Blackwing air bridge problem
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Blackwing air bridge problem
I installed this Blackwing air filter set up with the upgraded couplers. The air bridge cannot sit all the way down on top of the radiator support now. I cannot get the Rubber grommets to sit all the way down on top of the studs. The air bridge sits too high. Any suggestions. See photos. Thank you to everybody.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
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From: Buffalo Texas
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
That has been a complaint about the BW for the C5 since Day 1. I have run two of those in the past on two different C5's and found that I needed to really work on getting the couplers inserted as far into the TB, MAF, air bridge and BW outlet as possible. I was eventually able to get the assembly positioned so that there was minimal interference with the hood insulator but the air bridge grommets would only partially engage their posts. I have seen a couple of installations where the grommets were properly seated but it varies car to car.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I took off the throttle body side and it will sit down better but not all the way. It seems as if the MAF coupler could be shortened a little bit but there is not much to work with. If I shorten it, the sensor might bottom out against the housing of the filter. The assembly is not hitting anything. It is more cosmetic than anything. You would think for $250.00 it should fit like a glove. Everything is pretty tight just bugs me that I can't get that air bridge to sit right.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
It seems as if I may have to shorten the MAF coupler to get the air bridge down. Was just afraid of the sensor bottoming out onto the air filter housing.
That has been a complaint about the BW for the C5 since Day 1. I have run two of those in the past on two different C5's and found that I needed to really work on getting the couplers inserted as far into the TB, MAF, air bridge and BW outlet as possible. I was eventually able to get the assembly positioned so that there was minimal interference with the hood insulator but the air bridge grommets would only partially engage their posts. I have seen a couple of installations where the grommets were properly seated but it varies car to car.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 680
From: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
I have the same problem with my Black Wing; it sits about .5" too high, but doesn't really interfere with anything. I thought I might try to find a longer sleeved grommet, but haven't searched yet.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
Loosen up the 4 bolts holding the radiator shroud to the frame & wiggle it around until the pins are able to snap onto the studs. Pictures are 2 of the 4 bolts & how mine fits, and the rubber grommets still have some play.
I would like to add that the coupler at the mass air flow is 1-7/8 -2" and I am using the factory coupler to the throttle body.
I would like to add that the coupler at the mass air flow is 1-7/8 -2" and I am using the factory coupler to the throttle body.
Last edited by 6speedsteve; Mar 5, 2017 at 05:07 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 449
From: Puyallup WA
One thing to make sure of is that the blackwing is sitting in the right spot. It's hard to explain, but the OEM rubber "grommets" that go on the end of the intake filter. If they are not sitting correctly, the filter will sit higher.
I think one time I did it, I also accidently had the wires going to the MAF sitting under the air bridge.
I think one time I did it, I also accidently had the wires going to the MAF sitting under the air bridge.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,776
Likes: 500
From: West Seneca NY
Not to be rude but if the wiring is sitting close to the grommet it will not affect the way the air bridge sits, my wiring still has some play as pictured.
If I recall that is how it is suppose to route, that is why I left mine like that.
If I recall that is how it is suppose to route, that is why I left mine like that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 449
From: Puyallup WA
Not to be rude but if the wiring is sitting close to the grommet it will not affect the way the air bridge sits, my wiring still has some play as pictured.
If I recall that is how it is suppose to route, that is why I left mine like that.
Attachment 48069850
If I recall that is how it is suppose to route, that is why I left mine like that.
Attachment 48069850
Administrator
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with 91LSMAN. If the filter does not sit properly on the front mounting grommets, the filter will not sit properly on the radiator shroud. My Blackwing sits just like the one pictured by 6speedsteve.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,612
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From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Aligning the airbridge duct can be a challenge so take your time to carefully press the MAF firmly onto the Blackwing and tighten the clamp. This is important so that the grommets at the top of the radiator cover line up so that the airbridge fits like it did with the factory stock airbox. Once you have it all together, put the grommets in the Blackwing. (Using silicon spray on the rubber grommets and frame posts will make the assembly easier). Next press the entire unit onto the posts in the frame. Then it's just a matter of pressing the airbridge into place and installing the coupler. Hope this helps.
Installation instructions:
http://97vette.com/howto/blackwing/index.html
Installation instructions:
http://97vette.com/howto/blackwing/index.html
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,923
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From: Dunedin Florida
No other car is modded more than the corvette yet the corvette aftermarket is the lowest quality in the industry. I have modded every car/truck I have ever owned and aftermarket parts have always been bolt on with no modification needed. Corvette? LOL good luck with that. Pay 40% more and have an ill fitting part. Yet people seem ok with it. I'll never understand it.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 66
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From: Seoul
For those with Blackwing/SLP air filters, does anyone know what the cleaner and charging fluids are made of? I'm stationed outside the US and can't get it shipped over here. Is the cleaner water, alcohol or mineral oil based? Same with the charging fluid?
