Cold Air Induction Question
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 10
From: Monticello MN
1. A major difference between the two intake systems is the shape of the air duct and the orientation of the filter element. Simply put, the straighter the air path (less bends and turns), the more air is able to flow through. More air flow = more horsepower, with the same rationale as changing the shape of a cylinder head port (porting) to improve flow for more power.
2. When stopped, if the engine is up to temperature and the fans are on, cooler ambient air is being pulled into the area in front of and through the radiator. The inlet air going into the filter element doesn't get a chance to absorb radiator heat. As soon as the car begins to move, Chevrolet designed the body such that air can flow into this area freely. The inlet air temperature sensor constantly provides updated temperature values to the PCM and the injector pulse width and spark timing are adjusted. If the engine isn't up to temperature yet, you should avoid WOT acceleration.
3. Given the thousands of Honkers sold, Callaway has never received a verified report of water ingestion. There have been some reports in the Forum, but I've reached out to get details and haven't been able to get confirmation. If standing water is deep enough to get ingested into the Honker, it would most likely have the same effect with a stock air cleaner system. Callaway engineers tested extensively before C5 Honker introduction in 2003, including testing for water ingestion.
4. Another significant difference is relocatiion of the MAF sensor toward the throttle body, eliminating the air bridge and the turbulence that the complex duct shape produces. "High flow" air bridges have tried to reduce turbulence and increase power. Callaway engineers determined how to orient everything for maximum airflow while avoiding DTC's. A side benefit is the expense of the high flow air bridge is eliminated as well. The stock C6 air filter system locates the MAF sensor this way.
Here's an illustration of the C6 Honker (from when we used the Green Filter) that shows the unrestricted, straight air path. It's very similar to the C5 system. Just the shape of the top of the C5 duct is oval instead of round as shown in the C6 here:
Here's an article from Vette Magazine that described the results they saw in an independent test:
2. When stopped, if the engine is up to temperature and the fans are on, cooler ambient air is being pulled into the area in front of and through the radiator. The inlet air going into the filter element doesn't get a chance to absorb radiator heat. As soon as the car begins to move, Chevrolet designed the body such that air can flow into this area freely. The inlet air temperature sensor constantly provides updated temperature values to the PCM and the injector pulse width and spark timing are adjusted. If the engine isn't up to temperature yet, you should avoid WOT acceleration.
3. Given the thousands of Honkers sold, Callaway has never received a verified report of water ingestion. There have been some reports in the Forum, but I've reached out to get details and haven't been able to get confirmation. If standing water is deep enough to get ingested into the Honker, it would most likely have the same effect with a stock air cleaner system. Callaway engineers tested extensively before C5 Honker introduction in 2003, including testing for water ingestion.
4. Another significant difference is relocatiion of the MAF sensor toward the throttle body, eliminating the air bridge and the turbulence that the complex duct shape produces. "High flow" air bridges have tried to reduce turbulence and increase power. Callaway engineers determined how to orient everything for maximum airflow while avoiding DTC's. A side benefit is the expense of the high flow air bridge is eliminated as well. The stock C6 air filter system locates the MAF sensor this way.
Here's an illustration of the C6 Honker (from when we used the Green Filter) that shows the unrestricted, straight air path. It's very similar to the C5 system. Just the shape of the top of the C5 duct is oval instead of round as shown in the C6 here:
Here's an article from Vette Magazine that described the results they saw in an independent test:
Appreciate the comeback!
Ed
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
We had the Breathless Performance Vortex cold air intake on our 2001 vert. Over time, the plastic cracked and it was no longer a true "pressurized ram air system". We replaced it with the Vararam B2 system and our gas mileage actually improved by 1MPG.
We found a vendor on the internet that was selling the B2 system for $267.00.
I like the Callaway Honker, but $500.00 for the part is simply too much. The Vararam does just as good a job for less money.
The cut radiator shroud from the Vortex installation had to be replaced with a stock unit during the Vararam install.
