best air intake?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton Inlet, Atlantic Ocean (Floridas east coast)
best air intake?
What do you guys think the best air intake is for the C6. Something that easily bolts on without adding the extra ram induction stuff.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,533
Likes: 0
From: az
Originally Posted by D. Togo
What do you guys think the best air intake is for the C6. Something that easily bolts on without adding the extra ram induction stuff.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,905
Likes: 569
From: Bucks County PA
1 -Easiest = K&N replacement filters = 5 minute install
I have those on my 2005 C6 Vert
2 - Easiest with slightly more power = K&N aircharger intake = 15-20 minute install
I have this on my 2006 C6 coupe
With the aircharger I cut two holes in my lower airduct to bring up some ambient air, you could do this with the K&N replacements also.
Not sure how much it works, but my 2006 trapped 115.85 with just Corsa Sport catback, K&N aircharger intake, and cold air holes.
3 - Most power = Vararam = Major PITA to install
The Vararam and its cousins the LPE seem to make the most power at the track, but with a few negatives:
a - slight risk of water ingestion
b - have to clean filter every 5000 miles as it collects alot of dirt due to the ram air down low
c - install is a PITA, cutting of the shroud is necessary.
I actually cancelled my Vararam order after getting cold feet about water ingestion with my daily driver.
Hope this helps,
Howard
I have those on my 2005 C6 Vert
2 - Easiest with slightly more power = K&N aircharger intake = 15-20 minute install
I have this on my 2006 C6 coupe
With the aircharger I cut two holes in my lower airduct to bring up some ambient air, you could do this with the K&N replacements also.
Not sure how much it works, but my 2006 trapped 115.85 with just Corsa Sport catback, K&N aircharger intake, and cold air holes.
3 - Most power = Vararam = Major PITA to install
The Vararam and its cousins the LPE seem to make the most power at the track, but with a few negatives:
a - slight risk of water ingestion
b - have to clean filter every 5000 miles as it collects alot of dirt due to the ram air down low
c - install is a PITA, cutting of the shroud is necessary.
I actually cancelled my Vararam order after getting cold feet about water ingestion with my daily driver.
Hope this helps,
Howard
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton Inlet, Atlantic Ocean (Floridas east coast)
Originally Posted by yell03
1 -Easiest = K&N replacement filters = 5 minute install
I have those on my 2005 C6 Vert
2 - Easiest with slightly more power = K&N aircharger intake = 15-20 minute install
I have this on my 2006 C6 coupe
With the aircharger I cut two holes in my lower airduct to bring up some ambient air, you could do this with the K&N replacements also.
Not sure how much it works, but my 2006 trapped 115.85 with just Corsa Sport catback, K&N aircharger intake, and cold air holes.
3 - Most power = Vararam = Major PITA to install
The Vararam and its cousins the LPE seem to make the most power at the track, but with a few negatives:
a - slight risk of water ingestion
b - have to clean filter every 5000 miles as it collects alot of dirt due to the ram air down low
c - install is a PITA, cutting of the shroud is necessary.
I actually cancelled my Vararam order after getting cold feet about water ingestion with my daily driver.
Hope this helps,
Howard
I have those on my 2005 C6 Vert
2 - Easiest with slightly more power = K&N aircharger intake = 15-20 minute install
I have this on my 2006 C6 coupe
With the aircharger I cut two holes in my lower airduct to bring up some ambient air, you could do this with the K&N replacements also.
Not sure how much it works, but my 2006 trapped 115.85 with just Corsa Sport catback, K&N aircharger intake, and cold air holes.
3 - Most power = Vararam = Major PITA to install
The Vararam and its cousins the LPE seem to make the most power at the track, but with a few negatives:
a - slight risk of water ingestion
b - have to clean filter every 5000 miles as it collects alot of dirt due to the ram air down low
c - install is a PITA, cutting of the shroud is necessary.
I actually cancelled my Vararam order after getting cold feet about water ingestion with my daily driver.
Hope this helps,
Howard
Well the VARARAM is out of the picture for me. Too complex to install...... so out of the top three "K&N Air Charger / Halltech / Blackwing what do you guys suggest?
