Blackwing Installation issues
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Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 693
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From: Gilbert AZ
Blackwing Installation issues
I just finished installing my new Blackwing this afternoon and everything seemed to be going OK until the very end.
Old airbox came out OK.. but when it came time to put the Blackwing in it seems that the coupler (since I have an '01) was a bit too long. So - when I put everything back in - the airbridge would not quite pop back onto the two grommets on top.
So then I took all of the new stuff back out, trimmed about 1/2 inch off the coupler and put it all back in with the same result.
Anyone else encounter a similar experience?
(Also.. I'm thinking that maybe I cut a bit too much off the coupler since the end that connects to the Blackwing is not all the way down, but is instead about 1/2 inch from being that way. I tightened the he!! out of the clamp, so I'm hoping it will all stay together OK)..
(BTW, I purchased this kit thru West Coast Corvettes and the coupler came as part of the kit).
Old airbox came out OK.. but when it came time to put the Blackwing in it seems that the coupler (since I have an '01) was a bit too long. So - when I put everything back in - the airbridge would not quite pop back onto the two grommets on top.
So then I took all of the new stuff back out, trimmed about 1/2 inch off the coupler and put it all back in with the same result.
Anyone else encounter a similar experience?
(Also.. I'm thinking that maybe I cut a bit too much off the coupler since the end that connects to the Blackwing is not all the way down, but is instead about 1/2 inch from being that way. I tightened the he!! out of the clamp, so I'm hoping it will all stay together OK)..
(BTW, I purchased this kit thru West Coast Corvettes and the coupler came as part of the kit).
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by TomZ
I just finished installing my new Blackwing this afternoon and everything seemed to be going OK until the very end.
Old airbox came out OK.. but when it came time to put the Blackwing in it seems that the coupler (since I have an '01) was a bit too long. So - when I put everything back in - the airbridge would not quite pop back onto the two grommets on top.
So then I took all of the new stuff back out, trimmed about 1/2 inch off the coupler and put it all back in with the same result.
Anyone else encounter a similar experience?
(Also.. I'm thinking that maybe I cut a bit too much off the coupler since the end that connects to the Blackwing is not all the way down, but is instead about 1/2 inch from being that way. I tightened the he!! out of the clamp, so I'm hoping it will all stay together OK)..
(BTW, I purchased this kit thru West Coast Corvettes and the coupler came as part of the kit).
Old airbox came out OK.. but when it came time to put the Blackwing in it seems that the coupler (since I have an '01) was a bit too long. So - when I put everything back in - the airbridge would not quite pop back onto the two grommets on top.
So then I took all of the new stuff back out, trimmed about 1/2 inch off the coupler and put it all back in with the same result.
Anyone else encounter a similar experience?
(Also.. I'm thinking that maybe I cut a bit too much off the coupler since the end that connects to the Blackwing is not all the way down, but is instead about 1/2 inch from being that way. I tightened the he!! out of the clamp, so I'm hoping it will all stay together OK)..
(BTW, I purchased this kit thru West Coast Corvettes and the coupler came as part of the kit).
I even got the same setup from WCC. It takes quite a bit of manipulating to get it right but it does fit. My filter sits tight up against the MAF sensor. That coupler on mine is cut down to about two inches.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by TomZ
I just finished installing my new Blackwing this afternoon and everything seemed to be going OK until the very end.
Old airbox came out OK.. but when it came time to put the Blackwing in it seems that the coupler (since I have an '01) was a bit too long. So - when I put everything back in - the airbridge would not quite pop back onto the two grommets on top.
So then I took all of the new stuff back out, trimmed about 1/2 inch off the coupler and put it all back in with the same result.
Anyone else encounter a similar experience?
(Also.. I'm thinking that maybe I cut a bit too much off the coupler since the end that connects to the Blackwing is not all the way down, but is instead about 1/2 inch from being that way. I tightened the he!! out of the clamp, so I'm hoping it will all stay together OK)..
(BTW, I purchased this kit thru West Coast Corvettes and the coupler came as part of the kit).
Old airbox came out OK.. but when it came time to put the Blackwing in it seems that the coupler (since I have an '01) was a bit too long. So - when I put everything back in - the airbridge would not quite pop back onto the two grommets on top.
So then I took all of the new stuff back out, trimmed about 1/2 inch off the coupler and put it all back in with the same result.
Anyone else encounter a similar experience?
(Also.. I'm thinking that maybe I cut a bit too much off the coupler since the end that connects to the Blackwing is not all the way down, but is instead about 1/2 inch from being that way. I tightened the he!! out of the clamp, so I'm hoping it will all stay together OK)..
(BTW, I purchased this kit thru West Coast Corvettes and the coupler came as part of the kit).
I tried installing it without the rubber grommets as someone else suggested and the damned rattling noise it made about drove me nuts.
