CAI that don't require hacking car??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
From: Chatham Ontario
CAI that don't require hacking car??
Is there any CAI systems that don't require hacking my vette to install? And if there is such system, are the gains good...how much HP? I want to be able to return my car to stock someday and Im pretty sure I will be only doing this mod along with exhaust and tune.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 473
Likes: 1
From: Newport Oregon
All of them? A lot of guys open stuff up trying to get more cooler air in, but I don't think most systems REQUIRE you to modify (we don't 'hack' things) anything if you don't want. I'm not sure but I think even the VaraRam just replaces a few pieces like the fog shrouds though I haven't tried one of those.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,455
Likes: 1,163
From: Dyer, IN
Most don't require cutting....i.e. Blackwing, halltech, k&n, etc. Some advertise 10+ hp. Try an internet search for "c5 cold air induction"
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,455
Likes: 1,163
From: Dyer, IN
All of them? A lot of guys open stuff up trying to get more cooler air in, but I don't think most systems REQUIRE you to modify (we don't 'hack' things) anything if you don't want. I'm not sure but I think even the VaraRam just replaces a few pieces like the fog shrouds though I haven't tried one of those.
http://www.breathlessperformance.com...texinstall.asp
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
From: Chatham Ontario
Some do require modding or replacing the radiator shroud.
http://www.breathlessperformance.com...texinstall.asp
http://www.breathlessperformance.com...texinstall.asp
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
If you watch the classified forum regularly, you might find someone who has already done the work for you (hopefully not "hacked") and all you need do is R&R the modified shroud and install the air intake system.
Some owners do hack up their cars and others take care to do it correctly.
Here's an example of a deal on the popular CALLAWAY "Honker" with everything done and ready for the buyer. Some deals require an exchange of your oem parts. This one did not, but it's already sold...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...er-intake.html
Some owners do hack up their cars and others take care to do it correctly.
Here's an example of a deal on the popular CALLAWAY "Honker" with everything done and ready for the buyer. Some deals require an exchange of your oem parts. This one did not, but it's already sold...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...er-intake.html
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Whatever system you decide on, be sure you research the difficulties of their normal installation...especially if you're not a DIY type.
Some do require more difficult installations than others.
Some do require more difficult installations than others.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
The simple answer is twofold:
1. Any true CAI system requires either cutting of the lower radiator cover or spending just as much time installing/aligning ductwork (Vararam).
2. If the eventual buyer of your car is in California, you should have a CAI system that can be swapped out quickly. A cut radiator cover won't ever be reason to fail a visual smog check. This is what I do and for a day, my setup looks perfectly stock.
A decent compromise is to have an 02-04 Z06 air box cover and then core-out holes in the fog light covers. You can then install Z06 screens to block out the hack-job.
1. Any true CAI system requires either cutting of the lower radiator cover or spending just as much time installing/aligning ductwork (Vararam).
2. If the eventual buyer of your car is in California, you should have a CAI system that can be swapped out quickly. A cut radiator cover won't ever be reason to fail a visual smog check. This is what I do and for a day, my setup looks perfectly stock.
A decent compromise is to have an 02-04 Z06 air box cover and then core-out holes in the fog light covers. You can then install Z06 screens to block out the hack-job.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
My cold air solution is to use a halltech stinger and then cut the fog light surrounds and put the Z06 screens on it.
If you don't want to cut up the fog light surrounds, some places sell sets that are fabricated with holes and they look pretty good.
If you don't want to cut up the fog light surrounds, some places sell sets that are fabricated with holes and they look pretty good.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 11
From: Newport, RI
I see plenty of comments about swapping back to stock for California. Are they that strict? Would they fail you for having an improved air filtration system? It seems like that might actually improve emissions.....
Here in the incredibly corrupt state of Rhode Island, it seems like the only thing they really care about is the emissions numbers coming out of the tailpipe.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,455
Likes: 1,163
From: Dyer, IN
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,466
Likes: 51
St. Jude Donor '17
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
I made a CAI from stock components for S&Gs that should pass the CA Smog *****;
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...o-call-it.html
It's collecting dust in my basement if any one wants to give it a try... BTW I opted for the Hurricane and am vey happy with it.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...o-call-it.html
It's collecting dust in my basement if any one wants to give it a try... BTW I opted for the Hurricane and am vey happy with it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
Callaway Honker is CARB "50-state" legal for all 1997-2004 Corvette, except 2002-2004 Z06. Excellent quality, documented power increase: 18 bhp (SAE) on stock LS1. 2-3 tenths quicker on 1/4 mile. Works even better with other engine mods.
Here's a link to the Executive Order on the CARB site:
http://arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/de...eo/D-319-6.pdf
Here's a link that describes the product:
http://www.callawaycars.com/callaway...C6Products.htm
Here's a link to the Executive Order on the CARB site:
http://arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/de...eo/D-319-6.pdf
Here's a link that describes the product:
http://www.callawaycars.com/callaway...C6Products.htm
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
I see plenty of comments about swapping back to stock for California. Are they that strict? Would they fail you for having an improved air filtration system? It seems like that might actually improve emissions.....
Here in the incredibly corrupt state of Rhode Island, it seems like the only thing they really care about is the emissions numbers coming out of the tailpipe.
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Here in the incredibly corrupt state of Rhode Island, it seems like the only thing they really care about is the emissions numbers coming out of the tailpipe.
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I wish it were like that here, but there is a visual inspection, first. If you don't pass that, your car fails. The intake is considered part of the emissions system, apparently. Still, it doesn't take me much time at all to swap my Halltech Stinger.