference. You need to talk to 84 about HP. His bottle fed C5 has got a little more get up and go these days......
I've got a Halltech Stinger and it's a good product, easy to install and not too expensive. But, take your time and look at some other set ups before you make your choice.......Good Luck bro.....
Le Mans Master
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From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
DJN,
Just FYI, but the boys and 21st MC (Lingenfelter) told me that about each .1 tenth is about equal to around 10HP. So you do the math and which intake cuts down how many tenths is the one with the most HP at speed.
Just FYI, but the boys and 21st MC (Lingenfelter) told me that about each .1 tenth is about equal to around 10HP. So you do the math and which intake cuts down how many tenths is the one with the most HP at speed.
Race Director
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From: San Diego CA
. If you live in a state that doesn't have visual inspections, then take a look at the following (grouped by cold air and non-cold air, but in no particular order) and my comments, if any:
Vararam: Brings cold air in through the fog light panel area to a panel-type filter. Owners have had good luck with system on the dragstrip, but plan on spending hours to install and a bit more to get everything lined up well. 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 add headers later. $350-$400
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. $250
Callaway Honker intake system: This one relocates the MAF so that it is just in front of the throttlebody. It directs cold air from underneath and costs about $500. I believe this unit is 50 states legal (smogwise).
K&N FIPK: This is more of a semi-cold air system, as the cold air intake opening is more of a slit. Its filter endcaps are carbon fiber. 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 one of the best bangs 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
Halltech Stinger SSM – 2001-2004 C5 only (new!): This intake system features an even larger filter than that of the Stinger-R, TRAP, and Blackwing. $400
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. $265
2002+ Z06 airbox cover: A larger opening allows more air to be drawn in through the filter. Expect up to a 5 RWHP gain from this simple swap. $50
Zip-tie: An easy and inexpensive mod (eliminates the OEM box’s upper lid), but its sealing ability is questionable at best.
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.
Vararam: Brings cold air in through the fog light panel area to a panel-type filter. Owners have had good luck with system on the dragstrip, but plan on spending hours to install and a bit more to get everything lined up well. 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 add headers later. $350-$400
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. $250
Callaway Honker intake system: This one relocates the MAF so that it is just in front of the throttlebody. It directs cold air from underneath and costs about $500. I believe this unit is 50 states legal (smogwise).
K&N FIPK: This is more of a semi-cold air system, as the cold air intake opening is more of a slit. Its filter endcaps are carbon fiber. 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 one of the best bangs 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
Halltech Stinger SSM – 2001-2004 C5 only (new!): This intake system features an even larger filter than that of the Stinger-R, TRAP, and Blackwing. $400
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. $265
2002+ Z06 airbox cover: A larger opening allows more air to be drawn in through the filter. Expect up to a 5 RWHP gain from this simple swap. $50
Zip-tie: An easy and inexpensive mod (eliminates the OEM box’s upper lid), but its sealing ability is questionable at best.
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.