CAI for the C5
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
CAI for the C5
I am a new owner of a 2003 C5. I am just beginning to read all of the bolt on options and there are so many CAI to choose from. Obviously many are easy "NOT" to choose.
My question is it appears everyone leans toward the Vararam CAI. I am reading several articles that talks about increased engine bay temps and degrading of items associated with this over time. LT's will be happening so the reasoning for my concern.
This will never be put on the strip or a race, and not a daily driver. I will also install myself. Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
My question is it appears everyone leans toward the Vararam CAI. I am reading several articles that talks about increased engine bay temps and degrading of items associated with this over time. LT's will be happening so the reasoning for my concern.
This will never be put on the strip or a race, and not a daily driver. I will also install myself. Any insight or advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
i had the vararam on my 03 z06 for about 3 years and never noticed any different in engine bay temps at all...in fact they stayed pretty close to factory ...you will notice a gain in mpg in fuel and seat of your pants difference while driving...i would still have it on my z had i not gone to a supercharger
Pro
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 657
Likes: 181
From: Houma Louisiana
The Vararam and Callaway Honker seem to be the most popular choices here. I have the Callaway Honker and I am happy with it. It is about 100$ more, but the fitment and finish are excellent. U have to be a bit more involved with the installation but it is not difficult. I have no experience with the Vararam, I've only heard and read about the fitment issues and that the installation can be a pain.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 74
The Vararam and Callaway Honker seem to be the most popular choices here. I have the Callaway Honker and I am happy with it. It is about 100$ more, but the fitment and finish are excellent. U have to be a bit more involved with the installation but it is not difficult. I have no experience with the Vararam, I've only heard and read about the fitment issues and that the installation can be a pain.
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The Vararam has been reported to have some fitment issues (takes some time to get it aligned right) but it does work well once installed. Haven't heard of similar issues with the Callaway Honker. Haven't heard of any increased engine bay temps either, except with LT headers I can see where that might be possible with the thinner tubes for the exhaust to flow through. Just a guess though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,280
Likes: 1,097
From: Pittsburgh PA
This is what I have. Not a true cai. Am not looking for HP gains. At the time I added this the other ones had not been developed. Anything you go to is better than stock. Stock is very restricted.
Last edited by Fcar 98; Feb 12, 2017 at 03:50 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,067
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From: Springfield IL.
Oldtimer
I am using a aFe Power Magnum FORCE 51-10052, and really like it. I did block off the front with a sheet of aluminum to keep the hot under hood air out of it. The price has sky rocketed on them though. I do get a lean code once in a while in the good spring and fall air though. I can tell a difference in throttle response. Think I paid $225.00 for mine and now they are $375.00.
Last edited by 92GA; Feb 12, 2017 at 09:34 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
To find out any difference in a change to the air induction system you would have to plug a logging scanner into the OBD II port. Then take a drive while recording the IAT--incoming air temperature. You will find that a true CAI system will see the air temps at ambient or slightly higher than ambient temps. The other systems will all show much higher temps in the 160-200F range. Cooler air will give your a more dense charge of O2 in the cylinder and result in more HP/TQ. The other type of systems will give you a louder intake sound. In any case, to get the full value of cooler air will require a scan tune to tweak the PCM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
My car had a vararam unit on it when I purchased it. I never liked the fit and purchased a stock air intake system and removed it. It might have been a lot better with their power duct. It also appeared that it was a very early model of the unit and looks like the company has made some changes for the better in the later models.
I do not drive my car hard at all and I did not notice any difference in the performance.
I do not drive my car hard at all and I did not notice any difference in the performance.
Da-Fuzz
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 149
Likes: 9
From: Come and Take It! Texas
