Hello all,

This is my first post to the forum. I purchased my 2000 coupe almost three years ago and haven't added any mods until now. I was afraid that once I started I would be unable to stop. :D

My neighbor recently sold his 2000 coupe and I purchased several parts from him. One of those was a blackwing, but I'm having a terrible time trying to get it installed. It seems that I'm missing a piece and my neighbor told me that my airbox is different from his. They are both 2000 coupes.

The difficulty is in connecting the MAF to the Blackwing. On my stock airbox there is a clamp that mounts directly to the MAF. I removed the clamp and went to connect the blackwing. However the blackwing has a 4" opening and the MAF is 3.5".

According to the instructions:
Attach the new Donaldson filter to the MAF sensor. A little lubricant will make this easier. Don't tighten the hose clamp at this point.

Is there supposed to be some sort of rubber piece and clamp that came with the Donaldson? My neighbor thought that he had a small piece of rubber and clamp that came on his stock airbox, but mine is all molded to the airbox assembly.

Sorry for such a long first post, but it's driving me crazy trying to get what should be an easy installation completed. If I am missing a piece does anyone know where I can pick one up?

If needed I can attach photos.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

Home
Up

Blackwing Installation Instructions



NOTE: Visually inspect and recognize these four parts of the intake system, starting from the front they are; Air Filter Housing, Mass Airflow Sensor, Intake Bridge , and Intake Bellows. The bellows is connected to the throttle body.



Disconnect the mass airflow sensor and inlet air temperature sensor electrical connectors. All electrical connectors have some sort of locking clip, releasing them properly insures that you will not damage the connectors.

NOTE: on 2001 and newer Corvette models, the inlet air temperature sensor is built into the mass airflow sensor. Therefore, there is only one electrical connector at the mass airflow sensor.

Loosen the clamp at the throttle body. Remove the small vacuum line (if equipped) from the intake bellows. Separate the intake bellows from the throttle body. Disconnect the AIR (3/4” black rubber) hose from driver’s side of the air filter housing. Remove the factory rubber grommet, you will use it to reassemble.

Release the air intake bridge from the upper radiator shroud grommet studs by carefully prying upward on the rubber intake bridge grommets. Use your fingers to pry the bridge and grommets from the radiator shroud studs. Now pull the whole assembly rearward. This will release the two grommets that attach the air filter housing to the front frame member.

Remove the air filter housing, mass airflow sensor, intake bridge, and intake bellows from the vehicle as a one-piece unit. Place the unit on a bench or table.

Loosen the clamp that connects the air filter housing to the mass airflow sensor. Remove the air filter housing from the mass airflow sensor. Remove the rubber grommets from the air filter housing, you will use them to reassemble.

Follow the directions below for step six depending on model year.



1997-2000 Corvette:

Install the Blackwing air filter to the mass airflow sensor, using window cleaner as a lubricant. Make sure that mass airflow sensor is inserted in to the Blackwing air filter coupler completely. Align the filter, mass airflow sensor, and intake bridge so they are aligned and clocked properly. Tighten the clamp and install the rubber grommets from the air filter housing to the Blackwing air filter.



2001 and newer Corvette:

Install the adapter coupler (4”ID x 2”) to the Blackwing air filter. Push it on all the way and tighten the clamp. Install second clamp on adapter coupler and insert the mass air flow sensor fully. Position the clamp, align the filter, mass airflow sensor, and intake bridge so they are clocked properly. Tighten the clamp. Install the rubber grommets from the air filter housing to the Blackwing air filter.





Position the Blackwing air filter, mass airflow sensor, and intake bellows assembly in the vehicle. Lubricate rubber grommets with window cleaner and push the air filter grommets over the mounting studs, located on the front frame member. Install the intake bellows on the throttle body, don’t tighten the clamp. Push the rubber intake bridge grommets onto the upper radiator shroud studs. Make sure assembly is fitted and aligned properly then tighten the clamp on the throttle body.

Connect the AIR hose to the Blackwing air filter, using the factory grommet. You will have to rotate the elbow at the end of the AIR hose so it has a relaxed position when installed. Install the small vacuum line (if equipped) to the intake bellows.

Connect the mass airflow sensor and inlet air temperature sensor electrical connectors.

NOTE: on 2001 Corvette models, the inlet air temperature sensor is built into the mass airflow sensor. Therefore, only one electrical connector at the mass airflow sensor will need to be connected.

You now have the satisfaction of owning the finest performance air filtration product on the market. Nothing out-flows or out-filters the Blackwing air filter.




Hope this helps, It sounds like you need the 4" adapter, good luck. :cheers:

 

Thanks for the tip. I agree it sounds like I need the adapter, but that is supposed to be for 2001 and up. My neighbor stated that maybe I have a 2001 air box, but also according to the directions there is only one electrical connector, but I have both.

I'm hoping to hear from someone that has purchased a new blackwing to see if it only came with the filter or if it included some sort of clamp/rubber hose.

Aaron

 

You will need a rubber adapter to attach to the Blackwing filter, allowing
the adapter to fit the MAF sensor. The adapter has a slot around it's base
that grips the filter opening. 2001 and later requires a four inch long adapter
for a larger MAF sensor. You can get the one you need from Exit 28 at
(214) 691-7950.

Pricing should be approx. $15.00.

 

Thanks for all the prompt responses! Is the rubber adapter something that typically comes with the blackwing?

Thanks again,
Aaron

 

Yes, your supplier would normally provide the correct adapter based upon
the model year of your corvette. I received a Blackwing with both adapters
(my corvette is an 2001) and later lost the one you need. When I sold it
to a friend he had to buy an adapter for his 2000.

 

I bought a used blackwing and it was missing the part that you need also. I was able to use the adaptor for the '01 and newer. I just had to buy another 4" clamp and make sure everything was good and tight. So if you have the adaptor for the larger MAF sensor, try that first, otherwise you will need to get the smaller version to connect evrything up. GOOD LUCK....

:thumbs: :thumbs:

 

Hey, you're in luck! I just bought a Blackwing for my '02 and I of course had to used the '01 and up adapter to connect mine to the MAF. I have that regular rubber coupler with the groove in it that comes with the Blackwing that you need. Email me your address at nat3157@msn.com and I'll mail it to you! That way you won't have to worry about paying for a new one! :thumbs:

 

Thank you so much. As mentioned above, this is my first time to this forum. You guys are great thinks for all the responses. Nat I've sent my address via e-mail.

Aaron
:D :D

 

I didn't reuse the elbow, instead I connected the air hose directly to the Blackwing, only using the elbow's rubber grommet.
Without silicone spray this would have been nearly impossible. The hose sits very tight now and won't slip out!




[Modified by CR555, 2:16 AM 3/28/2003]

 

I'll get it in the mail tomorrow Aaron. :thumbs: :seeya