wheelman1944

Have an 02 convertible and am going to install a cold air pkg with a aftermarket maf and exhaust....what do you guys recommend for the best performance boost.….thanks in advance.....oh by the way....just street use and purely for my entertainment... Lol!

Vetteman Jack

For max gain from a CAI, go with the Vararam. Kind of a PITA to install, but the gains are better than any other one out there. While not a true CAI, the Blackwing, which I have on my car, is an easy install, looks great, flows better than the stock air intake and is priced pretty reasonable.

As for the exhaust, I am assuming you are talking about headers. Some of the better ones are LGs, Kooks, and American Racing. If you want a good set of catback mufflers, seriously consider a set of Corsa mufflers.

wheelman1944

Thanks so much....that's pretty much what I had decided on as for the vararam and that indeed its a pita lol...and the exhaust thing I was talking about is cat back...can't decide there yet...what's your thoughts on the maf

Mike98SilVert

A Blackwing or even a Z06 lid would be fine. The Vararam would be unnecessary. Choose the cat back for sound. I have the Magnaflow system pictured below. I love the sound of this system and have tried several others over the years by B&B and Borla. B&B Bullets sound great if you like very loud.

Trigger Creep

I tried the Ti Z06 catbacks but found them too quiet for my goal, B&B Bullets were very aggressive and produced a noticeable boost in HP and response. But the drone at cruising speed was a pain, plus the exhaust note while the auto shifted gears was not desireable. It sounded much like a whining adult...

I found a Z06 H pipe (between the exhaust manifolds and catbacks) which did not have the pre-cats (pup cats) of the coupe and vert models and welded a Bassanni X pipe between the remainder of the H pipe and a new set of Corsa Indy Pace car exhaust.

This system eliminated the pre-cats, reduced pressure at the crossover and opened up the exhaust.

Its very loud when I get aggressive and barely reminds me its there while cruising.

I cut open an h-pipe equalization tube to see the magic. GM just burns a hole in the tubes and welds the equalizer tube between the exhaust to equalize pressure there. The hole is about the size of a dime and is rough from just being burned through with a torch. It does work, but a smoother airflow is found with an X pipe.

I have been zip-tying a paper filter in the airbox with my desired result. I gave up on the oiled filters just because it was more work to clean and re-oil and I'd rather be getting a new filter dirty than scrubbing my hands.

Do some reading about the zip-tie vs Blackwing, K&N, etc. I agree, I love the look of the Blackhawk.

Cheers! Congratulations on the Vette and welcome to the forum!!!

cvm

Ive got a $350 paperweight with a granetilli sticker on it for my BB dually. Unless your maxed out on other mods don't bother. Spend that $ on a tune after headers. JMO

RedZMonte

I like the Callaway Honker or the Haltech, Looks OEM and performs well. Dont waste your time or money with replacing the maf and dont remove the screen in the maf. If your maf doesnt have a screen get a Haltech screen. I Agree with repalcing the Stock H with a X, that will smooth out the sound and make it less motorboaty and if you have the "jingle" in your exhaust it will go away. Mufflers are your choice, i would recommend something pretty quiet for a Vert (not top=more sound)

S

jd_black_00

You can turn the blackwing into a true CAI with a little modification... Team ZR1 makes the Icebox surround kit that I put on my car. Cut through the lower radiator shroud and you have yourself a CAI

Cybermind

Complete waste of money. Furthermore you can actually hurt the performance and/or driveability of your car. Stick with the OEM MAF. However, it would be a great time to clean it using a proper MAF cleaning solvent.

Ron222

'04 Convertible here....LG Streets, High Flow Cats, Black Wing and a Good Tune...right at 340hp, 357 tq to the tires. I kept the stock cat back exhausts...didn't want it too loud inside, being a rag top and all but am considering a set of Corsa's when the new clutch goes in.

You're not going to gain much hp or tq from the exhausts, manufacturers claim about 10 hp but I don't know that I'd put money on that. A new set of Corsa's can run you anywhere from approx. $1,100 and up, for a few hundred more you've got a good set of headers and power that you'll feel in the seat of your pants.

onlyavette

I your car an auto or manual?

wheelman1944

Its an auto and it has the optional 3:15 gear