Another Induction Thread
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 271
Likes: 1
From: McHenry Illinois
St. Jude Donor '14
Another Induction Thread
I know there are many threads out there on aftermarket induction, but this is easier than reading hundreds of previous posts.
Your experiences, please, with the various aftermarket systems such as Vararam, Blackwing, etc. Do they really deliver noticeable performance gains or are they not worth the $$? What effect is there on gas mileage? Also, what other mods (if any) would I have to do along with this mod? Thanks.
Your experiences, please, with the various aftermarket systems such as Vararam, Blackwing, etc. Do they really deliver noticeable performance gains or are they not worth the $$? What effect is there on gas mileage? Also, what other mods (if any) would I have to do along with this mod? Thanks.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga NY
With the type of questions you r asking do one of 2 things
Drop a k&n panel and zip tie if you don't plan on bigger mods like headers, cam, etc
Get a aftermarket something if you plan on other mods as it will support those. Blackwing, honker, vararam are all good.
The air intake is only gonna make a difference if your car needs it. People say that they can feel a difference with some and maybe they can. My butts not that sensitive
Drop a k&n panel and zip tie if you don't plan on bigger mods like headers, cam, etc
Get a aftermarket something if you plan on other mods as it will support those. Blackwing, honker, vararam are all good.
The air intake is only gonna make a difference if your car needs it. People say that they can feel a difference with some and maybe they can. My butts not that sensitive
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 4
My car came with a few mods.... intake included. So from my point I cant tell you if it really made a "noticeable difference". However I used to own an 02 camaro ss. When I did a cold air intake it felt as though the car was running like it was cold outside... all the time. Lol you know that feeling when your car is running especially well? Honestly thats the only thing I've ever noticed with regards to a cold air intake. The way I look at it. Get an idea where you'd like to go with the car, "performance or otherwise", do your home work and do the mods to get you there. It couldnt hurt and it will probably benefit you down the road. Ive got a vararam setup with heads, custom headers, cam, and a full exhaust. Compared to other c5's I've driven thiers definitely a difference. Then again.... its a far cry from adding just a cold air intake. Like I said. I have a very clear picture.... "that changes periodically" lol of where I want my car to be. If a cold air fits your vision of your c5 go for it. As far as gas mileage. ... its a corvette.... not a civic. Lol! Dont worry about it. Your driving the coolest car ever. Mpg should be at the bottom of your priorities! Just my opinion.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 63
Likes: 4
Also consider your engine or any engine for that matter is just a big air pump... kindve... lol if you allow more air in you should allow for more air out. Exhaust would be on the list. Then dont forget about the intake.. of course more air supports more fuel.. then what to do with all this air and fuel.. the list keeps going on and on hahahahaha. Like I said before. At least in my mind. Get an idea of where you want to be be for you just start throwing mods at the car. Youll be happier for it.
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I have run a Blackwing on my last two C5s and have been happy with the quality and ease of installation. I would honestly say that in terms of any performance increase, that's hard to say. There may be some, but don't expect a big increase.
The Vararam is probably the best in terms of giving you a performance boost since it is a true cold air intake, but there have been problems reported with the fitment of the product. If you don't mind the hassle of the install, it's a good choice.
The Vararam is probably the best in terms of giving you a performance boost since it is a true cold air intake, but there have been problems reported with the fitment of the product. If you don't mind the hassle of the install, it's a good choice.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
vararam
I have run a Blackwing on my last two C5s and have been happy with the quality and ease of installation. I would honestly say that in terms of any performance increase, that's hard to say. There may be some, but don't expect a big increase.
The Vararam is probably the best in terms of giving you a performance boost since it is a true cold air intake, but there have been problems reported with the fitment of the product. If you don't mind the hassle of the install, it's a good choice.
The Vararam is probably the best in terms of giving you a performance boost since it is a true cold air intake, but there have been problems reported with the fitment of the product. If you don't mind the hassle of the install, it's a good choice.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 24
From: Northern Chicago Burbs IL
Black wing for ease of install. Vararam if you want best performing intake. If you let air in, you have to let exhaust out as well.
I first did the vararam with BB RT 66 catback. Little improvement. Then installed LS6 intake manifold, LG Street series headers, cats, and x-pipe. Noticed a good improvement in seat of the pants HP. Then LS7 clutch and tuned by Speed Inc. Big improvement because of the tune. Now it has Speed Inc SI5 cam and re-tuned. 393 rwhp now and WOW!!!!!!
Once you start modding you'll keep going so just pick the best product so you don't have to buy a better set of headers, intake, catback, etc later...spend a little money now to save later.
Good luck!!!
I first did the vararam with BB RT 66 catback. Little improvement. Then installed LS6 intake manifold, LG Street series headers, cats, and x-pipe. Noticed a good improvement in seat of the pants HP. Then LS7 clutch and tuned by Speed Inc. Big improvement because of the tune. Now it has Speed Inc SI5 cam and re-tuned. 393 rwhp now and WOW!!!!!!
Once you start modding you'll keep going so just pick the best product so you don't have to buy a better set of headers, intake, catback, etc later...spend a little money now to save later.
Good luck!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 64
From: Gulf Coast Mississippi
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
They are all going to draw fresh air from a stand still, and the Vararam will give you better results based on the many documented results once moving. like Vetteman Jack said, installation is not the easiest one of the bunch although not to bad.
Last edited by skydiven4fun; May 16, 2014 at 12:14 AM.
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