BlackWing Question???
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Grosse Ile MI
BlackWing Question???
I just purchased a BlackWing Filter. What is the best aftermarket airbridge to use with it? Are there any clearance issues with the hood?
It just seems like the stock airbridge is so small compared with aftermarket ones.
So if I have this larger filter, why not get a larger airbridge to increase the air flow.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
It just seems like the stock airbridge is so small compared with aftermarket ones.
So if I have this larger filter, why not get a larger airbridge to increase the air flow.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Since most of the after market air bridges are over sized (taller), expect there to be hood insulator interference. That was my experience when I installed a Blackwing and an air bridge from CORVETTES OF HOUSTON.
The oem air bridge will support more power than you might expect. If I'm not mistaken, CALLAWAY still uses the oem air bridge for their motors. It has the ear mounts to secure it to the TORX pegs. It has the embossed C5 emblem if you want to detail it with a decal or paint. Mounted correctly with the Blackwing, there is less likelihood of hood insulator damage.
Measurable horsepower/torque improvement from oem to after market in an air bridge is negligible. It's more for looks and bench racing. Unless you have other major performance enhancements, the money could be better spent elsewhere.
You might benefit a bit more with an after market silicone coupling. I found the after market couplers were to rigid and more often than not required trimming to fit correctly. The coupling offered from SLP with the bump in the middle fits perfectly and the bump allows some flexibility as the oem.
The oem air bridge will support more power than you might expect. If I'm not mistaken, CALLAWAY still uses the oem air bridge for their motors. It has the ear mounts to secure it to the TORX pegs. It has the embossed C5 emblem if you want to detail it with a decal or paint. Mounted correctly with the Blackwing, there is less likelihood of hood insulator damage.
Measurable horsepower/torque improvement from oem to after market in an air bridge is negligible. It's more for looks and bench racing. Unless you have other major performance enhancements, the money could be better spent elsewhere.
You might benefit a bit more with an after market silicone coupling. I found the after market couplers were to rigid and more often than not required trimming to fit correctly. The coupling offered from SLP with the bump in the middle fits perfectly and the bump allows some flexibility as the oem.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Mar 29, 2012 at 01:08 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Grosse Ile MI
Since most of the after market air bridges are over sized (taller), expect there to be hood insulator interference. That was my experience when I installed a Blackwing and an air bridge from CORVETTES OF HOUSTON.
The oem air bridge will support more power than you might expect. If I'm not mistaken, CALLAWAY still uses the oem air bridge for their motors. It has the ear mounts to secure it to the TORX pegs. It has the embossed C5 emblem if you want to detail it with a decal or paint. Mounted correctly with the Blackwing, there is less likelihood of hood insulator damage.
Measurable horsepower/torque improvement from oem to after market in an air bridge is negligible. It's more for looks and bench racing. Unless you have other major performance enhancements, the money could be better spent elsewhere.
The oem air bridge will support more power than you might expect. If I'm not mistaken, CALLAWAY still uses the oem air bridge for their motors. It has the ear mounts to secure it to the TORX pegs. It has the embossed C5 emblem if you want to detail it with a decal or paint. Mounted correctly with the Blackwing, there is less likelihood of hood insulator damage.
Measurable horsepower/torque improvement from oem to after market in an air bridge is negligible. It's more for looks and bench racing. Unless you have other major performance enhancements, the money could be better spent elsewhere.
The only other mod I have is a WCC x pipie on my stock exhaust system. Do you think it is worth getting a larger airbridge if I get more exhust work done to the car?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
That is what I have been reading. A stock airbridge vs an aftermarket one, there really isn't any power gains, is there? It is just mainley for looks?
The only other mod I have is a WCC x pipie on my stock exhaust system. Do you think it is worth getting a larger airbridge if I get more exhust work done to the car?
The only other mod I have is a WCC x pipie on my stock exhaust system. Do you think it is worth getting a larger airbridge if I get more exhust work done to the car?
In the end, it's your car to do with as you please. Heaven knows we've all spent money on widgets that pleased ourselves but did little to improve efficiency or performance.
Function over form or form over function is your choice.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Mar 29, 2012 at 02:17 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 5
From: Metairie LA
Mine came with a CF airbridge with a C5 logo and red tube:
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...35.3180.612016
Only issue when I installed the BlackWing was the silicon tube has virtually ZERO flex in it to manuever the assembly in place. Bridge rubs the hood insulator VERY slightly. Happy with the results--esentially your choice.
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette...35.3180.612016
Only issue when I installed the BlackWing was the silicon tube has virtually ZERO flex in it to manuever the assembly in place. Bridge rubs the hood insulator VERY slightly. Happy with the results--esentially your choice.
Last edited by PhilsFRC; Mar 29, 2012 at 02:50 PM.
