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First of all, I'm very impressed by the power that the BW makes, I think it was a good choice. On to my issue... When I installed the BW, the two push pins that go through those rubber grommets on the black factory piece with the C5 emblem will not go back in. The BW sits up too high for those two push pins to fasten securely. I don't understand this, as it was just putting the stock piece back on. Also, since the instructions that came with it were 100% irrevelant, I just want to double check on something. I took off the entire air box when I put the Blackwing in (that shroud that attaches to the fasica with the two torx bolts). I think you have to take that off, otherwise you couldn't bolt in the BW using those holes. Also, why are some people drilling holes in their lids instead of taking them off? Is that just K&N users?
EDIT: Does anyone have one of those black rubber grommets that I was talking about? I lost one of them and would appreciate it if someone could send me one. Thanks.
getting the air bridge to sit right takes some fidgeting - I had to play with it for about an hour - and it still wasn't perfect. Loosen everything up, then try to get it better, then tighten it all back up.
:seeya
p.s. did you lose the grommet in the front of the car? if so - it's down there, it just takes some time to find. I've dropped them on a couple of cars - there down there somewhere. :D If you lost it entirely - maybe Ken Fichtner has them - he seems to be the go to guy for stock parts. He's a forum vendor. :seeya
getting the air bridge to sit right takes some fidgeting - I had to play with it for about an hour - and it still wasn't perfect. Loosen everything up, then try to get it better, then tighten it all back up...
I agree...it may take a little work to get it lined up ok. If you have the other connections tight, the BW isn't going anywhere even if you don't attach it to anything.
It will line up. You just have to use a little more pressure. Everything is pretty flexible and won't break. At first it seems to be sitting above the push pins too much to ever fit properly but with a few firm nudges and some constant pressure it will come together. :yesnod:
The first time on with the stock MAF was not as bad. When I switched to a GMAF and took the BW out again, the airbridge seemed even a little bit higher. :flag
I've just finished installing a Blackwing myself. Its on an 02 vert. I'm having a similar problem with the gromets on the air bridge. I, however, installed a power coupler at the same time. Would that make a big difference in the alignment (seems to be sitting to high) and should I try to get the anchors to go in or is it really impossible to do with the aftermarket power coupler.
By the way, I'm very happy with the added performance the Blackwing has brought and now just waiting to have a Z06 exhaust installed. :thumbs:
Mine was a little cranky going on also, and i used the stock coupler. What helped me the most was leaving all the clamps loose, and spraying WD40 on all the connections. I had to pull mine back out, slip it apart, spray it, and put it back in. The other thing i discovered to do most of the pushing and fitting with my hands going through the opening in front of the hood. It was much easier to see where the grommets were and it was easier to twist and push from this angle.
The air bridge sits a little higher on my Vert, but does not interfere with the hood.
I would not spray any lubricant on the components.
Lubricants, especially silicon, can foul the MAF sensor.
The instructions do suck! But with help from the forum, I got through it in about 1 hour. It doesn't look difficult, but when you get to doing it...its a bitch! What I did was, I took the air bridge, maf, and factory air box out all at once. Then I disconnected everything and I put the BW in first, I started from the front to Throttle Body. You have to play with a little while, but she should fit right in. :confused: As fas as the grommets, I dropped one too. Almost everybody who installs a BW, loses or drops on, sometimes both of them. If you can't find it, just go to your nearest dealer. I got two for free. Goodluck!!
PS I hope your not using the plastic clamp that came with BW. take that one off and use the factory one(the one before the MAF).
The secret is to work from the bottom front gromits back. Put everything in
place leave all the clamps loose, then line the front botton gromits that hold it in place, it takes a lot of pressure to get thm to go in but they will. Once you get that done than just tighten everything up.
I installed mine in about 45 mins. It was definately worth the time & money.
Try a little KY lubricant on the grommets as some petroleum based lubricants can have nasty effects on the rubber grommets over time. After your done it can easily be rinsed off and has no ill effects even in the long term.