blackwing ice box
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: burlington ont
blackwing ice box
so i'm thinking of installing an ice box to my blackwing but was wondering if it's a good idea. i've read posts that talk about lean codes and was wondering if that only happens to descreened maf's or z06's. i already have a blackwing installed with a power duct, a smooth coupler and a cat back exhaust and i do not get any codes. what are the general thoughts? will i notice any difference? is it worth it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
I have one on the way. It was recommended after I had a Ease Scan done and it showed my Blackwing was loading up on hot air from under the hood. So JR @ZR1 Team Racing highly recommended installing the Icebox to bring in cold air to keep from losing HP.
I'm sure if there are any codes they can be tunned out.
I'm sure if there are any codes they can be tunned out.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: burlington ont
so, i will probably get codes? it doesn't matter that my maf has a screen on it? the only way to clear the codes is to tune it out? this is getting complicated. if i install it and just clear the codes when they come up i will just be band aiding the problem and possibly causing damage?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
A good alternative to an ice box is my CAI mod. It doesn't isolate the filter like an icebox does, but the CAI mod does keep the engine bay much cooler - a must if headers are used or if you just want your sensitive electronics (like the EBCM), hoses and belts to last longer.
The procedure can be found here:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm
The procedure can be found here:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: burlington ont
couldn't open the direction page but i was able to read the summary. $40 for materials, i can buy the ice box set up for $65. maybe i should just bite the bullet and see what happens.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
A good alternative to an ice box is my CAI mod. It doesn't isolate the filter like an icebox does, but the CAI mod does keep the engine bay much cooler - a must if headers are used or if you just want your sensitive electronics (like the EBCM), hoses and belts to last longer.
The procedure can be found here:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm
The procedure can be found here:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm
I did this to mine about a year and a half ago. Works great. The only problem I had was the shroud had so much flex and movement that, over time, the movement caused the plastic of the file holder (along the narrow lip at the screw holes) to crack and break. I bought a new file holder and this time I used three strips of 1' wide aluminum ON TOP of the shroud. The aluminum strips provided the additional strength/bracing I needed and has been fine since. Thanks Dave. 
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
...good tip, Robert. I've had mine installed for many years now and the worse that happened was a screw head loosening a bit. Still your mod makes alot of sense - thanks!
Update: To stengthen the scoop flange, apply 3M VHB tape to it before installing it onto the lower radiator cover. The tape distributes the load across the flange's entire surface area, eliminating the stress concentrators around the screw holes. The procedure has been updated.
Dave
Update: To stengthen the scoop flange, apply 3M VHB tape to it before installing it onto the lower radiator cover. The tape distributes the load across the flange's entire surface area, eliminating the stress concentrators around the screw holes. The procedure has been updated.
Dave
Last edited by Dave68; Jan 26, 2012 at 12:02 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Your normal operating altitude will probably have something to do with whether you get any codes with the "ice box" cover over your BLACKWING.
I'm at 5,200 ft and got erratic lean codes. I'm sure a tune probably would've eliminated the codes on my '04 Z16. It wasn't worth the 300 mile round trip and $500 dyno tune to me.
I returned to the oem Z16 intake and modified the opening from 10 square inches to 24 square inches. I used a drop in gauze filter and a smooth SLP bellows. Looks oem, sounds and runs as good as the BLACKWING/cover and I get no codes.
I'm at 5,200 ft and got erratic lean codes. I'm sure a tune probably would've eliminated the codes on my '04 Z16. It wasn't worth the 300 mile round trip and $500 dyno tune to me.
I returned to the oem Z16 intake and modified the opening from 10 square inches to 24 square inches. I used a drop in gauze filter and a smooth SLP bellows. Looks oem, sounds and runs as good as the BLACKWING/cover and I get no codes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Here is a report on the Icebox by JR of ZR1 Race Team.
"The Icebox is about 22 inches wide and covers the opening and filter and allows airflow to fill the Icebox and air then enters Blackwing 360 degrees allowing good volume of colder airmass.
This then makes the IAT ( intake air temp) equal what outside air temp is once going over about 5 MPH and will increase airmass where stock maximum flow at around 40 lbs/min to around 45
The colder air of course is denser so it burns much better then hotter engine bay air and the PCM adjusts from the increased flow but also that the IAT is reporting colder air which means a bit more timing
BTW the most common issue I see when people are installing the airbridge to MAF and throttlebody is not assuring there is no air leak.
Most common is the coupler to TB at the bottom is bend over and not sealed to TB correctly."
"The Icebox is about 22 inches wide and covers the opening and filter and allows airflow to fill the Icebox and air then enters Blackwing 360 degrees allowing good volume of colder airmass.
This then makes the IAT ( intake air temp) equal what outside air temp is once going over about 5 MPH and will increase airmass where stock maximum flow at around 40 lbs/min to around 45
The colder air of course is denser so it burns much better then hotter engine bay air and the PCM adjusts from the increased flow but also that the IAT is reporting colder air which means a bit more timing
BTW the most common issue I see when people are installing the airbridge to MAF and throttlebody is not assuring there is no air leak.
Most common is the coupler to TB at the bottom is bend over and not sealed to TB correctly."
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
BTW the most common issue I see when people are installing the airbridge to MAF and throttlebody is not assuring there is no air leak.
Most common is the coupler to TB at the bottom is bend over and not sealed to TB correctly."
Most common is the coupler to TB at the bottom is bend over and not sealed to TB correctly."
