I know, this subject can get the award for:
(btw, I've left VR off the list because I don't care for it, so lets leave it out of this discussion)
However, I have done lots of research, and gleaned as much info from the forum threads (some as far back as '04) as I can. Still can't make a decision.
I was gung-ho on the Ziptie mod until I kept thinking about how exposed the filter would be to the elements. My Z is a DD, and I have to deal with rain at times. (I do save my SUV for puddles) This also seems to indicate that the Halltech and Honker can be subject to this problem as well. I also looked an one person's "swiss cheese" mod which, tho' it allows more airflow, still worries me.
Then, there are lots of 'bolt on' units, that I've been told are not 'true' CAI's because they are still taking in 'upper' air, not the colder air below the shroud. They are single units, double cone units, some have an additional scoop or shroud included. The price range is also all over the map.
Part of my dilemma is that I find consistently glowing reports for units that are not 'true' CAI's, and it seems like Halltech and Honkers are 99% liked.
Then I worry about ones that seem 'too cheap', yet have pretty good reviews. I need help making a decision. You already know my car is a DD, under cover outside, no garage. I do 3-5 HPDE's per year and a couple of autocrosses. I would like to keep the cost down, and have been looking for used Honkers or Halltechs, but again, the water problem.
This is the list of brands I've compiled from my research:AFE, SLP Blackwing, K&N, Volant, Halltech, Honker, BBK, Granatelli, LGM, Hurricane, ZipTie Mod.
I would appreciate any/all input as long as it's sincere. (Ok, Blitz and Mr. Bill can say anything they want ).
Thanks, The last almost 2 years has been so great, now that I'm a member of the car hobby instead of observer, and this forum is the best.

 

I have one of the dual cone ram's horn CAI's in my 2000 coupe, which is also my daily driver and has been driven in torrential downpours with no problems. It might not be as good as a Vararam or some of the others, but I can still hear the increase in air as it whistles through the twin cones. Best thing is that it only cost me $50 as I bought it used. It had a lot of scratches on it but some sanding and polishing took care of those so it looks brand new.

 

simply put, if you don't want a vararam, next up is the honker, if neither fits you, it doesn;t matter what you get. get the one you think is the prettiest as the others will perform the same

 

Blackwing

 

Truth

Honker here, no issues. I guess the big halltech with the slot style MAF conversion would be right after the honker to me.

 

 

to be honest and I know you don't want to hear about the vararam but I have been in plenty of rain storms and driven through puddles..and not one issue with my vararam intake setup..at 1st I was worried about the rain due to what I read..so I would pull over and check my filter it was dry I think people make a bigger deal then what it really is on this system...

 

Put one of these on it. It clamps right on the end maf and works well. I put this and a filter with a 1" dia. end on it for the a.i.r. pump. You can't beat it for $90.

The green filters in the second row down. Just get the one for your year and model.

http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/c-5...e-systems.aspx

 

very tempting! It's on my list!

 

I've run the Blackwing on my last two C5s. Not had any problems with using them and very easy to install.

 

Does anyone know if any of these units besides the Honker has a CARB# for CA smog test? Even Callaway says the EO# does not apply for the '01-04 Z06 cars.

 

I think the Honker is the only one. There is a K&N that is carb approved but it gets air from the same place as the stock filter.

 

Chas, most other units are not CAI's. The only other one I know that is a true CAI is the Breathless Performance Vortex. I've had it on another car and it's okay but not as good as the Honker, which I have on my Z. It is everything they claim, and has no negatives IMO.

 

Another vote for the Blackwing.

.

 

I have the Honker on mine (was there when I bought the car).

Why do you want the intake? If you think it's going to make a seriously noticeable difference in performance, dream on. Unless you're going to get into some more substantial mods like heads, cam, etc, the stock configuration will handle things just fine. Wanna feel a difference in your basically stock car? Get it tuned.

 

Running a breathless performance CAI. Seems fine, lol

 

Honker

Plasticman

 

Blackwing. Works great, easy install, inexpensive.

 

If you want a true CAI, there is only like 3 or 4 - VR, Honker, BPP. The rest still use ambient air from engine bay. They may be better than stock but still not a true CAI. Not sure why you have ruled out the VR - as it is the best bang for the buck performance wise. It made 4 mph difference in my car at the end of the VIR backstretch. Good luck with your choice.

 

A "true CAI" only takes in outside air. Unless the shroud is modified to ingest air (not through the bumper inlets), the intake is not at maximum performance. Honker is designed to ingest air through the shroud, as is the Vortex Rammer. MY PERSONAL CHOICE is the Blackwing, IceBox cover and modified shroud. Its just as effective or more as the others mentioned above. A suggestion would be to buy used parts to save a few coin. Also picking up a used shroud to modify, usually around $20-30,to go back to stock. The Vararam, although is proven to perform, has the worst quality of any aftermarket system available. Many purchasers here on the forum has had a WIDE range of issues with the VR, including fitment issues(some have actually had to modify the parts to fit/work),installation problems, also the dreaded water ingestion worries. But at the end of the day, nobody can make the final decision but you.