I guess I'll be the first to vote for the SLP Blackwing. I'm satisfied with it's performance. 
i need your opinions!!!!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 406
Likes: 1
From: Ocean Pines Maryland
I went with Breathless Vortex Ram air.
Only problem I had was sucking in enough water to need an engine replacement! Other than that, great!
Actually the water would have happened with regular intake as well. Street flooded higher than it looked.
Only problem I had was sucking in enough water to need an engine replacement! Other than that, great!
Actually the water would have happened with regular intake as well. Street flooded higher than it looked.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 2
From: Chicago IL
I read some threads on vararam quality. I remember someone saying that vararam moved their factory and the quality has been sub-par since. We're not talking about filmy plastic, someone had a brand new vararam that couldn't really fit without modification because the holes don't line up correctly and such.
The price right now is very good at like $250 but I'd be concerned about fitment issues right now. But again, vararam offers 100% satisfaction. If you bought one and it didn't fit or whatever, they will take it back and pay your shipping. So you may give it a chance.
The price right now is very good at like $250 but I'd be concerned about fitment issues right now. But again, vararam offers 100% satisfaction. If you bought one and it didn't fit or whatever, they will take it back and pay your shipping. So you may give it a chance.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 30
From: WENTZVILLE MO
Sorry, but your guys are leading you down the wrong road. The Vararam system may not look like much but it flat works. I too, have tried other systems and the Vararam out performs. I have pulled on cars that I had no business pulling on from mid to high range at WOT.
In theory, I guess you could suck up dirt and debris and water, but in reality I have had no problems.
In theory, I guess you could suck up dirt and debris and water, but in reality I have had no problems.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,297
Likes: 24,776
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I ran a Blackwing on mine for better than four years and it never gave me a problem. Probably not as much performance gain as with a Vararam, but extremely easy to install. BYW, it is not a CAI since it draws air just like the stock intake does.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 16
From: las vegas NV
For the guy who said the Halltech is not a true cold air intake he couldnt be more wrong. All the ones you listed are TRUE cold air intakes. Get which ever one you like the looks of the best. They are all going to make about the same power. Dont buy into the hype of the Vararam.....the claims are crazy and completely unfounded. They are not going to make anymore power then the next CAI and they definately arent going to make 30-45hp like they claim.
I went with Halltech. You really cant go wrong with any of them.
I went with Halltech. You really cant go wrong with any of them.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 0
From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
These are old photographs, it's dressed better now, but no updated photos.
Last edited by renegad44; Aug 1, 2009 at 01:09 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I installed a Vortex Rammer I got from Cajundude(thanks Cajun
). After installation, my A4 with 2.73's threw the rear sideways coming out of 2nd gear, going into drive(3rd). It never did that before! 
Plus I like that it is a true CAI that draws cooler air from outside the engine compartment.
). After installation, my A4 with 2.73's threw the rear sideways coming out of 2nd gear, going into drive(3rd). It never did that before! Plus I like that it is a true CAI that draws cooler air from outside the engine compartment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
For the guy who said the Halltech is not a true cold air intake he couldnt be more wrong. All the ones you listed are TRUE cold air intakes. Get which ever one you like the looks of the best. They are all going to make about the same power. Dont buy into the hype of the Vararam.....the claims are crazy and completely unfounded. They are not going to make anymore power then the next CAI and they definately arent going to make 30-45hp like they claim.
I went with Halltech. You really cant go wrong with any of them.
I went with Halltech. You really cant go wrong with any of them.
If your intake sucks more air from the engine compartment than it does from outside the car, then it is NOT a true CAI. Dual cone, blackwing, etc. fall into the category of drawing more air from inside than outside. Thus they are NOT true CAIs. Unless you cut holes and modify where they get their air, like Renegad44 above. (BTW, nice job on the cut-n-screen )
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 383
Likes: 180
From: Montgomery, Alabama, USA Alabama
When I had my performance work done my tuner sold me on the Callaway Honker. I am glad he did. I personally believe it is one of the best true CAI's out there. However, I haven't seen many folks advocating the Honker on here. I may be the "Lone Ranger" on this issue but I'll stick to my opinion on it. Not only does it function outstandingly, it looks good in the engine bay. Good luck with your decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,364
Likes: 6
From: Rocky Mount Virginia
For the guy who said the Halltech is not a true cold air intake he couldnt be more wrong. All the ones you listed are TRUE cold air intakes. Get which ever one you like the looks of the best. They are all going to make about the same power. Dont buy into the hype of the Vararam.....the claims are crazy and completely unfounded. They are not going to make anymore power then the next CAI and they definately arent going to make 30-45hp like they claim.
I went with Halltech. You really cant go wrong with any of them.
I went with Halltech. You really cant go wrong with any of them.
Last edited by VinnyT; Aug 1, 2009 at 09:58 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 0
From: This is not a Song, It's an Outburst: Or, The Establishment Blues; Sixto Diaz Rodriguez
If your intake sucks more air from the engine compartment than it does from outside the car, then it is NOT a true CAI. Dual cone, blackwing, etc. fall into the category of drawing more air from inside than outside. Thus they are NOT true CAIs. Unless you cut holes and modify where they get their air, like Renegad44 above. (BTW, nice job on the cut-n-screen )
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
I had the vararam in my old C5. I loved it...
I have noticed the CAI of choice is the SLP!
We carry both, let us know if you need any help.
Here you go:
http://www.corvettesofdallas.com/index.php?cPath=29_61
Corvettes of Dallas
I have noticed the CAI of choice is the SLP!
We carry both, let us know if you need any help.
Here you go:
http://www.corvettesofdallas.com/index.php?cPath=29_61
Corvettes of Dallas
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 2
From: Houston TEXAS
I have the Vararam. Mine is a daily driver and I do NOT have screens in the front. Debris is very little after 2000 miles.
As far as the quality. It has to be "flimsy" for it to fit each car. Mine bolted in without a problem. I noticed a huge change after I installed it. And at $260, I think it is the best SOTP add-on out there.
As far as the quality. It has to be "flimsy" for it to fit each car. Mine bolted in without a problem. I noticed a huge change after I installed it. And at $260, I think it is the best SOTP add-on out there.
with everything he said. No screens either.
Bazinga!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,162
Likes: 19
From: E-Town TN
St. Jude Donor '09
Vararam has loose tolerances so it can fit all C5's.
Vararam might be one of the better intakes out there but their obvious quality flaws as noted so many times on this forum without any improvement in quality just kind of makes you
It took me 15 minutes to put my Halltech on, it took maybe 15 minutes to put my drilled fog light housings in so cooler air will get to it..... and all the parts fit
Good luck in your choice
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,364
Likes: 6
From: Rocky Mount Virginia
I've never understand this statement from all of the Vararam threads. When you buy a bumper it fits all C5's, when you buy an exhaust it fits all C5's, when you buy any after market part other than a Vararam it seems to fit ALL C5's..... even radio bezels the list can go on but this is always the defense of the Vararam lovers.......
Vararam might be one of the better intakes out there but their obvious quality flaws as noted so many times on this forum without any improvement in quality just kind of makes you
It took me 15 minutes to put my Halltech on, it took maybe 15 minutes to put my drilled fog light housings in so cooler air will get to it..... and all the parts fit
Good luck in your choice
Vararam might be one of the better intakes out there but their obvious quality flaws as noted so many times on this forum without any improvement in quality just kind of makes you
It took me 15 minutes to put my Halltech on, it took maybe 15 minutes to put my drilled fog light housings in so cooler air will get to it..... and all the parts fit
Good luck in your choice