Thanks again
Duke
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 139
Likes: 1
From: El Paso TX
The only CAI's that offer any real power increase are those that require cutting a hole in the shroud and sealing the intake to that hole. The others are more for show; especially with the C6 which has a much better air intake system than the C5 did. I've found that a good compromise between the Blackwing/K&N types and the complexity of the Vararam is the Callaway Honker. It may not produce quite as much HP as the Vararam but it's probably good for 10 to 15. It's also easier to maintain than a lot of the others. It does require cutting the shroud for installation, but anything that really works is going to require that.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton Inlet, Atlantic Ocean (Floridas east coast)
Originally Posted by FLGiordano
The only CAI's that offer any real power increase are those that require cutting a hole in the shroud and sealing the intake to that hole. The others are more for show; especially with the C6 which has a much better air intake system than the C5 did. I've found that a good compromise between the Blackwing/K&N types and the complexity of the Vararam is the Callaway Honker. It may not produce quite as much HP as the Vararam but it's probably good for 10 to 15. It's also easier to maintain than a lot of the others. It does require cutting the shroud for installation, but anything that really works is going to require that.
So far I like the Callaway Honker best! Sounds like a real winner! THANKS!
Last edited by D. Togo; Oct 27, 2006 at 06:33 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Houston
I have the Vararam after asking around the forum. They have a performance garantee which I personally benefitted from 0.3s and 2-3 mph in the 1/4.
The install depends on your skill level. It took me about 3 hours but that was taking my time and I work on cars as an outlet/de-stresser. I will be putting one on a friends car soon and plan on cutting installation time in half. If your motivated to do it quickly, you could put it on much faster.
I bought the pre-cut shroud as I wanted to keep my stock shroud in case I wanted to go back to stock.
I have driven through one rain storm so far with no problems. I had to drive about 15 miles on the highway at 55-65 mphs. Vararam states there is no problem with sucking water unless you submerge the nose. The design of the air dam has a bottom lip which dips down below the lower vette damn allowing an escape for water to drain.
Goodluck with your decision and have fun!
The install depends on your skill level. It took me about 3 hours but that was taking my time and I work on cars as an outlet/de-stresser. I will be putting one on a friends car soon and plan on cutting installation time in half. If your motivated to do it quickly, you could put it on much faster.
I bought the pre-cut shroud as I wanted to keep my stock shroud in case I wanted to go back to stock.
I have driven through one rain storm so far with no problems. I had to drive about 15 miles on the highway at 55-65 mphs. Vararam states there is no problem with sucking water unless you submerge the nose. The design of the air dam has a bottom lip which dips down below the lower vette damn allowing an escape for water to drain.
Goodluck with your decision and have fun!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 0
From: Boca Raton Inlet, Atlantic Ocean (Floridas east coast)
Originally Posted by chempowr
I have the Vararam after asking around the forum. They have a performance garantee which I personally benefitted from 0.3s and 2-3 mph in the 1/4.
The install depends on your skill level. It took me about 3 hours but that was taking my time and I work on cars as an outlet/de-stresser. I will be putting one on a friends car soon and plan on cutting installation time in half. If your motivated to do it quickly, you could put it on much faster.
I bought the pre-cut shroud as I wanted to keep my stock shroud in case I wanted to go back to stock.
I have driven through one rain storm so far with no problems. I had to drive about 15 miles on the highway at 55-65 mphs. Vararam states there is no problem with sucking water unless you submerge the nose. The design of the air dam has a bottom lip which dips down below the lower vette damn allowing an escape for water to drain.
Goodluck with your decision and have fun!
The install depends on your skill level. It took me about 3 hours but that was taking my time and I work on cars as an outlet/de-stresser. I will be putting one on a friends car soon and plan on cutting installation time in half. If your motivated to do it quickly, you could put it on much faster.
I bought the pre-cut shroud as I wanted to keep my stock shroud in case I wanted to go back to stock.
I have driven through one rain storm so far with no problems. I had to drive about 15 miles on the highway at 55-65 mphs. Vararam states there is no problem with sucking water unless you submerge the nose. The design of the air dam has a bottom lip which dips down below the lower vette damn allowing an escape for water to drain.
