Lean codes/Cold Air Intake
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
Lean codes/Cold Air Intake
On a bone stock C5 from what I reasearched the Black Wing was least likely to throw lean codes than K&N/Varam/Volant etc....I'm look for an upgrade without dealing thus problem. Per vendors that sell CAI's(snake oil) they state that the Black Wing will not throw this code...any suggestions? I know it's not a "true" cold air system like the Varam etc ...just looking for a mild upgrade...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I installed the Vararam on our 04 ... not hard to do, just take your time... put the MAF in the STOCK position and DO NOT run the Power Duct...
After you install it, take it for a casual 30 minute cruise and let the PCM make adjustments for the new air... should NOT give you any codes.
I agree with 8vette7 about the LEAKS... mine was used and I called and got all new seals. I didn't want any leaks.
I lost a few MPG's after installing the Vararam... but, got it back and then some after having a Chuck CoW tune done. Back to about 29 MPG on the highway.. and 23 around town. It's a 6 speed.
After you install it, take it for a casual 30 minute cruise and let the PCM make adjustments for the new air... should NOT give you any codes.
I agree with 8vette7 about the LEAKS... mine was used and I called and got all new seals. I didn't want any leaks.
I lost a few MPG's after installing the Vararam... but, got it back and then some after having a Chuck CoW tune done. Back to about 29 MPG on the highway.. and 23 around town. It's a 6 speed.
Last edited by 73Corvette; Jul 11, 2015 at 11:29 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 46
From: Springfield IL.
Oldtimer
I installed an AfE cai a couple years ago. I sometimes get the lean codes in the fall and spring when the air is real good. Mine only does it if I have driven the car for a while, then park it, then take off again with out letting it run for a bit. It never did this before the mod. It does run better with the mod though.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Palm City FL
On a bone stock C5 from what I reasearched the Black Wing was least likely to throw lean codes than K&N/Varam/Volant etc....I'm look for an upgrade without dealing thus problem. Per vendors that sell CAI's(snake oil) they state that the Black Wing will not throw this code...any suggestions? I know it's not a "true" cold air system like the Varam etc ...just looking for a mild upgrade...
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 255
From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
Thanks VERY much!
I installed the Vararam on our 04 ... not hard to do, just take your time... put the MAF in the STOCK position and DO NOT run the Power Duct...
After you install it, take it for a casual 30 minute cruise and let the PCM make adjustments for the new air... should NOT give you any codes.
I agree with 8vette7 about the LEAKS... mine was used and I called and got all new seals. I didn't want any leaks.
I lost a few MPG's after installing the Vararam... but, got it back and then some after having a Chuck CoW tune done. Back to about 29 MPG on the highway.. and 23 around town. It's a 6 speed.
After you install it, take it for a casual 30 minute cruise and let the PCM make adjustments for the new air... should NOT give you any codes.
I agree with 8vette7 about the LEAKS... mine was used and I called and got all new seals. I didn't want any leaks.
I lost a few MPG's after installing the Vararam... but, got it back and then some after having a Chuck CoW tune done. Back to about 29 MPG on the highway.. and 23 around town. It's a 6 speed.
YES, a great tune will always make things right.....And YOU VERY HAPPY!
Call any time.
Chuck CoW
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 799
Likes: 160
From: Landenberg PA
I installed the Vararam on our 04 ... not hard to do, just take your time... put the MAF in the STOCK position and DO NOT run the Power Duct...
After you install it, take it for a casual 30 minute cruise and let the PCM make adjustments for the new air... should NOT give you any codes.
I agree with 8vette7 about the LEAKS... mine was used and I called and got all new seals. I didn't want any leaks.
I lost a few MPG's after installing the Vararam... but, got it back and then some after having a Chuck CoW tune done. Back to about 29 MPG on the highway.. and 23 around town. It's a 6 speed.
After you install it, take it for a casual 30 minute cruise and let the PCM make adjustments for the new air... should NOT give you any codes.
I agree with 8vette7 about the LEAKS... mine was used and I called and got all new seals. I didn't want any leaks.
I lost a few MPG's after installing the Vararam... but, got it back and then some after having a Chuck CoW tune done. Back to about 29 MPG on the highway.. and 23 around town. It's a 6 speed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
On a bone stock C5 from what I reasearched the Black Wing was least likely to throw lean codes than K&N/Varam/Volant etc....I'm look for an upgrade without dealing thus problem. Per vendors that sell CAI's(snake oil) they state that the Black Wing will not throw this code...any suggestions? I know it's not a "true" cold air system like the Varam etc ...just looking for a mild upgrade...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
If you are really wanting to know more from a technical stand point I would call Chuck and CoW and visit with him... great guy and will have solid answers to your questions.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 799
Likes: 160
From: Landenberg PA
It changes the air flow to the MAF... IF your going to get a tune, you'll be ok. I'm not sure HOW much the PCM can adjust... I had read where others have had some issues when running the power duct and relocating the MAF with codes... BUT, I have no personal experience with it...
If you are really wanting to know more from a technical stand point I would call Chuck and CoW and visit with him... great guy and will have solid answers to your questions.
If you are really wanting to know more from a technical stand point I would call Chuck and CoW and visit with him... great guy and will have solid answers to your questions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 45
From: Long Grove IL
These issues appear to be more prevalent if you have a Z06 (or de-screened) MAF. I was getting the P0171 & P0174 with the Vararam in mine. I'm probably going to swap it for a Halltech with the new style MAF. I'm definitely disappointed in the fit and finish of the Vararam.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,990
Likes: 346
From: Mt. Pleasant S.C.
These issues appear to be more prevalent if you have a Z06 (or de-screened) MAF. I was getting the P0171 & P0174 with the Vararam in mine. I'm probably going to swap it for a Halltech with the new style MAF. I'm definitely disappointed in the fit and finish of the Vararam.
Just a note: If you go to the Halltech with the new style MAF (killer bee II) and have no other mods you're going to have a problem tuning it for low RPM/demands. The larger pipe and the new style MAF will struggle with not enough of velocity/volume across that MAF in that huge intake tube. The Venom II will not have the same issue.
Of course if you have other mods that will help it move more air past the MAF at low rpm/demand then it won't be a problem at all.
I love mine.