Just keep whittling off a little at a time on the end of the coupler until it will fit...and it will eventually fit....just be careful not to get impatient and cut off too much at once.
And make very sure you have no air leaks. On mine, the Blackwing itself created a sufficient change in air flow that caused my engine to ping under load. Finally had to have the timing set back 4 degrees so I could continue to run on the cheap 91 oct fuel around these parts.
And one more thing.....make sure when you're all done, that you have the intake coupler lined up and centered....otherwise if you do a lot of driving, the edges of the "waterfall" design atop the intake will rub a nice hole in your hood liner.
Good luck. Once it's in, you will be glad you did it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 952
Likes: 1
From: Huntley IL
Blackwing Anger!!
First off, I tried the Halltech Stinger first but did not see any difference over my stock setup with a K&N. Based on forum feedback and the ease of installation, I chose the Blackwing. Simple as using a Kleenex someone on this forum mentioned.
I don't know what it is but I CANNOT get this friggin thing to fit. I've tried everything. Even with the grommets removed from the filter, my airbridge STILL would not fit right. The grommets for the airbridge would not line up with the pins. I even tried to bore the grommet holes out so the filter would sit lower. No luck. I've spent the last 2 evenings trying to get this thing to fit. I'm sore, I'm p.o.'d, I'm done. This is not worth the headache. Back to stock with the K&N. If anyone wants a slightly modified Blackwing, shoot me a PM or email with a fair offer. It's yours!!!
I don't know what it is but I CANNOT get this friggin thing to fit. I've tried everything. Even with the grommets removed from the filter, my airbridge STILL would not fit right. The grommets for the airbridge would not line up with the pins. I even tried to bore the grommet holes out so the filter would sit lower. No luck. I've spent the last 2 evenings trying to get this thing to fit. I'm sore, I'm p.o.'d, I'm done. This is not worth the headache. Back to stock with the K&N. If anyone wants a slightly modified Blackwing, shoot me a PM or email with a fair offer. It's yours!!!
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Former Law Dawg Moderator
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 29,434
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From: Eads, Tennessee
CF St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24
The only problem that I can't figure out is that my bridge will not fit all the way down on the support pins because the plastic clip that secures the MAF wire to the radiator cove is in the way. If fit fine before I removed the OEM filter, and the grommets on the bridge line up with the pins, but the clip is in the way.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by Tact
The only problem that I can't figure out is that my bridge will not fit all the way down on the support pins because the plastic clip that secures the MAF wire to the radiator cove is in the way. If fit fine before I removed the OEM filter, and the grommets on the bridge line up with the pins, but the clip is in the way.
Just don't overdue it, 'cause once you take TOO much off, you sure cain't superglue it back on.
I had a helluva time getting my Blackwing to finally fit decently where there were no frigging air leaks, the air-bridge fit correctly AND the Blackwing itself could be mounted to the mounting pins.
Sure, it's a 20 minute job to put on....then 2 more hours fiddling around with it to make it fit. For two-hundred and a quarter bucks, I figure those people could've expended the effort to make a little better-fitting product.....and not this "well, it's close enough for a town of this size", mentality, that's so typical of so many aftermarket products nowadays.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I'm glad to see someone else had "issues" with the BLACKWING install. I've built cars from the ground up and frame off, but I'm secure enough in my manhood to admit that the "20 minute install" took more time than that. Frustration doesn't adequately describe the experience.
My issue was with the smooth silicone coupling puckering at the very bottom of the throttle body which would've created a huge air leak/codes, etc. I didn't cut the coupling, but made the adjustments on both sides of the aftermarket air bridge. Good news is it hasn't fallen off and no other "issues".
My issue was with the smooth silicone coupling puckering at the very bottom of the throttle body which would've created a huge air leak/codes, etc. I didn't cut the coupling, but made the adjustments on both sides of the aftermarket air bridge. Good news is it hasn't fallen off and no other "issues".
Former Law Dawg Moderator
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 29,434
Likes: 96
From: Eads, Tennessee
CF St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
If it's the same airbridge that you started with, then it's not the airbridge's problem. What you need to do is shave even more material off that already-too-long coupling that they supply with the Blackwing.
Just don't overdue it, 'cause once you take TOO much off, you sure cain't superglue it back on.
I had a helluva time getting my Blackwing to finally fit decently where there were no frigging air leaks, the air-bridge fit correctly AND the Blackwing itself could be mounted to the mounting pins.
Sure, it's a 20 minute job to put on....then 2 more hours fiddling around with it to make it fit. For two-hundred and a quarter bucks, I figure those people could've expended the effort to make a little better-fitting product.....and not this "well, it's close enough for a town of this size", mentality, that's so typical of so many aftermarket products nowadays.
