Hey guys need help have several c-3s so I am usally in that section and came across a deal on a 98 c5 that I had to go far. My question is what do I need to help her breath better? What type of filter, air intake etc?

Thanks

 

Lots of choices from DIY mods to however much you'd like to spend. People who know a lot more than me say that it doesn't make a substantial difference until you are running 450+ HP. I have a Blackwing. There are also Halltech Stingers, K&N, Callaway Honker, Breathless Performance, and VaraRam. If you're going to track the car, those guys swear by the VaraRam (which only makes a difference at higher speeds). The other systems provide a bit more throttle response, which is about all you should expect from intake only.

The Z06 airbox has a much larger opening than the factory box (wait til you see how restrictive your factory setup is). People sell them here for $50-$60 regularly. The change out is a ten minute project. Not difficult at all.

 

I agree, the early years have a very restrictive air filter box lid.

I replaced my stock 98 Coupe with a 2002 Z06 air filter box lid. I am very happy with it. Unless you put out more than 405 HP, it should do just fine. It sounds better too !

I used to use DELCO Premium oil filters, but switched to NAPA Gold or WIC (same filter) for better flow (and got 10-15 psi more cold oil pressure). An oil analysis proved they were ok. I use FRAM air filters.

 

Get a Blackwing and be done with it!

 

I have a Blackwing and chose it for its superior filtering capabilities and its OEM fit and appearance. A 2002-2004 Z06 Airbox lid is a good choice as well, just make sure to use a quality filter. It is a good idea to install a hoodseal as a precaution to reduce the amount of dirt and water that can enter just above the intake trhough the space between the hood and nose.

 

Halltech Stinger here, and very pleased. Opened up the fog light housings for some cooler air. I could not believe how restrictive the stock factory one was. Kept all of it though just in case I need to return it to stock.

 

Here is a different option. It was posted by a CF member as a DIY intake mod. Some people say you have to worry about sucking up water (I don't drive through deep standing water myself). This would be a huge improvement over stock (especially pre-2002 cars). You wouldn't have to buy a "system" at all. Just some parts, the right tools, your time, and some skill. I would have done this to my car, but I ran across a nice deal on my current setup.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1820171

Here's a DIY that a CF member posted. It's a mod to catch and deliver more cold air to whatever intake you choose. Pretty cool, but more involved than I wanted to get right now. http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/Rad...op%20inst..pdf

PM me if you would like links to removing the factory air box, installing specific systems, etc. I just went through the intake selection process, so I still have a bunch of those links saved in a folder.

Good luck!

 

I went with a Blackwing and like it, but you can also choose from Vararam, Callaway, Halltech, etc.

 

Thanks to everyone who replied I now have options to check out.

 

Thanks I will pm you and check it out.

 

i did the first one on my 98--no regrets

 

 

Guys,

A warm-air intake like the Blackwing is only the first part of the solution. Directing cold, outside air to the intake filter can easily prevent a 10 HP power loss. When the ECU senses that the intake air is getting too warm (somewhere north of 100 degrees F), it retards timing to avoid predetonation. With a cold air intake or a warm air intake like a Blackwing or a Halltech Stinger or SSM with modification to allow cold air in, this timing retardation doesn't occur, preserving that 10 HP that would normally be taken away during and after slow moving or stop&go driving.

I have reams of data taken from a "Car Chip" data acquisition sensor that show the huge difference an infusion of outside air makes on a warm day. With a non-CAI intake filter in place, intake air temps can surpass 140 degrees F. Even after entering a highway and doing 80 MPH, the intake air does NOT fully recover (get back down to below-100F temps) for quite a while (more than 20 minutes), so don't listen to those who insist that our engine bays cool themselves off adequately.

With a CAI or one of the mods listed in the previous post, intake air temps wither never get above ambient or if they do get up to 100F, plummet quickly once the car is moving faster than 10 MPH or so.

In short, get that outside air to your air intake - it makes a big difference!

By the way, an advantage of cooling off both the intake filter AND the engine bay is that electronics, hoses, belts, and other components in the engine bay can last longer. This is why my mod does both, not just isolate intake air to cool.

 

Just remove your fog light shrouds or cut holes in them. That'll get your cold air to the space around the Blackwing. Also, there is an addition called "Icebox" for the Blackwing (and maybe others) that helps direct outside (presumably cold) air towards the filter.

 

My "stock" intake works great.

 

Why doesn't anyone ever support the use of the K&N FIPK?

I have it and cut holes in the radiator shroud using a 4in hole saw to allow cool air in, and have had good results with it!

 

I have the Vararam system and really like it, especially from 50 mph and higher.

 

I've used the Breathless Performance Vortex Ram Air on all three of my C5's and have seen great results. Stay away from the Blackwing and those other system like that, cause they just suck in the warm air under the hood and that will cause a loss in horse power.

 

 

I've got a Vararam sitting in my living room. Should be installing next weekend hopefully.