Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,123
Likes: 3
From: Orland Park Illinois
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex
Is one system better than the other?? Any downsides to either system (other than noted below)?
I kinda favor the Vortex, but am concerned about hydrolocking the engine, which I understand is a possibility. I know there are alot of both systems out there---your thoughts & opinions please. Thanks in advance. Bob
I kinda favor the Vortex, but am concerned about hydrolocking the engine, which I understand is a possibility. I know there are alot of both systems out there---your thoughts & opinions please. Thanks in advance. Bob
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,292
Likes: 0
From: Hockessin Delaware
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (BiggieBoy)
Blackwing is an easier install - take out the stock one, put the BW in. Vortex requires cutting the radiator shroud. No big deal, but an extra step that only gains a few hp. Not worth it for me, but many think so.
No bad choice between the two. :seeya
No bad choice between the two. :seeya
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (BiggieBoy)
I just bought and installed a Blackwing last week. It was my first mod, and it was very easy. Putting it on was no sweat. I have read a lot of great things about it, and have sceen a lot on other Vettes. I picked mine up for $195 with a hood seal, I thought that was a great deal. It looks pretty good too. Just my .02 worth :cool:
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 247
From: Weatherford TX
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (BiggieBoy)
I went with the Blackwing. Top notch filter, easy to install and monitor for cleaning. No easy chance of hydro-lock either. Can put car back to stock easy if sell. JMO
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (silver6spdc5)
Go with the Blackwing...you'll have nothing to worry about and it's a great mod.
A previous owner had the Vortex on there and then put on the blackwing...so I have a Blackwing with a cut shroud...go figure. No problems with it, although I'm going to put a "new", uncut shroud back on it just to ease my mind.
A previous owner had the Vortex on there and then put on the blackwing...so I have a Blackwing with a cut shroud...go figure. No problems with it, although I'm going to put a "new", uncut shroud back on it just to ease my mind.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,480
Likes: 132
From: PA
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (TakeAll8)
Go with the Blackwing...you'll have nothing to worry about and it's a great mod.
A previous owner had the Vortex on there and then put on the blackwing...so I have a Blackwing with a cut shroud...go figure. No problems with it, although I'm going to put a "new", uncut shroud back on it just to ease my mind.
A previous owner had the Vortex on there and then put on the blackwing...so I have a Blackwing with a cut shroud...go figure. No problems with it, although I'm going to put a "new", uncut shroud back on it just to ease my mind.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (QuickSilver97)
The concern with a cut shroud, and most after market intakes is hydrolock caused from water ingestion. There are some posts on it, but the bottom line is as follows:
Water (usually standing) is sucked up through the air filter element into the engine in enough quantity to destroy your motor. How easy is it to do? Hib Halverson wrote an excellent article about this in the last issue of C5Registry Magazine. "GM validation of the car is to traverse water at 25mph, 9 inches deep." That is with stock components. The article goes on to discuss how the aftermarket intake manufacturers do not test their systems for water ingestion.
I wouldn't take the car through water deep enough to allow water entry into the intake. A cut shroud system, low breather, is closer to the ground and creates a direct route for water to be forced up into the shroud and into the air filter.
Water (usually standing) is sucked up through the air filter element into the engine in enough quantity to destroy your motor. How easy is it to do? Hib Halverson wrote an excellent article about this in the last issue of C5Registry Magazine. "GM validation of the car is to traverse water at 25mph, 9 inches deep." That is with stock components. The article goes on to discuss how the aftermarket intake manufacturers do not test their systems for water ingestion.
I wouldn't take the car through water deep enough to allow water entry into the intake. A cut shroud system, low breather, is closer to the ground and creates a direct route for water to be forced up into the shroud and into the air filter.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 767
Likes: 1
From: Noble OK
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (SpyRacing)
I have the Vortex and am very satisfied with it. Rain is not a problem at all, its all about driving through those deep puddles, which I would NEVER do! According to the vendors that sell both the Vortex is worth a few more HP. :yesnod:
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 0
From: Sunny FL
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (needhlp)
I just bought a vortex, its on its way as I write this. The cheapest place I found was from West Coast Corvettes, $419 for the Vortex ram and Carbon fiber Power Duct Intake package. Check out the Corvetteforum mall, C5 group purchases/sales section. $25 for shipping.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
From: Olathe KS
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (BiggieBoy)
I have the Vortex. I would never drive my car though a deep puddle, and only time I would have it in the rain is if I was caught out in it and still im not concerned, the filter seems to be up high enough that you would have to drive though pretty deep water to get it in there. JMO of course :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
From: Olathe KS
Re: Donaldson Blackwing vs. Vortex (BiggieBoy)
One last thing I went with the Vortex due to the cold outside air factor. Blackwings take hot underhood air in. But either one will really open up the flow and you will be more than happy with either choice. :seeya