I am looking for a new air intake to replace my stock Z06 unit and I need some help. Although I have seen many arguments back and forth about which filter yields the most power, I haven't seen much information about actual filtration efficiency v. raw performance of the unit.

While, like anyone else, I want to get the maximum power possible for my buck, I also have a concern about whether or not some of these systems could let enough particulates find their way into my engine that I end up with premature ring or other wear some time down the line. Does anyone have any information about how well any of the various units actually filter out particles? I am particularly interested in finding out about the Blackwing, T1 Sidewinder, and Vortex. Vararam sounds good but is too expensive for me right now.

I'm no engineer but it seems to me that the filter with the most filter area and the most efficient filter media would win. Does this make a case for the Blackwing?

Also, in your experience, do the air bridges with the smooth TB connector really help much or is this primarily cosmetic?

Any help is appreciated. :cheers:

 

The 02 Z06 intake is pretty good as is. I don't think any of the options you're considering will make much SOTP improvement, esp. for the $$ IMHO. Just my 2c.
:cheers:

 

You may well be right. From what I've been reading so far, the results of those who have put on aftermarket intakes are widely varied from only a little gain to a lot. However, not knowing the particular circumstances of each it is hard to know the specific reasons for those with less than good results.

In my case I will probably put something on anyway since I will ultimately want more flow when I move to a blower later on (saving my pennies for a Magnusson). When I do this I still have a concern about filtration efficiency. It will be interesting to see if anyone has any data or concrete input.

Thanks.

 

Well, the aftermarket filters do add more power-that is a fact that no one here will dispute (I've added many to many different cars-one even changed the exhaust note!!). The big question is which is the best, better, cheaper, safer, etc.

As far as filtration, the claim that a larger, oiled, well shaped filter will flow more air evenly into the intake-while retaining the filtration of a dry paper element is probably very correct.

As far as long term tests...I've heard of none. My personal policy is to purchase NEW high flow filters every 10K-15K (depending on environment), as opposed to cleaning and re-oiling-that way the filter is never really compromised.

 

the oiled filters like K&N do not filter as good as the pleated paper because diesel engine mfg. will void you warranty if you use one. diesel engine are wide open all the time as far as the air going thru the filter and they control engine speed by regulating the fuel supply. i have talked to people who have seen the turbo impellers and they are polished from the fine particals of dirt that go thru the K&N filter. since gasoline engines are not run at full throttle all the time not as much dirt goes thru the filter. PS i run a K&N on my C-5. :chevy

 

I have a '01 C5 Coupe...I put on the '02 Z06 cover but kept the paper filter...lil SOTP improvement, lil more noise, more upper rev range grunt...Great, cheap upgrade IMHO...I recently got the Blackwing...I love the quality and it is truly a nice looking piece...but I am sad to say, I do not feel much if ANY gain over the '02 Z06 airbox cover...it IS letting in more air though...right??? :seeya :chevy

 

The Donaldson/Blackwing Manufactor claims it filters better than the K&N and K&N type filters. They all meet manufactor specs, and people have been running K&N type elements for years and years with few problems, so your safe either way... I don't consider it a consern. The Z06s like yours seem to react differently to aftermarket elements, some cars pick up power and run fine... on others no power unless you use tuning to compensate for the addition of more flow.