Best Air Intake?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,838
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NoCar
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
Best Air Intake?
I know this will probably get many different replies and possibly start some "this is better than that" wars, but that's what this forum is all about, right? 
I have a stock C5 Coupe that I would like to slowly start modding, and I'd like to start with a new air intake. I was wondering what the best one was for increasing HP/Torque and overall quickness. I know it won't make a HUUUUUGE difference, but every bit helps in the end. I've done a lot of online research and realize that forced-induction is porbably the best. However, the Vararam seems to have an issue with ingesting water. The Lingenfelter Hurricane is also forced, but seems to be less prone to water intake. Then there are non-forced kits like AFE, K&N, etc... SOOOO many to choose from!
Also, after I upgrade the intake, should I upgrade the Mass Airflow Sensor to a new unit designed for aftermarket intakes? Is one of those better than another?
OK guys (and girls), start debating...the fate of my C5 rests in your hands
PS--love the forums, I've learned more about Vettes in my month here than I ever knew I could know!
I have a stock C5 Coupe that I would like to slowly start modding, and I'd like to start with a new air intake. I was wondering what the best one was for increasing HP/Torque and overall quickness. I know it won't make a HUUUUUGE difference, but every bit helps in the end. I've done a lot of online research and realize that forced-induction is porbably the best. However, the Vararam seems to have an issue with ingesting water. The Lingenfelter Hurricane is also forced, but seems to be less prone to water intake. Then there are non-forced kits like AFE, K&N, etc... SOOOO many to choose from!
Also, after I upgrade the intake, should I upgrade the Mass Airflow Sensor to a new unit designed for aftermarket intakes? Is one of those better than another?
OK guys (and girls), start debating...the fate of my C5 rests in your hands
PS--love the forums, I've learned more about Vettes in my month here than I ever knew I could know!
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,730
Likes: 4
From: Delray Beach Florida
gonna have to go with the vararam B2. its WICKED. my stock c5 didnt ever redline or reach its full power ban (automatic tranny) until i put the vararam on there.
HOWEVER i do suggest you get the z06 grill inserts, if you dont you'll pick trash up, i've pulled everything from leaves to a cigarette pack out of it. After i put the grills on, i havent had any trouble.
never heard anything about water, rains all the time in houston and i've never had a problem
HOWEVER i do suggest you get the z06 grill inserts, if you dont you'll pick trash up, i've pulled everything from leaves to a cigarette pack out of it. After i put the grills on, i havent had any trouble.
never heard anything about water, rains all the time in houston and i've never had a problem
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I know this will probably get many different replies and possibly start some "this is better than that" wars, but that's what this forum is all about, right?
I have a stock C5 Coupe that I would like to slowly start modding, and I'd like to start with a new air intake. I was wondering what the best one was for increasing HP/Torque and overall quickness. I know it won't make a HUUUUUGE difference, but every bit helps in the end. I've done a lot of online research and realize that forced-induction is porbably the best. However, the Vararam seems to have an issue with ingesting water. The Lingenfelter Hurricane is also forced, but seems to be less prone to water intake. Then there are non-forced kits like AFE, K&N, etc... SOOOO many to choose from!
Also, after I upgrade the intake, should I upgrade the Mass Airflow Sensor to a new unit designed for aftermarket intakes? Is one of those better than another?
OK guys (and girls), start debating...the fate of my C5 rests in your hands
PS--love the forums, I've learned more about Vettes in my month here than I ever knew I could know!
I have a stock C5 Coupe that I would like to slowly start modding, and I'd like to start with a new air intake. I was wondering what the best one was for increasing HP/Torque and overall quickness. I know it won't make a HUUUUUGE difference, but every bit helps in the end. I've done a lot of online research and realize that forced-induction is porbably the best. However, the Vararam seems to have an issue with ingesting water. The Lingenfelter Hurricane is also forced, but seems to be less prone to water intake. Then there are non-forced kits like AFE, K&N, etc... SOOOO many to choose from!
Also, after I upgrade the intake, should I upgrade the Mass Airflow Sensor to a new unit designed for aftermarket intakes? Is one of those better than another?
OK guys (and girls), start debating...the fate of my C5 rests in your hands
PS--love the forums, I've learned more about Vettes in my month here than I ever knew I could know!
