Got the Blackwing installed today and....
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Got the Blackwing installed today and....
.....took the vette out for a spin and I am not one bit impressed. As far as I am concerned, I dropped 200 plus bucks for what amounts to nothing more than an exposed air filter.
The first clue I had that there wasn't going to be any difference is in the diameter of the actual intake opening, when I removed the factory air box.
I had seen pics of this opening being little more than that of a quarter in diameter and maybe twice that distance in height.....very restrictive.
I don't recall now what year Corvette that pic was of, but obviously the General must have remedied that problem with the 2004 model year, as the opening on the factory airbox, while being a little more elliptical than the Blackwing, measures out to be the same as that on the Blackwing.
Oh well, at least it does look a little better than the OEM airbox and not like someone had accidentally dropped a small suitcase down in front of the radiator.
Live and learn, they always say. But why does learning have to be so damned expensive?
The first clue I had that there wasn't going to be any difference is in the diameter of the actual intake opening, when I removed the factory air box.
I had seen pics of this opening being little more than that of a quarter in diameter and maybe twice that distance in height.....very restrictive.
I don't recall now what year Corvette that pic was of, but obviously the General must have remedied that problem with the 2004 model year, as the opening on the factory airbox, while being a little more elliptical than the Blackwing, measures out to be the same as that on the Blackwing.
Oh well, at least it does look a little better than the OEM airbox and not like someone had accidentally dropped a small suitcase down in front of the radiator.
Live and learn, they always say. But why does learning have to be so damned expensive?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 16,398
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
.....took the vette out for a spin and I am not one bit impressed. As far as I am concerned, I dropped 200 plus bucks for what amounts to nothing more than an exposed air filter.
The first clue I had that there wasn't going to be any difference is in the diameter of the actual intake opening, when I removed the factory air box.
I had seen pics of this opening being little more than that of a quarter in diameter and maybe twice that distance in height.....very restrictive.
I don't recall now what year Corvette that pic was of, but obviously the General must have remedied that problem with the 2004 model year, as the opening on the factory airbox, while being a little more elliptical than the Blackwing, measures out to be the same as that on the Blackwing.
Oh well, at least it does look a little better than the OEM airbox and not like someone had accidentally dropped a small suitcase down in front of the radiator.
Live and learn, they always say. But why does learning have to be so damned expensive?
The first clue I had that there wasn't going to be any difference is in the diameter of the actual intake opening, when I removed the factory air box.
I had seen pics of this opening being little more than that of a quarter in diameter and maybe twice that distance in height.....very restrictive.
I don't recall now what year Corvette that pic was of, but obviously the General must have remedied that problem with the 2004 model year, as the opening on the factory airbox, while being a little more elliptical than the Blackwing, measures out to be the same as that on the Blackwing.
Oh well, at least it does look a little better than the OEM airbox and not like someone had accidentally dropped a small suitcase down in front of the radiator.
Live and learn, they always say. But why does learning have to be so damned expensive?
The 2004 ls1 air box has the same restrictive opening as the 2001. Doing the "swiss cheese" mod gives you the same gains as the Blackwing, but it's free.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 38,314
Likes: 35
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
The first clue I had that there wasn't going to be any difference is in the diameter of the actual intake opening, when I removed the factory air box.
I had seen pics of this opening being little more than that of a quarter in diameter and maybe twice that distance in height.....very restrictive.
I don't recall now what year Corvette that pic was of, but obviously the General must have remedied that problem with the 2004 model year, as the opening on the factory airbox, while being a little more elliptical than the Blackwing, measures out to be the same as that on the Blackwing.
Last edited by '06 Quicksilver Z06; Oct 5, 2004 at 11:08 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by EB20003
Not sure I follow you. The Blackwing draws in air from around all sides. Except the back unless you cut the radiator shroud. The stock airlid does not.
I may be a bit hasty in my reaction to this install, as I was expecting to at least "feel" something. You're right in that the Blackwing definitely has more filter exposed than the stock airbox does.
But I was under the impression that it was the actual connection from the airbox to the MAF that was the major cause of restriction. I wish I could find that picture again.
Hmmm, I'll sleep on it and buzz the vette around at higher speeds and see what happens. I was all hyped up over all the positive feedback that everyone has been giving these Blackwings. It was really a let down when there was no SOTP difference.
Maybe like that one fella said some time ago....maybe my butt has been desensitized by all the wifey butt-chewings I am getting for spending so much money on this Corvette.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,058
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
.....took the vette out for a spin and I am not one bit impressed. As far as I am concerned, I dropped 200 plus bucks for what amounts to nothing more than an exposed air filter.
