I said I wasn't going to mess with my 2000, but after 5 years its time to start.

I need opinions on the best air filter system for a stock c5?

Thanks SSS

 

Well, you asked two different questions: "Cost effective" and "Best".

I'm assuming you're talking about an intake system, not just the air filter element.

Cost effective: Take the stock air box cover, cut out the center just inside of the reinforcement ribs (about 4" x 6"). Put in your favorite air filter element (Fram air filter actually isn't too bad, but no bling ). An alternative is the "tie wrap mod". This one just removes the air cover completely and tie wraps the filter in place. The only concern I have about this one is keeping the filter sealed on the sides.

Best: A Procharger P1-SC set to five PSI

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

 

Do you mean who makes the best drop in replacement for the filter elelment or is this about upgrading the air intake system?
The other question is by best do you mean highest level of filtration. or highest level of air flow through?

 

What I meant to ask is which air intake and breather system do you guys suggest?

Thanks SSS

 

Suggestions vary according to your goals! Cleanest is different from highest flow rate; best flow rate is different from most economical (cheapest); etc. Best for what- cost, flow rate, cleanest, easiest install, power increase?

 

The blackwing is a good choice. I like the way it mounts to the frame for support. I would get a smooth coupler and a blackwing if you are keeping the car stock. The bridge wont do much for you in my opinion. I dont think the smooth coupler makes much hp difference either but it cleans easy and looks better than the stock one.
I am running the vortec on my car and I like it so far. You have to cut the shroud to use this system. Both are simple to install.
Cya

 

I installed the Z-06 intake to my OE air filter housing. Definitely a low buck mod.

 

I have had three, Donaldson, Vararam and now the Honker. Of the three, the Donaldson is an excellent filter, but I don't think you get as much performance out of it. The Vararam was an interesting design, but the filter was an issue. I siliconed a K&N filter in place, and oil analysis didin't show a huge increase in silicon (dirt ingestion). I now have the Honker and it is a very high quality unit, and the filter is a very tight fit. The movement of the MAF closer to the TB seems to have also settled down a couple if minor idle issues I had with my cam.

I would go with the Honker first.

 

Thanks for the info, there are so many options I am trying to get informed before I take time to do something.

Thanks Jeff

 

If you live in California, think twice about the Vararam, as it can be a royal pain to install/uninstall/reinstall for smog tests. If you live in a state that doesn't have visual inspections, then take a look at the following (grouped by cold air and non-cold air, but in no particular order) and my comments, if any:

Vararam: Brings cold air in through the fog light panel area to a panel-type filter. Owners have had good luck with system on the dragstrip, but plan on spending hours to install and a bit more to get everything lined up well. Downside: Eliminates engine bay-cooling air that would've come in from the fog light panels (Z06 or coupe/vert with opened-up panels), so the engine bay may end up being toastier, especially if you add headers later. $350-$400

Vortech Rammer: Brings cold air up from in front of the radiator and into an enclosed box. Its filter is quite a bit smaller than the Halltech Warhead or Blackwing unit. $250

Callaway Honker intake system: This one relocates the MAF so that it is just in front of the throttlebody. It directs cold air from underneath and costs about $400-$500. I believe this unit is 50 states legal (smogwise).

K&N FIPK: This is more of a semi-cold air system, as the cold air intake opening is more of a slit. Its filter endcaps are carbon fiber. However, it is configured similarly to the Halltech Stinger-R and is 50-states legal. $350

Warm air systems: (Easy installation)

Halltech Stinger-R: Not only contains the massive Warhead filter, but also includes a larger-than-stock airbridge and smooth throttlebody coupler. For $239.00 or less, this system represents one of the best bangs for the buck. Fortunately, for about $40, you can add cold air induction. See my procedure at http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm

Halltech Stinger SSM – 2001-2004 C5 only (new!): This intake system features an even larger filter than that of the Stinger-R, TRAP, and Blackwing. $400

Blackwing: Includes just a large filter, but an excellent one at that. Its cost is close to that of the Stinger.

Volant Twin Cone: This system gives you more open filter surface area than any stock box does and is well suited to an engine bay that gets cold air in from the fog light panels, as the filters are more or less in the air flow path. $265

2002+ Z06 airbox cover: A larger opening allows more air to be drawn in through the filter. Expect up to a 5 RWHP gain from this simple swap. $50

Zip-tie: An easy and inexpensive mod (eliminates the OEM box’s upper lid), but its sealing ability is questionable at best.

How good are they? My experience has shown that most will bump up RWHP by at least 10. The advantage of having cold air is that power will not be "dialed down" under normally hot underhood (and intake air) conditions. You could easily lose 10 HP with a warm air system after engine bay temps rise during slow-moving conditions. Cold air prevents this from happening.

 

Do a search on http://corvetteactioncenter.com/
A Zip tie mod works . I beat my brother by 5 lenghts at the Flashlight Drags in PA he has an 02. Cost is $1.50 and some people Dynowed 15 hp at the wheels. I know my seat o the pants was happy...

 

Buy a universal K&N filter that fits your MAF sensor and Drill 2" holes in your shroud under it. Cost about 40 bucks. I have a 97 and can really feel a change.

 

Dave68,
Nice low buck mod with the wall pocket. I have looked all over the hdwr stores for something that would work as a scoop with no luck. I should have shopped office depot
Good job!!

 

Thanks! I originally designed and machined one from a sheet of PVC. When another member told me that he used the polycarbonate wall pocket from Staples, I was a bit skeptical - that is until he told me he tested it to 175 MPH on the track! I figured why use a custom-built scoop that few others could duplicate, when I could use an $8 item that had already been tested. It's also reassuring to read "unbreakable" on the box. I've done 145 with mine and it still looks like new.

 

I agree that the zip tie mod is the most cost effective mod.If you also cut 3 1-1/4" in the black plastic right next to the fog lights,on both sides it works even better.I added the much talked about "hood seal mod" too and have nothing negative to say about the changes.-Chuck.