The VaraRam is the only intake (I believe) that is positioned so the cars forward motion increases the positive pressure enough to be a factor. All others increase the flow by reducing the restriction to flow. If you go to their website they will explain that this is why they have a 1/4 mile speed increase guarantee and not a HP gain guarantee.
MY personal conclusion is that any intake that has any potential for true increase in HP or performance will also increase the chance of injesting water. That does NOT mean that you will. As a matter of fact, in all the threads that I've read on this forum about intakes, no intake has ever been directly connected to injestion. All water injestion threads have said that the circumstances were that even a stock intake would have probably injested water.
There are lots of makes/models and almost everyone will tell you the one they are using is best. I haven't gotten one yet. If/when I do it will probably be the VaraRam, but performance mods are down a ways on my mod list.
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 11
From: Aliso Viejo So. Cal.
Callaway Honker. And it's 50 state emissions legal. If you live in a nanny state like I do, you'll want the Honker for smog inspections. I just had my 00 smog checked last Friday and the honker looked so stock it passed the visual no questions asked. It's very well built as well. Just my .02.
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I had a BLACKWING with the SLP "ice box" cold air cover, opened shroud, over sized air bridge, yada, yada, yada. It looked neat, but the intermittent codes drove me nuts.
Yeah, I could've gotten a tune for another $500 and 300 mile round trip.
I modified my oem Z06 air box by opening the intake hole from 10 square inches to 22.5 square inches, added a flat panel K&N filter and a smooth silicone coupler at the throttle body with T-bolt clamps. It doesn't throw codes, looks good and sounds no different than the BLACKWING.
Yeah, I could've gotten a tune for another $500 and 300 mile round trip.
I modified my oem Z06 air box by opening the intake hole from 10 square inches to 22.5 square inches, added a flat panel K&N filter and a smooth silicone coupler at the throttle body with T-bolt clamps. It doesn't throw codes, looks good and sounds no different than the BLACKWING.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
From: Fountain hills AZ
I have had my Vortex for years and it made the most significant SOP difference of all my mods. The car came alive. All the other things - LS6 intake because its a 2000; 80mm TB, headers, cat back all accumulated to yield 350 RWHP, but the Vortex was the biggest thrill. I saw one for sale used in parts for sale and if its still available, go grab it. The vortex is a "bottom breather" so driving through standing water is problematic, but no issues at all in rain. Hey, in AZ, TRUCKS get stalled in flooded washes all the time - a Corvette would disappear.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,838
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NoCar
National Champs Gators 4 St. Jude '09
St. Jude Donor '10-'11
I have had my Vortex for years and it made the most significant SOP difference of all my mods. The car came alive. All the other things - LS6 intake because its a 2000; 80mm TB, headers, cat back all accumulated to yield 350 RWHP, but the Vortex was the biggest thrill. I saw one for sale used in parts for sale and if its still available, go grab it. The vortex is a "bottom breather" so driving through standing water is problematic, but no issues at all in rain. Hey, in AZ, TRUCKS get stalled in flooded washes all the time - a Corvette would disappear.
Loving the replies, thanks! Keep 'em coming. Does a new Mass Air Sensor for modified intakes make enough of a difference?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,956
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis In
I suggest that you look for what ever you like as far as looks or what fits your budget. I bought the intake pictured b-low for $46 SHIPPED off of e-bay. Most "intake" systems consist of the same material.........paper filter mesh. Now some will claim they are made out of cotton so they may be better. (teeshirt vs. paper filter) Some will claim 5 hp gain where some others will claim 12-15 hp gain. I will be slammed for showing my $24. filter & $21.00 shipping but it filters, doesn't worry about HP gain or water because I consider it disposable for that cost. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ight=hydrolock
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1664791
I would stay with the stock Z06 air filter.
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Apr 2, 2007 at 07:43 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 5
From: Chico CA
gonna have to go with the vararam B2. its WICKED. my stock c5 didnt ever redline or reach its full power ban (automatic tranny) until i put the vararam on there.
HOWEVER i do suggest you get the z06 grill inserts, if you dont you'll pick trash up, i've pulled everything from leaves to a cigarette pack out of it. After i put the grills on, i havent had any trouble.
never heard anything about water, rains all the time in houston and i've never had a problem
HOWEVER i do suggest you get the z06 grill inserts, if you dont you'll pick trash up, i've pulled everything from leaves to a cigarette pack out of it. After i put the grills on, i havent had any trouble.
never heard anything about water, rains all the time in houston and i've never had a problem
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland IL