The first clue I had that there wasn't going to be any difference is in the diameter of the actual intake opening, when I removed the factory air box.
I had seen pics of this opening being little more than that of a quarter in diameter and maybe twice that distance in height.....very restrictive.
I don't recall now what year Corvette that pic was of, but obviously the General must have remedied that problem with the 2004 model year, as the opening on the factory airbox, while being a little more elliptical than the Blackwing, measures out to be the same as that on the Blackwing.
Oh well, at least it does look a little better than the OEM airbox and not like someone had accidentally dropped a small suitcase down in front of the radiator.
Live and learn, they always say. But why does learning have to be so damned expensive?
The first clue I had that there wasn't going to be any difference is in the diameter of the actual intake opening, when I removed the factory air box.
I had seen pics of this opening being little more than that of a quarter in diameter and maybe twice that distance in height.....very restrictive.
I don't recall now what year Corvette that pic was of, but obviously the General must have remedied that problem with the 2004 model year, as the opening on the factory airbox, while being a little more elliptical than the Blackwing, measures out to be the same as that on the Blackwing.
Oh well, at least it does look a little better than the OEM airbox and not like someone had accidentally dropped a small suitcase down in front of the radiator.
Live and learn, they always say. But why does learning have to be so damned expensive?
I agree with you in part...I don't feel that much difference for $200...I was expecting miracles...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Statesboro Ga
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
Maybe like that one fella said some time ago....maybe my butt has been desensitized by all the wifey butt-chewings I am getting for spending so much money on this Corvette.
But, about the Blackwing..... I'm surprised you didn't notice a difference. I added my Blackwing about a week after I installed the B&B PRT's, and I noticed an acceleration boost immediately. I didn't get around to the headers and all until about a year later. Two other things I added were cold air screens and a larger power duct with a smooth coupler to the throttle body. I added these things at the same time I did the Blackwing, but I believe the biggest difference is the Blackwing itself.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 66
From: Middletown CT
It's an air filter! Where you expecting to gain 100HP?
HP gains using the Blackwing have been well documented on the dyno. 10-12 HP would be common. Are you going to feel the difference? Only you can say, but when adding mods every little bit helps. I can't think of another mod that will get you 10HP or more, for that low a price.
HP gains using the Blackwing have been well documented on the dyno. 10-12 HP would be common. Are you going to feel the difference? Only you can say, but when adding mods every little bit helps. I can't think of another mod that will get you 10HP or more, for that low a price.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,386
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From: Just a little outside San Antonio, Texas
I know it's early in the morning but I seem to remember that the PCM takes a little while to relearn the new airflow. Don't you have to drive the car about 50 or so miles and under varying throttle positions so the PCM can relearn.
When I put my Vararam in, I was appalled to see that the air opening on the stock airbox was about the size of a matchbox. I would think that anything that can give more air to the engine would be a good thing.
Drive the car around a bit more and see if anything changes. If not, I'm sure you can sell the Blackwing on C5 Parts and recoup at least some of your money.
When I put my Vararam in, I was appalled to see that the air opening on the stock airbox was about the size of a matchbox. I would think that anything that can give more air to the engine would be a good thing.
Drive the car around a bit more and see if anything changes. If not, I'm sure you can sell the Blackwing on C5 Parts and recoup at least some of your money.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 1
From: San Bruno Ca
Truthfully speaking, I never felt any gains on any bolt-on mods I did. I bolted on headers, LS-6 intake and vortex rammer and ported the throttle body, sparkplugs and wires, and Ti cat-backs. I did not feel any appreciable gains at all. When I did the heads and cam swap, I noticed a small gain. So I took it to a dyno and it showed a 110 RWHP gain. I guess my butt is numb..
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 0
From: S.W. Ohio
Only Perf mod I have done is a Blackwing. My 99FRC dyno'd at 317.88. So there is something to the filter I believe. The Bolt-ons are only a staging platform to make the BIG mods like CAM and or HEADS really work well.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,661
Likes: 67
From: Ocean Springs MS
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
I may be a bit hasty in my reaction to this install, as I was expecting to at least "feel" something. You're right in that the Blackwing definitely has more filter exposed than the stock airbox does.
But I was under the impression that it was the actual connection from the airbox to the MAF that was the major cause of restriction. I wish I could find that picture again.
But I was under the impression that it was the actual connection from the airbox to the MAF that was the major cause of restriction. I wish I could find that picture again.
BTW - Unless you're really strapped for cash, quit tellin the wife how much you spend on the vette. It only leads to heartache. If she get's upset about a $200 Blackwing, you're in for major problems in the future.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 5
From: Germantown, TN
Originally Posted by Greg_E
It's an air filter! Where you expecting to gain 100HP?
