I keep reading about either removing the shroud from my blackwing or cutting a whole in it but I am still not quite sure what ppl are talking about. Are they referring to the plastic divider between the filter and the radiator? I have an 03 Z but the 9th picture will give you an idea of my setup.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=76&TopicID=1

 

In those images, the BLACKWING is not considered a cold air intake (CAI) because it's drawing warm engine compartment air. Many believe a CAI provides more horsepower/intake noise/sex appeal, etc. The actual results vary depending on many factors.
If you cut an opening beneath the BLACKWING in the oem radiator shroud, then you're allowing cooler (denser) air into the filter. It's still not considered a CAI because the filter is still allowed to draw warm air from the engine compartment as well as the cooler air.
To isolate the BLACKWING from the warmer air, you must enclose it, allowing only the cooler air to be drawn into the filter. You can do that with what is referred to as a "ice box cover". They might still be available from SLP which markets the BLACKWING, or other after market sources, probably some of the forum vendors. Depending on what the shroud is made of (black ABS plastic or carbon fiber), expect to pay anywhere from $50 used to well over $150 new. CORVETTE CENTRAL has the black ABS plastic for $89.95, and they've sold for varying prices in the CF classifieds as well. I sold mine for $65 as I recall. Here's what the cover looks like...

To fully benefit from converting the BLACKWING filter into a CAI, you should expect to get a professional dyno tune ($350-$500). You will be leaning the motor out with a CAI, possibly outside the parameters of the computer and you might experience annoying computer codes. A professional tune will change the fuel delivery parameters beyond the factory settings.

 

How so? Air is routed directly to the Blackwing (Halltech Stinger, etc., etc.) through the Z06 grilles. The air filter stretches up and over the fan shroud and is no where near the engine.

 

According to many members in their opinion, only those intake systems that are isolated from the engine compartment, drawing cool air from beneath the radiator shroud or through the license plate screen product, are considered "true" cold air intakes (HONKER, VARARAM, HALLTECH TRIC, HURRICANE, etc).
The BLACKWING filter sitting on top of the shroud is still drawing warm air from the engine compartment (even with Z06 air intakes) and a C5 may not have the Z06 air intakes or drilled fog light shrouds.
...don't shoot the messenger.

 

on a hot day I guess there is no such thing as a CAI then ;D

 

Nah, I'm not trying to shoot the messenger, but rather just trying to clarify something. As far as I knew, the Halltech Stinger and the Blackwing basically look identical. I don't see how one would be considered a true CAI, while the other isn't. This isn't the only thread where someone stated that.

Halltech Stinger:


Blackwing:


If anything, it looks like the Blackwing drops down towards the air screens even more than the Halltech.

 

It's a matter of semantics between the manufacturers/distributors and actual users.
Call it a "cooler air intake" instead of "cold air intake". That's probably more politically correct...

 

Cool