Need air intake advice...
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Roll 20's...
Need air intake advice...
I searched for "air intake" and turned up 7 responses, but none seemed to address what my question is.
I'm due to replace the airfilter on my 03 Z06. I figured I might as well go ahead an upgrade the air intake at the same time. From looking around, it seems like I have the following options:
1) Donaldson Blackwing
2) Vararam
3) Vortex Rammer
4) Halltech Stinger
Are there any I missed? Now, I know "which is the best" is a purely subjective term, but I'm curious as to the thoughts of folks about those or any I may have missed. I also have a question about how it all comes together. If I install any of the above, does that effectively replace my stock airfilter with an airfilter that is a part of the system, or do I still need to get a new airfilter? For example, if I get a vararam would I still need a blackwing (or similar filter)? Also, should I replace the air intake duct and/or mass airflow sensor at the same time (either for performance or ease of "since you have it pulled apart anyway")?
Also, most of what I have read about these types of systems seems to apply to standard C5's, not the Z06 (or more specifically, to the LS1 not the LS6 engine). Is there anything special that I need to do/consider for a Z06?
Any advice y'all can offer is appreciated.
TIA
I'm due to replace the airfilter on my 03 Z06. I figured I might as well go ahead an upgrade the air intake at the same time. From looking around, it seems like I have the following options:
1) Donaldson Blackwing
2) Vararam
3) Vortex Rammer
4) Halltech Stinger
Are there any I missed? Now, I know "which is the best" is a purely subjective term, but I'm curious as to the thoughts of folks about those or any I may have missed. I also have a question about how it all comes together. If I install any of the above, does that effectively replace my stock airfilter with an airfilter that is a part of the system, or do I still need to get a new airfilter? For example, if I get a vararam would I still need a blackwing (or similar filter)? Also, should I replace the air intake duct and/or mass airflow sensor at the same time (either for performance or ease of "since you have it pulled apart anyway")?
Also, most of what I have read about these types of systems seems to apply to standard C5's, not the Z06 (or more specifically, to the LS1 not the LS6 engine). Is there anything special that I need to do/consider for a Z06?
Any advice y'all can offer is appreciated.
TIA
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
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From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
The four intakes you mention are the most popular. The vararam and vortex are cold air intakes while the haltech and blackwing are not, which means they derive cold air from outside the car as the car is moving. The other two take in air from around the engine bay. All of the choices entirely replace the stock airbox. I would not recommend changing the MAF sensor because it is a waste of money. The advantage of the haltech is that it comes with a new airbrige to replace the stock bridge. I dont think it is necessary to swap the air bridge unless you are running serious hp but some people like the bang for the buck. I have a blackwing and it was a breeze to install. The vararam is probably the best performance intake, but has a more labor intensive installation. Many people change the air filter within the vararam to a K&N or other brand because it is somewhat low quality. I cant really comment on the vortex. You also didnt mention the WCC hurricane intake. This is probably the coolest looking intake with a carbon fiber finish although it is much more expensive than the rest. http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/sho...il.cfm?id=1148
Last edited by Icemanskis; Mar 30, 2005 at 02:04 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,969
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From: Lake Worth FL
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06 & '12
Easiest to install: Blackwing
Toughest to install and probably best performer: Vararam
This is debated back and forth constantly. The truth is all of them are within a few horsepower of each other. As an example, I used to have a Vararam on my '02 Z06, but switched to the Vortex Rammer in order to fit an Accusump on the car. Barely noticeable difference in power.
Theoretically, the Vararam's design is the best for performance, but also increases the possibility of water ingestion. Realistically, this could only happen if you drove through a puddle deep enough to cover your front screens. Also, the Vararam's stock filter is junk - many replace it with the appropriate K&N filter. You won't need to buy a new stock air filter with any of the intakes you mentioned.
Leave the MAF alone. Aftermarket ducts are "bling", they've been proven to get minimal, if any hp gains. No differences regarding Z06 vs standard C5 as far as choosing an intake.
If you want to do it inexpensively there is always the "zip-tie" mod.
Toughest to install and probably best performer: Vararam
This is debated back and forth constantly. The truth is all of them are within a few horsepower of each other. As an example, I used to have a Vararam on my '02 Z06, but switched to the Vortex Rammer in order to fit an Accusump on the car. Barely noticeable difference in power.
Theoretically, the Vararam's design is the best for performance, but also increases the possibility of water ingestion. Realistically, this could only happen if you drove through a puddle deep enough to cover your front screens. Also, the Vararam's stock filter is junk - many replace it with the appropriate K&N filter. You won't need to buy a new stock air filter with any of the intakes you mentioned.
Leave the MAF alone. Aftermarket ducts are "bling", they've been proven to get minimal, if any hp gains. No differences regarding Z06 vs standard C5 as far as choosing an intake.
If you want to do it inexpensively there is always the "zip-tie" mod.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,752
Likes: 3
From: Bethlehem PA
Originally Posted by Icemanskis
The four intakes you mention are the most popular. The vararam and vortex are cold air intakes while the haltech and blackwing are not, which means they derive cold air from outside the car as the car is moving. The other two take in air from around the engine bay. All of the choices entirely replace the stock airbox. I would not recommend changing the MAF sensor because it is a waste of money. The advantage of the haltech is that it comes with a new airbrige to replace the stock bridge. I dont think it is necessary to swap the air bridge unless you are running serious hp but some people like the bang for the buck. I have a blackwing and it was a breeze to install. The vararam is probably the best performance intake, but requires cutting of the shroud and a more labor intensive installation. Many people change the air filter within the vararam to a K&N or other brand because it is somewhat low quality. I cant really comment on the vortex. You also didnt mention the WCC hurricane intake. This is probably the coolest looking intake with a carbon fiber finish although it is much more expensive than the rest. http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/sho...il.cfm?id=1148
I didn't have to cut anything to install my Vararam 2B. I can't speak for earlier versions, but mine took me about 2 hrs to install with a pal helping.
