What are the alternative breathers for a C-5? I've heard of the Vararam and the Blackwing. I've heard the Blackwing has been discontinued. Please let me know what else is out there and which one you think is best. Thanks.

 

Do a search on this forum and you will find more posts than you have time to read. I have the Callaway Honker and like it a lot and I started out with a Blackwing.Honker makes it considerably stronger. Hope that helps.

 

:iagree Honker=

 

I had the halltech Stinger and it is a great filter, recently went to the Vararam and my gains were astounding but the foam filter is lacking a bit.

 

Most of us are going simply off of our own experiences, and I'll be no different. I like my Vararam...but I also got an awesome deal on it. I went with this because it's one of the few true cold air units. All of the new models come with some form of K&N-type filter, and both are a significant improvement over the foam unit (green is best / highest flow).

If I were to do it all over again, I'd probably give the Vararam and Honker equal consideration...and buy the one that I could get the best deal on. I do give the Honker the nod for quality of constuction, though. Good luck.

 

I had the Haltech Trap which I still think is a good CAI if you can find one as they don't make them anymore.

But I now have the Calloway Honker. It is much more compact and seems to work great. Plus its alot easier to clean filters. And it is CARB legal


DH

 

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. $300-$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 $500. I believe this unit is 50 states legal (smogwise). Excellent design and quality. If cost is no object, this bad boy should be at the top of your list.

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 $300.00 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: 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

 

LMAO........... you're nuts.

 

I'm hoping at smog time they will ONLY look at this and not notice all the other stuff.........


DH