[Z06] Confused
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: CA
Confused
Okay I'm new to the forums and I just picked my Z up yesterday. I want to get an intake for it, and I have been searching and searching only to confuse myself. I see the hurricane looks good but it seems like a big pita to install, but it seems to be one of the only ones that is a "real" CAI. It looks like the honker comes highly recommended but is on backorder. My buddy has the K&N and he seems to like it and his g/f has the Blackwing (I think thats what it is called). What are the main differences between all of these? It looks like where the air is coming from? Also what would you guys get and where should I order it from to get a good price? Like I said I'm sure this subject has been beat to death and I'm sorry to bring it up but I want to make sure I get a quality piece that will make power and not throw check engine lights.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
I would just leave the stock intake on it.
You are not going to see any noticeable increase in power unless you make changes to improve the flow though the engine and exhaust system. Some of the aftermarket intakes initially have lower restriction, but they also allow more dirt to pass through and increase pressure drop faster than a stock filter.
http://home.stny.rr.com/jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm
You are not going to see any noticeable increase in power unless you make changes to improve the flow though the engine and exhaust system. Some of the aftermarket intakes initially have lower restriction, but they also allow more dirt to pass through and increase pressure drop faster than a stock filter.
http://home.stny.rr.com/jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm
Last edited by TEXHAWK0; Dec 2, 2007 at 07:33 PM.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From: las Vegas N.V.
I have the Blackwing. It seemed to add a little hp when my car was stock. I got it used for $100. I would not buy one new. They are always some one selling one in the parts section. They are all about the same. The vararam maybe makes a few hp more.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,003
Likes: 89
From: Indy IN
I would just leave the stock intake on it.
You are not going to see any noticeable increase in power unless you make changes to improve the flow though the engine and exhaust system. Some of the aftermarket intakes initially have lower restriction, but they also allow more dirt to pass through and increase pressure drop faster than a stock filter.
http://home.stny.rr.com/jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm
You are not going to see any noticeable increase in power unless you make changes to improve the flow though the engine and exhaust system. Some of the aftermarket intakes initially have lower restriction, but they also allow more dirt to pass through and increase pressure drop faster than a stock filter.
http://home.stny.rr.com/jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm
Other than some additional induction noise it the benefit vs keeping a fresh clean paper element in there is minimal. Put in a new element every year and just forget it...
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Lewistown MT
There have been perceptable and proven reductions in 1/4mile ETs and HP increases with aftermarket intake systems and Vararam is one of the good ones. Lucky for you they are on sale right now from a supporting vendor for a great price. 
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1877166
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1877166
"AlohaC5" Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 44
From: Madison, AL
"AlohaC5" Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 44
From: Madison, AL
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I had a complete BLACKWING set up with the "ice box" cover. I got intermittent codes, mostly because of our 5,200 ft altitude, maybe because the '04 Z16 is supposed to be a little leaner from the factory. I didn't want to drive 300+ miles round trip for a $500 tune.
I decided to return to a modified oem Z06 intake. This took me about one hour with a DREMEL. The aluminum screen came from TARGET...they have inexpensive office supply items made with this fine mesh aluminum screen. I did use a smooth bumped throttle body to air bridge coupling and better clamps. It sounds as good as the BLACKWING, gets no codes, but doesn't look as sexy as an after market intake. I increased the oem opening from 10 square inches to about 25 square inches.
This is what I came up with...
I decided to return to a modified oem Z06 intake. This took me about one hour with a DREMEL. The aluminum screen came from TARGET...they have inexpensive office supply items made with this fine mesh aluminum screen. I did use a smooth bumped throttle body to air bridge coupling and better clamps. It sounds as good as the BLACKWING, gets no codes, but doesn't look as sexy as an after market intake. I increased the oem opening from 10 square inches to about 25 square inches.
This is what I came up with...
Last edited by hotwheels57; Dec 3, 2007 at 11:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
From: CA
I had a complete BLACKWING set up with the "ice box" cover. I got intermittent codes, mostly because of our 5,200 ft altitude, maybe because the '04 Z16 is supposed to be a little leaner from the factory. I didn't want to drive 300+ miles round trip for a $500 tune.
