I know this question has been asked a million times but if money is not the main concern which air intake system would you recommend is the best.
There is so many different opinions out there its not funny.
Do they really work?
Does it really open up the breathing? Will the C5 run any cooler?
Thanks guys

 

From my understanding of mechanical engineering, cool less dense air will optimize the performance of internal combustion engines. That being said, I believe with all the official/unofficial tests conducted on this forum and other places, the vararam is your best bang for the buck. BTW, this is just my opinion.

 

Halltech stinger- it is great. more power and better gas mileage. It works and is a great bang for the buck. Get the hood seal too.

 

IMHO, the best CAI would be any intake that pulls air from outside the engine compartment. That leaves Vararam, Vortex, Halltech Tric, Halltech Trap and a couple others that I can't recall at the moment.

 

VORTEK here and LOVE it!

 

If you live in California, think twice about the Vararam, as it can be a royal pain to install/uninstall/reinstall for smog tests. 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 RWHP with a warm air system after engine bay temps rise during slow-moving conditions. Cold air prevents this from happening.

 

I would go with the Calloway "Honker".
But alas budget is a concern and I will be installing a previously enjoyed Vortex.

 

Thanks mate very informative, I live in Queensland Australia so I do not have any smog or inspection issues but the last thing I need is for my engine bay to run hotter (Vararam) I am trying to get the temps down.
I just want to make sure I get the best one as I have to get one from the States sent over here.
Thanks for your comments Geoff.

 

Don't forget to open up the inside around the driving lights to let more outside air into the filter area.

 

IMO, probably the Vararam is the best out there. But, I am currently running a Blackwing - seems to do a good job.

 

Hello, Geoff.

I would have to say that if money is no object and you want the very best, The Calloway Honker, at $500, is the way to go. It is the ONLY intake system that repositions the MAF to just in front of the throttlebody - a good thing if an oiled filter is used, and is similar to a C6 intake setup.

Of course, as I mentioned previously, if cost IS a factor and you want a good bang for the buck, the Halltech Stinger represents good quality and performance.

Dave

 

I think you meant to say "cool more dense air".

 

Don't forget you'll need to get an after-market exhaust, too, because only adding volume to the air coming in doesn't do much. I know that for a fact, because I put a Halltech Stinger on 1 1/2 years ago with stock exhaust, and it wasn't until I changed the exhaust a couple of weeks ago that the car "woke up".

 

I am doing that aswell, I have the Corsa pace car being sent over as we speak

 

I like the Hurricane by WestCoast Corvettes.

 

Love my Stinger

Peace
Willfulone