Another Air Intake Thread
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis Missouri
Another Air Intake Thread
It seems I have read every thread on air intakes but I am still undecided.
I want the most HP bang for the buck and that's why I am thinking Vararam. However, I like the look of the Stinger or Blackwing which would be second choices.
Is there that big of a difference in performance or are they all close enough that my decision should be based on which look I prefer? I don't drag race but I still want top perfromance.
I can get the Vararam for $298 delivered the next 2 days but would not mind spending extra $$ for looks if the performance is close.
I guess I am looking for more opinions because I just can’t make up my mind………
I want the most HP bang for the buck and that's why I am thinking Vararam. However, I like the look of the Stinger or Blackwing which would be second choices.
Is there that big of a difference in performance or are they all close enough that my decision should be based on which look I prefer? I don't drag race but I still want top perfromance.
I can get the Vararam for $298 delivered the next 2 days but would not mind spending extra $$ for looks if the performance is close.
I guess I am looking for more opinions because I just can’t make up my mind………
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 4
From: North Port Fl
Save yourself some money and don't buy either one, the little bit of HP you are going to gain is going to be at the top end (probably over 65 mph). I've owned the Halltech Stinger, the blackwing, various other compinations of airbridge and air filters and you won't notice a difference. Change the accordian connector from the airbridge to the throttle body to a smooth silicone type then put in a permenant type filter (such as the K & N or other cleanable cloth type filter that needs to be oiled) and cut some large holes in the front of the airbox, maybe 4 to 6 2" diameter holes, you'll save a bunch of money and I'll bet you will gain just as much HP
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis Missouri
Interesting...........So are you saying I would not notice the difference between the Z06 cleaner cover (assuming I don't cut my own holes) with a K&N filter and the Vararam or any other air intake???
From the MA website.......
"Take advantage of the larger opening on GM's stock 2002 Z06 air cleaner cover and a K&N Air Filter for a dramatic increase in airflow to your 1997-04 Corvette's engine. Keep your original cover for future restoration, while you pump up your C5's power and performance. 612572 kit includes stock 2002 Z06 air cleaner lid, K&N air filter, filter oil and cleaner & degreaser. Easy installation"
From the MA website.......
"Take advantage of the larger opening on GM's stock 2002 Z06 air cleaner cover and a K&N Air Filter for a dramatic increase in airflow to your 1997-04 Corvette's engine. Keep your original cover for future restoration, while you pump up your C5's power and performance. 612572 kit includes stock 2002 Z06 air cleaner lid, K&N air filter, filter oil and cleaner & degreaser. Easy installation"
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Originally Posted by MPLC
LOL............I hear ya. I guess everyone is tired of talking about it.
I will probably go with the Vararam.
I will probably go with the Vararam.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 13
From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Just think about the cold air the vararam will suck in for you compared to anything that uses the enginebay air.
There was a guy a few weeks ago posting on here that with his Automatic 3.15 gears, vararam and borla stinger mufflers ran a 12.6-12.7 just because it was 49 degrees out........(that's only two little mods that aren't really anything to brag about running way into the 12's just because of much colder air with his vararam)
There was a guy a few weeks ago posting on here that with his Automatic 3.15 gears, vararam and borla stinger mufflers ran a 12.6-12.7 just because it was 49 degrees out........(that's only two little mods that aren't really anything to brag about running way into the 12's just because of much colder air with his vararam)
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 1
From: Torrance CA
My $0.02
I upgraded my 2004 coupe with 2.73 gears to the Z06 airbox cover, K&N filter, and WCC cold air screens. There was a noticable SOTP improvement in that it is now very easy to set of the traction control at a light. For the most part, these are all stock parts so it is not very radical, but I am happy.
I upgraded my 2004 coupe with 2.73 gears to the Z06 airbox cover, K&N filter, and WCC cold air screens. There was a noticable SOTP improvement in that it is now very easy to set of the traction control at a light. For the most part, these are all stock parts so it is not very radical, but I am happy.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 11,308
Likes: 1
From: The Beautiful Greater Bay Area California
Originally Posted by batsallover
I personally have a Blackwing with a CF cold air cover making it a bottom breather. But any of the above mentioned intakes should be fine. Nobody will notice a few tenths difference between intakes, on the street. IMHO I think intakes are just the first building blocks for more serious HP mods like LT headers, heads and cam packages or forced induction.
Right on!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,038
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07
I went with the Vararam because I, too wanted to maximize the amount
of HP I'd obtain with a new intake. So I chose the vararam after doing my
homework. Overall, I'm very happy with it. It delivers increased performance
as promised. The quality was disappointing however. I understand the
quality is better now but I have to use silican sealant to get a good seal
around the filter in the filter housing! Plus the install is probably the most
difficult of any after-market intake... But, if you like working around and
learning about your Vette then you'll enjoy it! Oh, and if your thinking
about upgrading your fog lights, its perfect time to do it!
Good luck with your decission!
of HP I'd obtain with a new intake. So I chose the vararam after doing my
homework. Overall, I'm very happy with it. It delivers increased performance
as promised. The quality was disappointing however. I understand the
quality is better now but I have to use silican sealant to get a good seal
around the filter in the filter housing! Plus the install is probably the most
difficult of any after-market intake... But, if you like working around and
learning about your Vette then you'll enjoy it! Oh, and if your thinking
about upgrading your fog lights, its perfect time to do it!
Good luck with your decission!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,137
Likes: 1
From: Insane Diego Kalifonya Baby
I picked up a little over 15 RWHP installing the Vararam. I had it dynoed before and after. I really probably picked up a little more but I had the 2.73s swapped out for a set of 3.42s at the same time. I was told that will show a loss in HP on the dyno. I don't understand why but have been told this by more than a few people. 