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Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I?

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Old Jan 20, 2002 | 08:24 PM
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Default Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I?

In the February 2002 Car&Driver on pages 80/81, DR massaged a pair of C5 Vettes and achieved 500 BHP and 565 BHP. From the picture on page 80 of the 500 BHP car's engine, it appears he used the stock air bridge and that "restrictive" air coupler. If DR doesn't feel that upgrading these two parts offers any significant BHP, why should I consider upgrading them on my bone-stock C5?

BTW, he did use an upgraded air bridge and coupler on the 565 BHP car. Perhaps the stock parts are good enough on a C5 up to 500 BHP? :confused:
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Old Jan 20, 2002 | 08:33 PM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (Buckmaster)

I think it has always been a known fact that the air bridge upgrarde was a cosmetic mod rather than a power mod :)
I agree. But let's face it, we're all as queer about cosmetic mods as we are about performance mods. We just feel better when we can act like a cosmetic mod actually helps perfomance.
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Old Jan 20, 2002 | 08:33 PM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (Buckmaster)

:yesnod:
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Old Jan 20, 2002 | 08:45 PM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (Mean Green 2000)

It's just a cosmetic mod? I didn't know that. MidAmerica claims the Vortex Power Duct offers a 6-8 HP gain. I guess I shouldn't believe everything I read :confused:
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Old Jan 20, 2002 | 09:13 PM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (Buckmaster)

Agreed. Looks great when you open the hood and any performance gains are just gravy. As for the 'promised gains', highly doubtful.
:D
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Old Jan 20, 2002 | 09:20 PM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (C5Rated)

Most of all those things are all bull. When they say up to 8 HP that is on a giant moto that needs tons of air. Just like ported TB is a waste on a stock motor.
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Old Jan 20, 2002 | 09:33 PM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (BIG Dave)

I too did it just for looks :p:
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 12:24 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (jschindler)

I think it has always been a known fact that the air bridge upgrarde was a cosmetic mod rather than a power mod :)

I agree. But let's face it, we're all as queer about cosmetic mods as we are about performance mods. We just feel better when we can act like a cosmetic mod actually helps perfomance.
So TRUE :lol:
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 12:31 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (BIG Dave)

Cosmetics aside, the airbridge mod is in the top five of "do nothing but line the vendor's pockets" mods.

Those vendors that claim 5-8 HP gains should be run over by the same agency that nails the slick 50's of the auto world.
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 12:37 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (BIG Dave)

Part of Rippie's C500/RSR package is his own cold air induction system. see http://www.dougrippie.com

He gave me his opinion of my Vortex Box when my car was at his place. He mentioned that his is better at protecting against hydrolock. Until I have him go crazy with my car I'm sticking with the Vortex.

-Rob
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 12:40 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (BIG Dave)

another I did it mainly for cosmetics vote here :)
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 03:52 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (pkmoose)

Gimme that curb speed!
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 05:47 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (Buckmaster)

More cosmetic than anything else I thought! :hat
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 08:27 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (Noggles)

Is the TBB cosmetic too?
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 09:17 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (MMarquez)

One of the "Major Tuners" uses a smooth tube inside the stock accordian. Can't remember which one. Could be Rippie! :confused: :cheers: :flag
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 09:20 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (BIG Dave)

IMHO ever little bit helps the end means... Some mods are way too much coin to pay for considering the results. :yesnod:

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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 09:29 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (MMarquez)

Is the TBB cosmetic too?
I guess it could be considered cosmetic if you used brightly colored hose! :D
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 09:38 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (jschindler)

:lol: I could have swore I picked up 5 hp. with my decals.

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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 09:54 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (rschiltz)

:lol: I could have swore I picked up 5 hp. with my decals.
If the decals were yellow then be sure to triple the gains!
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Old Jan 21, 2002 | 10:45 AM
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Default Re: Doug Rippie Doesn't Need One, Why Would I? (Scott97)

A good looking engine is always worth a few extra ponies. :yesnod:
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