I decided to return to a modified oem Z06 intake. This took me about one hour with a DREMEL. The aluminum screen came from TARGET...they have inexpensive office supply items made with this fine mesh aluminum screen. I did use a smooth bumped throttle body to air bridge coupling and better clamps. It sounds as good as the BLACKWING, gets no codes, but doesn't look as sexy as an after market intake. I increased the oem opening from 10 square inches to about 25 square inches.
This is what I came up with...
I decided to return to a modified oem Z06 intake. This took me about one hour with a DREMEL. The aluminum screen came from TARGET...they have inexpensive office supply items made with this fine mesh aluminum screen. I did use a smooth bumped throttle body to air bridge coupling and better clamps. It sounds as good as the BLACKWING, gets no codes, but doesn't look as sexy as an after market intake. I increased the oem opening from 10 square inches to about 25 square inches.
This is what I came up with...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
A DREMEL with cut off wheel, a straight edge, tape or colored marker to outline the defined area to cut, medium sanding block, the screen, heavy duty scissors/shears to cut the screen, some careful bending against a straight edge and some silicone adhesive is all it takes. The bottom side of a Z06 has vanes which I used as a guide.
You can use your oem filter lid or buy one inexpensively off another member or EBAY.
Most members tend to go through several different intakes. That gets expensive even if buying used. This cost me less than $10 and an hour of my time...priceless! It might serve you until you find exactly the after market intake that you're looking for.
You can use your oem filter lid or buy one inexpensively off another member or EBAY.
Most members tend to go through several different intakes. That gets expensive even if buying used. This cost me less than $10 and an hour of my time...priceless! It might serve you until you find exactly the after market intake that you're looking for.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,788
Likes: 6
From: Winchester TN
Cruise-In III Veteran
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'11
Hi cobrakraiger -
One of the best and cheapest CAI's I have seen is the flip-tie mod.
It is simply the stock airbox, lid removed, air filter element help in place with zip-ties, and flipped upside down.
Cut out a rectagular hole to line up with the filter element, and viola.
Cold air intake for the cost of a few zip ties and some time.
The rad shroud you are cutting is easily and cheaply replaced for those worried about a bloomington gold in the future lol.....
I personally have a Halltech TRAP on my Z, and a twin-ram on the wifes 99 coupe. The Halltech is harder to maintain, and both ultimately provide more airflow than the stock maf can flow.
best regards -
mqqn
One of the best and cheapest CAI's I have seen is the flip-tie mod.
It is simply the stock airbox, lid removed, air filter element help in place with zip-ties, and flipped upside down.
Cut out a rectagular hole to line up with the filter element, and viola.
Cold air intake for the cost of a few zip ties and some time.
The rad shroud you are cutting is easily and cheaply replaced for those worried about a bloomington gold in the future lol.....
I personally have a Halltech TRAP on my Z, and a twin-ram on the wifes 99 coupe. The Halltech is harder to maintain, and both ultimately provide more airflow than the stock maf can flow.
best regards -
mqqn
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
FYI on a Z06 those two front screen flow outside air directly to your intake... put a leaf blower to them w/ the hood up and see what I mean.
Any aftermarket filter will provide equal gains at speed. Some CAIs that are sealed to get only outside air (Vararam, Vortex Rammer, etc.) will dyno higher because they're not getting underhood air, but at speed it all equalizes.
Many on here beleive in the myth of ram air, but it's just colder air. I have a vortex rammer on mine because I've had it for 4 years and it was the hot ticket back then. We installed a Halltech on my father's Z16. Having to do it over I'd install a Halltech or a blackwing and call it a day.
Any aftermarket filter will provide equal gains at speed. Some CAIs that are sealed to get only outside air (Vararam, Vortex Rammer, etc.) will dyno higher because they're not getting underhood air, but at speed it all equalizes.
Many on here beleive in the myth of ram air, but it's just colder air. I have a vortex rammer on mine because I've had it for 4 years and it was the hot ticket back then. We installed a Halltech on my father's Z16. Having to do it over I'd install a Halltech or a blackwing and call it a day.