Everyone seems to state that the Vararam is difficult to install. If you are an adequte "do-it yourself mechanic", it really isn't that bad. You do need jack stands or a lift and a little patience, along with the proper tools.
We have had both of our Vettes on a dyno at MTI Racing in Marietta. What is interesting is that a true ram air system is not affected with the hood closed on the car while being dyno'd. I witnessed a drop in power, simply by closing the hood, on a car that had the twin cone filters underneath the hood with no ram air source from outside. Cold outside air simply makes more power than hot air from underneath the hood.
I had the Vararam B1 system on my 2004 Z06 with the foam filter. After seeing the quality of the improvements with the Green filter and the new top airbox on the B2 system, I ordered the B2 upgrade package directly from Vararam for @ $100.00. This is a kit that came with the new filter, top assembly and gaskets.
Ram air is the way to go. We have been very happy with Vararam both on the street and the track.
We found a vendor on the internet that was selling the B2 system for $267.00.
I like the Callaway Honker, but $500.00 for the part is simply too much. The Vararam does just as good a job for less money.
The cut radiator shroud from the Vortex installation had to be replaced with a stock unit during the Vararam install.
Everyone seems to state that the Vararam is difficult to install. If you are an adequte "do-it yourself mechanic", it really isn't that bad. You do need jack stands or a lift and a little patience, along with the proper tools.
We have had both of our Vettes on a dyno at MTI Racing in Marietta. What is interesting is that a true ram air system is not affected with the hood closed on the car while being dyno'd. I witnessed a drop in power, simply by closing the hood, on a car that had the twin cone filters underneath the hood with no ram air source from outside. Cold outside air simply makes more power than hot air from underneath the hood.
I had the Vararam B1 system on my 2004 Z06 with the foam filter. After seeing the quality of the improvements with the Green filter and the new top airbox on the B2 system, I ordered the B2 upgrade package directly from Vararam for @ $100.00. This is a kit that came with the new filter, top assembly and gaskets.
Ram air is the way to go. We have been very happy with Vararam both on the street and the track.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
. . . I like the Callaway Honker, but $500.00 for the part is simply too much. The Vararam does just as good a job for less money . . .
. . . I had the Vararam B1 system on my 2004 Z06 with the foam filter. After seeing the quality of the improvements with the Green filter and the new top airbox on the B2 system, I ordered the B2 upgrade package directly from Vararam for @ $100.00. This is a kit that came with the new filter, top assembly and gaskets . . .
. . . I had the Vararam B1 system on my 2004 Z06 with the foam filter. After seeing the quality of the improvements with the Green filter and the new top airbox on the B2 system, I ordered the B2 upgrade package directly from Vararam for @ $100.00. This is a kit that came with the new filter, top assembly and gaskets . . .
I would think that you would get up to (or exceed) the $499 Honker price. Thanks in advance.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
As stated, I found a vendor who sold the complete Vararam B2 system for $267.00. I enjoy doing the work myself and feel confident in performing this type maintainence. I'm sure that the Vararam would cost $500.00 if you paid someone to install it.
I agree that the Callaway honker is an impressive intake system and is very well engineered. I have seen this system installed at MTI Racing here in Marietta and am very impressed with its design.
I was quoted @$500.00 plus installation cost for the Honker. This is why I chose the Vararam, since I wanted to do the install myself.
The B2 upgrade was a $100.00 kit upgrading my old B1 system to the new Green filter and new airbox. It utilizes the old ductwork from the B1 system, which remains unchanged. This kit was installed on my second car.
Don
I agree that the Callaway honker is an impressive intake system and is very well engineered. I have seen this system installed at MTI Racing here in Marietta and am very impressed with its design.
I was quoted @$500.00 plus installation cost for the Honker. This is why I chose the Vararam, since I wanted to do the install myself.
The B2 upgrade was a $100.00 kit upgrading my old B1 system to the new Green filter and new airbox. It utilizes the old ductwork from the B1 system, which remains unchanged. This kit was installed on my second car.
