So last year I bought 03 z with 11k on it and I currently have 18k on it. It is time to change the air filter and am thinking I should just put a cai in (not a true cai as Ive read on here because I do not want to cut out anything to put cai in). Right now through my research I am considering Afe, KN, or SLP blackwing. These are all reasonably priced and no cutting. I have the Afe on my 16 silverado and it is an awesome product. Only plans for future is headers with tune. I know cai is not going to give huge hp gains as some brands advertise, but want one and do not want to do zip tie mod. Any suggestions on 3 brands I've mentioned?

 

I can only attest to the Blackwing, but it is a good product...

 

If you don't want to cut anything the two most common choices are the Vararam and the Blackwing. Both of these have their pluses and minuses. Blackwing will install in minutes, the Vararam in a few hours.

 

I have the Vararam. The only cutting was one of the couplings, to fit (they come long). I also got the power duct, which is where the coupling had to be trimmed. Easier with the nose lifted off the ground since you have to crawl under the front. Wasn't too bad to install.

 

I've had a Blackwing on my last two C5s and really like the product. Does a good job plus it is very easy to install. Price is reasonable too.

 

Yes at a price of $215 is the cheapest I've found is really good. Did the blackwing users feel any seat of the pants difference? I have read mixed reviews about the quality and fitment of the varaam.

 

I have a K&N FIPK on my '01 Coupe. There was an immediately recognizable jump in power, and it sounds amazing, so I'm very happy with it! The fitment is solid out of the box, but you do cut an opening in your radiator shroud to install it. However, the kit comes with brackets to hold the flap you cut out open the appropriate amount, which look finished once installed and prevent it from looking or feeling hack-ish.

Since I live in Cali, my options were K&N or Callaway, and when I looked into it, I didn't find much evidence to support spending the extra $200 on the Honker.

 

Maybe a little, but I wouldn't be expecting much. It does sound better, it that means anything to you.

 

The Blackwing has a superior filter medium. The Donaldson Company manufactures the filter and had made a panel filter that fit the stock C5 lid, I don't know if they still do. If your Z06 is stock then I wouldn't suggest changing the stock airbox since the '02-'03 Z06 lid has a nice sized opening and the stock Delco filter flows fine.

I have a Blackwing and chose it because ithas the best filter medium of the aftermarket filters.

 

Iv'e got a Blackwing as well, simple to install and looks great IMO. As far as any difference, not much really. Mostly just noise, but you also have to remember intakes are kinda like other mods. Any difference will be felt when used in combination with other mods.

 

There are two types of air intake systems, one uses engine bay heated air and the other uses outside ambient air. With those using heated engine air, they will sound louder but not make any noticeable HP, using outside ambient air, there can be a 5-12 HP gain. You have a 405 HP engine and when the GM engineers who are into racing were testing the different air intakes they found the Blackwing to be the best. However there was little increase in HP but gained the most when they were tuned. Outside, ambient, air is cooler and able to produce a denser charge and thus make more hp. However without a proper tune, your gains will vary from engine to engine.

Most people think in terms of the old carburetor system and think larger air intake means more power. Todays engine using a PCM synchronize all the setting of power enrichment into a computer program. A larger couple--usually smooth shaped--may allow more volume of air to the TB but is also slows down the velocity. The programs will subsequently take out timing, etc. based on the velocity of the incoming air to make the engine run smoothly. Also, there is hard programming in the PCM (firmware) what looks for the small amount of turbulence the according couple makes and incoming air without it will often produce a rich mixture. Bottom line, for true HP gains you need a VeraRam type air intake system and a tune. A good tuner not only increase the output of the engine but also makes changes to the entire rpm range so you have better acceleration at low to mid rpm's. HTH

 

I have a Blackwing. It was on there when I purchased the car. My tuner said it's a good bang for the buck. He's says most are decent but he doesn't like the dual cone set-up because of how the air comes together and moves past the mas air meter. A good cold air, headers and tune will net you a nice increase in HP. I would suggest a lower thermostat too - your tuner can turn the fans on earlier. Ask your tuner what stat temp he likes.