It did take some finesse to achieve proper fitment.
Scott
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,969
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From: Lake Worth FL
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06 & '12
Originally Posted by Icemanskis
The vararam is probably the best performance intake, but requires cutting of the shroud and a more labor intensive installation.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,561
Likes: 448
From: Atlanta metro Ga.
Vararam is a great idea, poor execution. What ever you do, try to stick w/ a cold air intake system, or just open up your stock airbox lid and save yourself the $$.
Gotta love that ATHF!
Gotta love that ATHF!
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 24,317
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From: Roll 20's...
Originally Posted by simpleman68
I didn't have to cut anything to install my Vararam 2B. I can't speak for earlier versions, but mine took me about 2 hrs to install with a pal helping.
It did take some finesse to achieve proper fitment.
Scott
It did take some finesse to achieve proper fitment.
Scott
From the sounds of it a vararam with a new filter (I assume K&N makes a filter specifically for it?) is the way to go. The car is not driven in wet weather, so the water issues aren't a problem for me.
Thanks for all the advice so far and please keep it coming.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
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From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by dmtnt
Actually its the Vortex that requires cutting the shroud.
Personally I think the hydrolock issues with the vararam are
. I havent heard of anyone with problems.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 726
Likes: 2
From: Denver CO
Originally Posted by Icemanskis
The four intakes you mention are the most popular. The vararam and vortex are cold air intakes while the haltech and blackwing are not, which means they derive cold air from outside the car as the car is moving. The other two take in air from around the engine bay. All of the choices entirely replace the stock airbox. I would not recommend changing the MAF sensor because it is a waste of money. The advantage of the haltech is that it comes with a new airbrige to replace the stock bridge. I dont think it is necessary to swap the air bridge unless you are running serious hp but some people like the bang for the buck. I have a blackwing and it was a breeze to install. The vararam is probably the best performance intake, but requires cutting of the shroud and a more labor intensive installation. Many people change the air filter within the vararam to a K&N or other brand because it is somewhat low quality. I cant really comment on the vortex. You also didnt mention the WCC hurricane intake. This is probably the coolest looking intake with a carbon fiber finish although it is much more expensive than the rest. http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/sho...il.cfm?id=1148
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Be aware that many aftermarket intake systems in 02+ Z06s can cause lean codes to be thrown (more air than the computer can compensate for) and some Z06 owners have had to install a screened MAF to reduce incoming air turbulence. Keep in mind that you may have to do this or have your car dyno-tuned.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
Originally Posted by Icemanskis
You have to cut holes in the fog light housing to install the vararam?
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
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Reading stories about lean codes and other issues, I was a bit hesitant about getting the biggest & baddest airbox.
Instead, I am playing it safe by "upgrading" to a Z06 box with K & N filter from my stock C5 box. I could make some holes & cuts along the way (as I've seen on this forum in the past) and hope that I will gain a little something.......cheap & safe... or too conservative???
Instead, I am playing it safe by "upgrading" to a Z06 box with K & N filter from my stock C5 box. I could make some holes & cuts along the way (as I've seen on this forum in the past) and hope that I will gain a little something.......cheap & safe... or too conservative???
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
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From: Plano TX
I did the zip tie mod, which is very functional, however not as pretty as a blackwing or similar intake. I am pleased with the results it made. A rubber hood seal is highly recommended to keep out water when it rains and to keep hot engine air away from the filter intake. You can order the seal from Ecklers for about $20.00, install in 5 minutes. The zip tie mod cost me about $40.00 for a K&N filter and eliminates the stock air box. .99 cents for zip ties. Poor mans fix for about 8-10 rwhp
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 57
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From: Buena Park CA
i had a vararam and just last weekend replaced it with a stinger. i really didn't like how the fog lights no longer lined up with the holes and how it didn't seem to get a good seal around the filter. maybe i installed it wrong but i followed all directions and the fit was horrible. i heard many people complain about the fit and after i got it on and tried to correct everything but couldn't do anything to fix it i decided i didn't want an intake that probably didn't seal on my car. honestly i feel no difference in power between the 2 systems but the halltech is louder. 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
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Originally Posted by Kennysvette
i had a vararam and just last weekend replaced it with a stinger. i really didn't like how the fog lights no longer lined up with the holes and how it didn't seem to get a good seal around the filter. maybe i installed it wrong but i followed all directions and the fit was horrible. i heard many people complain about the fit and after i got it on and tried to correct everything but couldn't do anything to fix it i decided i didn't want an intake that probably didn't seal on my car. honestly i feel no difference in power between the 2 systems but the halltech is louder.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 373
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From: Wakefield R.I.
I had the Vortex for four years in the 97 I just sold. NO problems at all.
I also had removed the screen in the MAF(would not suggest doing it again) Got caught in HEAVY rain several times with no issues.
Have an 04 now and trying to decide between the Hurricane and the Vortex. BTW you can buy the hurricane in non-carbon for around 299.00
I'm not sold on the Vara Ram(cheap filter a real issue-you shouldn't have to change it out @that price)
Good Luck with your choice
I also had removed the screen in the MAF(would not suggest doing it again) Got caught in HEAVY rain several times with no issues.
Have an 04 now and trying to decide between the Hurricane and the Vortex. BTW you can buy the hurricane in non-carbon for around 299.00
I'm not sold on the Vara Ram(cheap filter a real issue-you shouldn't have to change it out @that price)
Good Luck with your choice