C5 Upgrade Stock Air Filter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 423
Look for a used 2002 and up or even better a Z06 stock air filter cover. These newer covers have less restrictive air passages but don't let in water.
Replace the stock element with a K&N replacement. These cars are bottom feeders and the air filters take a beating. The K&Ns can be cleaned and re-used.
Unless your are pulling huge horsepower increases these will get you all you can use.
Replace the stock element with a K&N replacement. These cars are bottom feeders and the air filters take a beating. The K&Ns can be cleaned and re-used.
Unless your are pulling huge horsepower increases these will get you all you can use.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 6,429
Likes: 4,257
From: Florida
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner- Unmodified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Running the Z06 box is a day and night difference.
Flow bench tests show the K&N had the best flow, by about 100cfm, but by far the least effective filtering compared to a Wix or Purolator paper filter. Unless you’re driving in a dusty environment, it’s probably a coin flip based on maintenance preferences…
Flow bench tests show the K&N had the best flow, by about 100cfm, but by far the least effective filtering compared to a Wix or Purolator paper filter. Unless you’re driving in a dusty environment, it’s probably a coin flip based on maintenance preferences…
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,857
Likes: 4,655
I disagree. I do agree on a totally stock LS1 engine, with a stock tune, gains will be minimal, maybe 2 or 3 tenths of a second in the 1/4 mile. However, start tweaking the tune, install a Blackwing, an LS6 intake (on pre 2001 cars), and add a few bolt ons, like a UD balancer, screen less MAF, better plug wires, gutted or Hi-Flow cats, and the Blackwing/Vara-Ram/Callaway, etc, and you'll make 12 second 1/4 miles a reality with a stock internals motor, even with an A4.......
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 120
Likes: 60
From: NC
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-2004-z06.html
Here you go bud. A complete 2004 Z06 intake for $125 from a member right here on corvetteforum.
Here you go bud. A complete 2004 Z06 intake for $125 from a member right here on corvetteforum.
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8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
Changes
Last edited by Justride01; Apr 27, 2024 at 04:33 PM. Reason: Add
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
I agree with others that there are much better things you could do to the car. You won't really notice a difference from a CAI in an otherwise stock car. My suggestion would be to put that money towards upgraded suspension parts such as C6 Z06 shocks, and C6 Z51 sway bars. It won't give the car any more power, but will significantly improve it's handling. This will allow you to actually use the power that you already have. If you REALLY want a CAI, I would look at a Vararam or Honker. The Vararam is known to have some fitment issues, but creates a ram air intake that will actually give you a few more horses at high speed.
I also have a Vararam which is a true CAI and if you can believe their advertising drops stock times to high 12's. (I have other mods too and run 12.7's)
I also had a blackwing on a different car. They are a good air filter and I liked it too, but I suspect it did not add anything (or minimal) to performance.