HP gains using the Blackwing have been well documented on the dyno. 10-12 HP would be common. Are you going to feel the difference? Only you can say, but when adding mods every little bit helps. I can't think of another mod that will get you 10HP or more, for that low a price.
HP gains using the Blackwing have been well documented on the dyno. 10-12 HP would be common. Are you going to feel the difference? Only you can say, but when adding mods every little bit helps. I can't think of another mod that will get you 10HP or more, for that low a price.
Remember a 10 hp gain is almost not noticeable. I beleive every small mod like an air intake goes toward the final picture of heads,cam,lt's, whatever you decide to go for. As far as the price $200.00 does not go very far in the corvette mod world. That's the price we pay for the cars we drive...... 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 7,393
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles CA
Originally Posted by MagikDraggin
.....took the vette out for a spin and I am not one bit impressed. As far as I am concerned, I dropped 200 plus bucks for what amounts to nothing more than an exposed air filter.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,847
Likes: 1
From: Iowa
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by fdxpilot
The restriction is the tiny intake opening on the stock airbox. The MAF connection is not a restriction until you are way above stock HP levels. That's why a custom airbridge typically adds very little HP.
BTW - Unless you're really strapped for cash, quit tellin the wife how much you spend on the vette. It only leads to heartache. If she get's upset about a $200 Blackwing, you're in for major problems in the future.
BTW - Unless you're really strapped for cash, quit tellin the wife how much you spend on the vette. It only leads to heartache. If she get's upset about a $200 Blackwing, you're in for major problems in the future.
Oh, it's not so much being "strapped for cash", as much as it is the overall amount I've been pouring into these cars. She just can't see the benefits of my efforts in the same perspective as I can.
As far as the new Blackwing, I did as another poster suggested and drove the car around for a good 75 miles or so and honestly, I still do not see/feel any difference in the way it performs.
I do however, understand the point made about the "bolt-ons" being in preparation for the more "serious" mods down the road. THAT, I can relate to. Long-tube headers are probably next on the list of things that "need" to be done to the Vette, heh, heh, heh.
Thanks to all for the kind words and helpful hints.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: copperopolis calif
I'm pretty much with you Karl,I noticed actually losing some torque on the low end of the spectrum as far as cruising goes,tried punching it at 45 mph and actually hit 100 mark quicker with the stock air box and exhaust,i think I'll stay stock for now and use the mod money to buy a new Harley.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
... I seem to remember that the PCM takes a little while to relearn the new airflow.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 54,204
Likes: 180
From: S.W. Ohio. . . . . . NRA Life Member
Wide Open Throttle Operation
Something to note: The PCM on GEN III engines only operates in True Open Loop Mode during cold engine startup because the heated O2 sensors need time to warm up to operating temperatures. Cold startup is where the engine runs in speed density mode, whereby it only looks at map/maf sensors, and other information such as engine speed and throttle position. Then it goes into, closed loop mode, but has a Power Enrichment Mode for WOT operation. This mode of operation is a modified version of Speed Density still relying heavily on the MAF for airflow metering to determine engine load, but does not send updates to the PCM like fuel trim adjustments.
interesting reading when you have the time:
http://www.vetteguru.com/mods/howto/
Something to note: The PCM on GEN III engines only operates in True Open Loop Mode during cold engine startup because the heated O2 sensors need time to warm up to operating temperatures. Cold startup is where the engine runs in speed density mode, whereby it only looks at map/maf sensors, and other information such as engine speed and throttle position. Then it goes into, closed loop mode, but has a Power Enrichment Mode for WOT operation. This mode of operation is a modified version of Speed Density still relying heavily on the MAF for airflow metering to determine engine load, but does not send updates to the PCM like fuel trim adjustments.
interesting reading when you have the time:
http://www.vetteguru.com/mods/howto/
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 3,413
Likes: 278
From: NC
Originally Posted by Scubanme
Truthfully speaking, I never felt any gains on any bolt-on mods I did. I bolted on headers, LS-6 intake and vortex rammer and ported the throttle body, sparkplugs and wires, and Ti cat-backs. I did not feel any appreciable gains at all. When I did the heads and cam swap, I noticed a small gain. So I took it to a dyno and it showed a 110 RWHP gain. I guess my butt is numb..
I went w/ the vararam and noticed it immediately......especially at triple digit speeds.....
give it some miles....it may come to ya
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,869
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From: Maumelle AR
I didn't notice anything with the Blackwing. I trust Donaldson for building a solid, quality filter. That's the main reason I put it on. I go back to the stock for AutoX. It might be a tad better after relearn.