Is the only difference the larger opening in the cover and the open/screened air ducts?

If I do this on my C5 will it make much difference?

 

Nope, there is a whole lot more differences between a regular C5 and the Z06 between Intake, engine, exhaust, body structure/stiffness, suspension and weight. If you do an air intake and open the air ducts, it should help, but you may get 20 - 30 HP max. if lucky. If doing the intake, you would be better off with aftermarket systems, such as the Donaldson Blackwing or Halltech Stinger which provide more airflow than a Z intake. These mods are usually done along with high flow air bridge, coupler (unless provided with the system) and throttle body cooler bypass to generally get these numbers.

There are usually arguments on both sides that you will get some results, probably better throttle response, but not enough for SOP feel. Sometimes gains are negated as the computer "learns" the new air flow and tuning may be required to get the most out of such mods (but that can be said in general for most mods). There is a balance that needs to be arrived out between intake and exhaust as well, so on and on the mods generally go ...

If all you want to do is make an improvement, it surely would help. If what you want to do is mod the c5 to become like a Z, it's going to take quite a bit of modding and $$$ and you still will not get the handling and agility of the Z.

PS ... I guess you were only asking about the differences between just the intakes, so my apologies on the long winded response. The majority of responses you are likely to get would be the aftermarket intakes as long as you want to change it ... If interested, here is alot of good info about the Z ... http://www.z06vette.com/01.php

 

The Z06 intake system is different from the other C5's. The difference is more than just the openings for air ducts.

"will it make much difference?"
--- I doubt it. On the intake side, you would do better by going with a kit from blackwing or halltech.

dave

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=904282

 

Thanks, that covers it pretty well. I'm limited on mods because of the A4's ability to take much additional horsepower and torque. I thought another 50 hp or so would be a good deal without too much $ and potential scattered trans.

 

My A4 cp with just a Blackwing intake and Corsa Indie exhaust had a much better feel and sound than stock. Try intake and exhaust mods as a starter. Then go from there, many good choices.

 

You will never get this much power from an airbox swap.

 

What I was alluding to was that on a car with a more restrictive airflow for starters (Standard C5) the air box swap with an aftermarket one along with opening the area around the fog lights, a low restrictive air bridge and throttle body coolant bypass and some tuning, it could be possible with the ram air effect. I also did say that would probably be the max if lucky. That certainly would not happen just by putting a Z air box alone of course.