Just don't overdue it, 'cause once you take TOO much off, you sure cain't superglue it back on.
I had a helluva time getting my Blackwing to finally fit decently where there were no frigging air leaks, the air-bridge fit correctly AND the Blackwing itself could be mounted to the mounting pins.
Sure, it's a 20 minute job to put on....then 2 more hours fiddling around with it to make it fit. For two-hundred and a quarter bucks, I figure those people could've expended the effort to make a little better-fitting product.....and not this "well, it's close enough for a town of this size", mentality, that's so typical of so many aftermarket products nowadays.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by Tact
The problem is that the grommets and the pins line up, but the clip that holds the MFS wire is keeping the bridges from seating all the way down. If I cut the coupler then that will allow the bridge to move further back and then the grommets and pins will not line up. The clip can not move because it has to fit in it's hole in the radiator cover.
Yes, I understand what you are saying, but I feel you are missing an important point here. That air bridge (and the MFS wire) came out of that particular hole/mounting position BEFORE you added the Blackwing.....
If it wasn't for the Blackwing, it SHOULD go back into the hole it came out of.
Therefore, simple deductive reasoning should tell you that whatever adjustment that needs to be made, needs to be made to the Blackwing and its associated attaching hardware, including that coupling they provide that simply does not fit.
The instructions suggest cutting off a prescribed length for it to fit properly....but it was my experience that it took more than what they recommended for it to finally slip into place and everything line up the way it was supposed to.
Also, you do realize that the little "grommet" with the pin on it that encircles the MFS wire, which fits into the hole on top of the radiator cover, can be adjusted up or down, don't you? It's a booger to get it to move, but it can be done.
I'm not trying to be argumentive here, just trying to help out.
Former Law Dawg Moderator
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 29,434
Likes: 96
From: Eads, Tennessee
CF St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
Yes, I understand what you are saying, but I feel you are missing an important point here. That air bridge (and the MFS wire) came out of that particular hole/mounting position BEFORE you added the Blackwing.....
If it wasn't for the Blackwing, it SHOULD go back into the hole it came out of.
Therefore, simple deductive reasoning should tell you that whatever adjustment that needs to be made, needs to be made to the Blackwing and its associated attaching hardware, including that coupling they provide that simply does not fit.
The instructions suggest cutting off a prescribed length for it to fit properly....but it was my experience that it took more than what they recommended for it to finally slip into place and everything line up the way it was supposed to.
Also, you do realize that the little "grommet" with the pin on it that encircles the MFS wire, which fits into the hole on top of the radiator cover, can be adjusted up or down, don't you? It's a booger to get it to move, but it can be done.
I'm not trying to be argumentive here, just trying to help out.
If it wasn't for the Blackwing, it SHOULD go back into the hole it came out of.
Therefore, simple deductive reasoning should tell you that whatever adjustment that needs to be made, needs to be made to the Blackwing and its associated attaching hardware, including that coupling they provide that simply does not fit.
The instructions suggest cutting off a prescribed length for it to fit properly....but it was my experience that it took more than what they recommended for it to finally slip into place and everything line up the way it was supposed to.
Also, you do realize that the little "grommet" with the pin on it that encircles the MFS wire, which fits into the hole on top of the radiator cover, can be adjusted up or down, don't you? It's a booger to get it to move, but it can be done.
I'm not trying to be argumentive here, just trying to help out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 952
Likes: 1
From: Huntley IL
You guys are talking about the coupler supplied by SLP from the blackwing to the MAF, correct? I don't see how you can trim anything off of it. I squeezed the hole assembly so tight that my arms are still sore at the bend (1 day later). If you guys have pictures so I can see how yours are set up, post or email me please so maybe I can try again. Bottom line, $231.00 for something that does not fit. We should not have to go through this much hassle....
Former Law Dawg Moderator
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 29,434
Likes: 96
From: Eads, Tennessee
CF St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24
Originally Posted by JTKS_VET
You guys are talking about the coupler supplied by SLP from the blackwing to the MAF, correct? I don't see how you can trim anything off of it. I squeezed the hole assembly so tight that my arms are still sore at the bend (1 day later). If you guys have pictures so I can see how yours are set up, post or email me please so maybe I can try again. Bottom line, $231.00 for something that does not fit. We should not have to go through this much hassle....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 952
Likes: 1
From: Huntley IL
The filter forces everything too high which prevents the airbridge from aligning to the pins. I assembled everything before I put it back on the car...Looking fwd to pics or any other member suggestions.
Former Law Dawg Moderator
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 29,434
Likes: 96
From: Eads, Tennessee
CF St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '24
Here the pic. As you can see the grommets and pins line up and I didn't cut anything off the coupler, but the stinking clip will not allow it to seat.
I'm leaving it as it is.
I'm leaving it as it is.