I don't know which one is better, but for my application and driving needs I went with a BW. Mine is a daily driver rain or shine.

Other systems may produce a few more ponies but at what expense?

Good luck

Tom
USAF Retired

 

Blackwing :iagree:

:flag :thumbs: :auto:

 

Question please-is Vortex and Vivoram(?) the same thing? What about VR-1 and VR-1B what is that all about?
Thanks
Thanks all for your help :p:

 

Vortex and Vararam are totally different...there are 2 versions of the Vararam

 

High water is a concern for people that live in certain area's. Florida for example is mostly flat. On the street I take to get to work, there is a section that if it rains for more then 30 minutes, always floods. The water doesn't reach the top of the side walks (which are about 4" high), so one would assume the water is 2-3" deep. However, in the street due to the way it is shaped, is more like 6-7" deep on the sides, 1-2" deep in the middel of the road.

Now, in that situation, if you know the road, you just drive down the middle slowly and have no problems. However, once the water reaches the top of the sidewalks (remember, it's only about 4" high), I've seen the water on the sides waist deep... how can I tell it's 'waist deep'? Because every time it's that high I see some poor soul pushing their car through the water.

Anyway, the point is - there are certain area's where water is a HUGE concern for hydrolock, and the person doesn't need to be an idiot to have it happen to them. All it takes is 30 minutes of rain in Florida with a nice piece of a Palm blocking up a drain.


I'll be going Black Wing even though I know which streets to take when it's raining, jik. :D

*edit* I see the spelling/grammar errors, but I'm to lazy to fix. :smash:


[Modified by Oyea, 3:02 PM 6/22/2003]

 

Suggest the Blackwing to avoid any possibility of hydrolock which can be a major disaster. But remember- if you get the air in better then you have to get it out better. Given the stock exhaust equipment I would recommed long tube headers [Stainless Works] and a cat back exhaust [Corsa] to get the air out and start making some additional power- plus much better exhaust sound.

 

what about a power duct? can you use those with the blackwing? or do you just use a coupler?

 

NxtLev007,

I have an torch red '00 FRC with 37.9K. When I purchased, it was mint, and stock except for a B&B PRT exhaust--quad oval tips.

After reading around a bit, I had a Blackwing (get a hood seal to keep water from running between the hood gap), and Vortex Power Duct & silicone coupler installed.

Everyone has their favorite, and a different experience. My Blackwing has made a noticeable difference. My FRC pulls harder and for some reason the exhaust sounds "throatier." On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 10. I live in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, so water ingestion isn't a big concern--except for the occasional torrential downpours. I've driven my FRC in some driving rain (no deep puddles), and am a happy camper. My Vette is my daily driver, as my other car has become the "garage queen". Too much fun.

As far as the Vortex power duct/silicone coupler, it is most likely eye candy. I like the way it looks under the hood with the C5 emblem. It is bigger and theoretically flows more air, but with the Blackwing--my guess is that my stock motor is getting all the air it needs at any rpm. Since I got the Vortex power duct/coupler for a bargain price, it gets a 8 of 10 in my books--the looks are worth it IMHO for the price I paid. The 8 points are based on looks and not on the theoretical benefit. If it added 2 hp, it's not like I can feel it in a 3150lb car.

I've never seen this listed, but my belief is that the Synteq (spelling?) synthetic media on the Blackwing likely filters out smaller particles than the other major oiled filter without compromising performance.

Either Blackwing or Vortex will improve performance. My guess is that they both perform within 1-2 hp of one another, and it boils down to what you like.

Sincerely,

Karl

 

Blackwing is easier to install, no cutting etc. Rammer makes more power, harder install and maint., plus costs more.

 

I have the vortex, I love it, and this is my daily driver. With just this mod I pull dead even with '02+ Zs. I did a very scientific test yesterday, me and Dave (aprasr) had a head to head drag race at VMP. I pulled him off the line, but had to short shift first, at the end of second we were even. From then untill we crossed the line we were DEAD even. my slip shows him that I beat him by .0891 seconds... like I said very scientific!

As for cost... man never buy this crap new. If you've ever modded another car ( other than a ferrari or viper etc.) you'll see that vette stuff is a super rip off!!! Be patient and look for your stuff on the forums for sale wanted. That is if you're on a mod budget like me. I picked my vortex brand new in the box shipped for $140 :yesnod:

Also, dynos won't show the vortex's advantage over the BW. Once you're moving and the air is flowing good things will be happening. Now if you've got open Z06 front screens the difference is probably negligible. Plus, I agree with the above comment that the vortex looks better.

 

thanx for all the replies guys. I decided to go with a clear vortex setup, since I shouldn't have to worry about heavy rain in Dallas. I picked it up on special for $215 from Exit 28 Motorsports through Richard. I also snagged a throttle body bypass (since they're really cheap) and NGK TRD 55 plugs :) We'll see how the install goes and I should hopefully have my parts this weekend.

:auto:

 

I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I have the Vortex and I like it, however, I had the clear box. It looks really nice but it is a real PITA to keep dust free. I ended up painting the inside of mine black. Just alittle advice. :D :D

 

Good choice goint with the Vortex, I recently purchased one too. :thumbs:

 

:iagree: Looks great, works well. Good product. :seeya