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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 06:09 PM
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Default Air Intake Mod

I'm thinking of installing a Blackwing or Varafram air intake system. The Blackwing seems so much easier to install versus the Varafram which you need to run a whole new system to the ports.
Which one do you folks recommend, I'm opting for the Blackwing which seems much easier from the installations instructions that I've found.

Can i find a used one in the parts forumn?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Last edited by PPBman; Jun 9, 2011 at 06:13 PM.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 06:11 PM
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Originally Posted by PPBman
I'm thinking of installing a Blackhawk or Varafram air intake system. The Blackhawk seems so much easier to install versus the Varafram which you need to run a whole new system to the ports.
Which one do you folks recommend, I'm opting for the Blackhawk which seems much easier from the installations instructions that I've found.

Can i find a used one in the parts forumn?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Do you mean "Blackwing"?
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 06:14 PM
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yes opps
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 07:24 PM
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Lucky's eyes must be going, he didn't spot "Varafram".
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 07:33 PM
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black wing if you want an easy install experience. vararam if you want to gain some performance from it.
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Old Jun 9, 2011 | 07:37 PM
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trying to improve gas mileage primarily
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 12:03 AM
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Just get a Blackwing and be done with it.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 06:57 AM
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Originally Posted by jrose7004
Just get a Blackwing and be done with it.
If you just "drive the car" the Blackwing is an easy install and should improve response.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 07:39 AM
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Vararam for sure. It's really not that hard to install.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 07:48 AM
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If you're not a performance guy then anything will be better. But if you're expecting the best performance upgrade then Vararam is the ticket.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 09:12 AM
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Realistically how much more hp is the vararam over the blackwing? I have a blackwing and I also cut out the area next to the fog lights. I figure it would cool the engine as well as provide air to the intake. FYI I was having issues with higt temps, fans broke then my water pump went out so I'm kinda paranoid about it now, only having the car a few months.



edit- to the op if i decide to switch to the vararam then i would have my blackwing for sale. What year is your car?

Last edited by steele11; Jun 10, 2011 at 09:14 AM.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 09:16 AM
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Then there's the quality issue: vararam = 2, BW = 9.

DG
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 09:28 AM
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Make your own using a K&N filter and silicone couplers- I did and looks and performs great.

Do a search - there are posts that will walk you thru it. Very simple to do.

Been running mine over 3 years .

My total cost was about $110 for the parts and about 15 minutes to install.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 09:46 AM
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Originally Posted by steele11
Realistically how much more hp is the vararam over the blackwing?
probably about 2 hp not worth it IMO.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 10:25 AM
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Originally Posted by steele11
Realistically how much more hp is the vararam over the blackwing? I have a blackwing and I also cut out the area next to the fog lights. I figure it would cool the engine as well as provide air to the intake. FYI I was having issues with higt temps, fans broke then my water pump went out so I'm kinda paranoid about it now, only having the car a few months.



edit- to the op if i decide to switch to the vararam then i would have my blackwing for sale. What year is your car?
With cold air infusion, there is very little street-difference in HP gain. I have dyno results from quite a few C5s with various intake filter systems and they were all very close with the hood open and a fan blowing at the engine.

The Blackwing without any cold air infusion is another story. As an alternative to opening up the fog light panels, I fabricated a more direct approach. While it does entail more work than just slapping in a Blackwing or Halltech filter, once done, I can quickly swap out my setup for a Z06 box when the every-two-year smog test is done. You can see my procedure for this mod, here:

http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/Rad...op%20inst..pdf

Intake air temps dropped dramatically (warm/hot days at slower speeds) compared to having no outside air blasting past the filter. The added benefit is that engine bay temps remail cool, extending the life of electronics, belts, hoses, batteries, and plastics.
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Old Jun 10, 2011 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by steele11
Realistically how much more hp is the vararam over the blackwing? I have a blackwing and I also cut out the area next to the fog lights. I figure it would cool the engine as well as provide air to the intake. FYI I was having issues with higt temps, fans broke then my water pump went out so I'm kinda paranoid about it now, only having the car a few months.



edit- to the op if i decide to switch to the vararam then i would have my blackwing for sale. What year is your car?

Mine a 02 C% coupe 6 speed
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