Don
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: calgary alberta
I am curious about your position on the Honker's price. Could you please share the total cost of your intake, with the B2 upgrade and aftermarket air bridge. I assume you have some sort of high-flow air bridge too?
I would think that you would get up to (or exceed) the $499 Honker price. Thanks in advance.
I would think that you would get up to (or exceed) the $499 Honker price. Thanks in advance.
Is the honker compatible with a magnusson supercharger ?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
There are specific part numbers for Corvettes with MagnaChargers.
Part Number: 203.50.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 2001-2004 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
Part Number: 203.51.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 1997-2000 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
Part Number: 203.60.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 2005-2007 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
Part Number: 203.68.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 2008-2009 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
All priced at $499.
Part Number: 203.50.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 2001-2004 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
Part Number: 203.51.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 1997-2000 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
Part Number: 203.60.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 2005-2007 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
Part Number: 203.68.2505
Product Name: Honker C5, 2008-2009 Corvette w/MagnaCharger
All priced at $499.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Oakton Virginia
Wow, if I had to pay $500 for a Honker install (or any other intake install) I guess I wouldn't buy one either. Based on my experience, it's a $250 install at best. It's time consuming but not technically difficult. Don't know nothin' about the Vararam.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
The Honker costs $500 (actually $499), so I think he means to say that the quote for the Honker was $500, plus the cost of installation. Typically, shops install Honkers in 2 to 3 hours. To estimate the installation cost, multiply the installer's shop rate by the number of hours quoted. For example, if a shop charges $80/hr and it takes 2 hours, that's going to result in a $160 labor charge.
Most customers install the Honker themselves.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Oakton Virginia
Excuse me for butting in, but I don't think the thread means to say that the installation cost was $500.
The Honker costs $500 (actually $499), so I think he means to say that the quote for the Honker was $500, plus the cost of installation. Typically, shops install Honkers in 2 to 3 hours. To estimate the installation cost, multiply the installer's shop rate by the number of hours quoted. For example, if a shop charges $80/hr and it takes 2 hours, that's going to result in a $160 labor charge.
Most customers install the Honker themselves.
The Honker costs $500 (actually $499), so I think he means to say that the quote for the Honker was $500, plus the cost of installation. Typically, shops install Honkers in 2 to 3 hours. To estimate the installation cost, multiply the installer's shop rate by the number of hours quoted. For example, if a shop charges $80/hr and it takes 2 hours, that's going to result in a $160 labor charge.
Most customers install the Honker themselves.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 20
From: Florida, Hell's Doorstep
Do this
Get the Blackwing #1 --- #2 for direct ambient outside the hood fresh air DO THIS http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...cover-mod.html
Last edited by ONE BMF; Jan 13, 2009 at 10:11 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
Sorry for any confusion I caused.
Back in January, when I posted part numbers and pricing, we believed that the C5 Honkers could be produced so they would fit under the "supercharger" hoods that are available. We had been building C6 Honkers for Magna Chargers (and still do) with no problems.
We discovered that it takes our people about a full day to modify a non-supercharged Honker to fit the supercharged C5 application - and allow you to close the hood. We thought it would be unreasonable to charge an end user for this additional day's work. That's why we only install these parts on the C5 Callaway Corvettes now (and absorb the loss).
Back in January, when I posted part numbers and pricing, we believed that the C5 Honkers could be produced so they would fit under the "supercharger" hoods that are available. We had been building C6 Honkers for Magna Chargers (and still do) with no problems.
We discovered that it takes our people about a full day to modify a non-supercharged Honker to fit the supercharged C5 application - and allow you to close the hood. We thought it would be unreasonable to charge an end user for this additional day's work. That's why we only install these parts on the C5 Callaway Corvettes now (and absorb the loss).
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
I dont care about speed, which one makes the most noise and sounds the best of them??
Of all these intakes which one makes the nicest sounding noise and is the best?? halltech stinger?? which one you guys know I don't...HELP!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 844
Likes: 32
From: Wilmington DE
C5 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '09