Goodluck with your decision and have fun!
I saw that one but I was more interested in the Vararam w/o the added inlet. How is the basic bolt on Vararam compaired to the Callaway?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Houston
If you are talking about a Vararam without the lower scoop, I have not seen that one (but I also haven't looked). Replacing the airbox (no matter what brand) is straightforward and shouldn't take more than 15-30 minutes no matter your experience level.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Hey guys I just happen to view this post and pretty much it answered my question. I just needed to know is replacing a stock Air Intake for a High performance easy. I just dont want to take it to a dealership and charge me $$$$ just to do it. Also what about headers?
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 155
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12
Our "Performance Guarantee"--- If you don't like it - If you don't love it - If it doesn't do what we say it does - If you don't like the way it looks - For whatever reason --we will happily refund your money and pay the freight both ways!!!!! The C6 unit is a relatively easy install . Call me at 866-507-2648 and I can answer any questions you may have!! Thanks
Steve
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 6,099
Likes: 64
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '09
Some noticeable (~10-12 hp) gains reportedly can be realized with a bottom breather (Vararam, Honker, LPE, Hurricane), but having to cut the shroud makes the install much harder and longer than a top breather, though I wouldn't let that stop me. In Houston, I won't risk a bottom breather intake in my daily driver since the streets often hold water during and after hard rains. If it wasn't my daily driver, I would get a bottom breather, but it is.
Top breathers (K & N Aircharger, Blackwing, etc.) are somewhat less restrictive than the stock C6 intake, which is quite good compared to the stock C5 intake. However, gains with a top breather reportedly are not really noticeable (~2-3 hp). Since I can't use a bottom breather, I'll probably just leave my intake stock.
Hey Howard, where exactly did you cut the holes to bring fresh air in, and how big? Have they allowed more dirt/dust in your engine bay? Do you think they would allow water to get to the intake in a real downpour or driving through 2-4" of standing water?
Top breathers (K & N Aircharger, Blackwing, etc.) are somewhat less restrictive than the stock C6 intake, which is quite good compared to the stock C5 intake. However, gains with a top breather reportedly are not really noticeable (~2-3 hp). Since I can't use a bottom breather, I'll probably just leave my intake stock.
Hey Howard, where exactly did you cut the holes to bring fresh air in, and how big? Have they allowed more dirt/dust in your engine bay? Do you think they would allow water to get to the intake in a real downpour or driving through 2-4" of standing water?
Last edited by Indy-hp; Oct 27, 2006 at 02:02 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,905
Likes: 569
From: Bucks County PA
Indy-hp -
My car is also my daily driver.
I cut the holes in the lower air duct, that is the black piece in between the radiator and the fog light on each side.
No water or dirt makes it up there.
If you don't like it, black electrical tape the hole.
I had originally drilled holes in the piece, but they were not uniform and looked like sh-t.
So, I just took a utility knife and cut one rectangular cutout on each side, like 2"x4".
Howard
My car is also my daily driver.
I cut the holes in the lower air duct, that is the black piece in between the radiator and the fog light on each side.
No water or dirt makes it up there.
If you don't like it, black electrical tape the hole.
I had originally drilled holes in the piece, but they were not uniform and looked like sh-t.
So, I just took a utility knife and cut one rectangular cutout on each side, like 2"x4".
Howard
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,032
Likes: 868
From: Tampa Florida
Originally Posted by VaraRam Industries
Our "Performance Guarantee"--- If you don't like it - If you don't love it - If it doesn't do what we say it does - If you don't like the way it looks - For whatever reason --we will happily refund your money and pay the freight both ways!!!!! The C6 unit is a relatively easy install . Call me at 866-507-2648 and I can answer any questions you may have!! Thanks
Steve
Steve
Last edited by Fore58; Oct 27, 2006 at 04:54 PM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Originally Posted by Fore58
I won't be sending mine back that's for sure. The VaraRam is what I call Research/Developement at it's best. Take the ram-air system away from today's sport bikes and see what happens. I guarantee there would be a tremendous amount of lost in horsepower. The VaraRam is based on the same concept. I love the results.
