Which Cold Air Induction
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 0
From: La Quinta CA
Which Cold Air Induction
I am thinking of upgrading my stock air induction to an aftermarket and am totally confused. After reading the manufactures claims I thought I would come to the forum for help. I have a 2005 Z51 6 speed coupe.
My concerns:
1. Do they work?
2. Will they void my warranty?
3. Can water get into the engine? Are there any brands that will not let water into the engine?
4. Difficulty of installation?
Thanks for your feedback!
Dave
.
My concerns:
1. Do they work?
2. Will they void my warranty?
3. Can water get into the engine? Are there any brands that will not let water into the engine?
4. Difficulty of installation?
Thanks for your feedback!
Dave
.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 1
From: Howell New Jersey
VARARAM
1) Yes, SOTP.... you can actually hear a whistle(from sucking the air) when you step on the gas. No dyno to prove it but I do notice a difference.
2) I don't think so
3) You can hydro-lock the engine with your stock air box if you go into deep enough water. Not my daily driver, so I'm not concerned. I've also read many other forum members who's C6 is their D/D and have no problems with down pour or LOW standing water.
4) My guys in my shop did the install. The only PITA part was the shroud, otherwise very easy... about 1 hour.
1) Yes, SOTP.... you can actually hear a whistle(from sucking the air) when you step on the gas. No dyno to prove it but I do notice a difference.
2) I don't think so
3) You can hydro-lock the engine with your stock air box if you go into deep enough water. Not my daily driver, so I'm not concerned. I've also read many other forum members who's C6 is their D/D and have no problems with down pour or LOW standing water.
4) My guys in my shop did the install. The only PITA part was the shroud, otherwise very easy... about 1 hour.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Lingenfelter
I have the Lingenfelter.
1. Defintely added HP. I have chart of the switch from Halltech to LPE with no other changes.
2. Technically no. But the states that conform to CARB standards, any change in the intake that is not CARB certified is illegal and some dealers are using that fact to deny warranty claims.
3. Yes, water may be ingested into the engine but the opening is inside the radiator opening almost 1 foot off the ground and behind the air dam to prevent the wave washover that was a problem with the C5 cold air that took air in front of the air dam. I have driven in torrential rains since the install and the filter is barely damp.
4. The LPE is not and easy install but not overly complex. It is a pain to clean.
I like the performance gains the intake gave me. My only complaint is the difficulty cleaning.
1. Defintely added HP. I have chart of the switch from Halltech to LPE with no other changes.
2. Technically no. But the states that conform to CARB standards, any change in the intake that is not CARB certified is illegal and some dealers are using that fact to deny warranty claims.
3. Yes, water may be ingested into the engine but the opening is inside the radiator opening almost 1 foot off the ground and behind the air dam to prevent the wave washover that was a problem with the C5 cold air that took air in front of the air dam. I have driven in torrential rains since the install and the filter is barely damp.
4. The LPE is not and easy install but not overly complex. It is a pain to clean.
I like the performance gains the intake gave me. My only complaint is the difficulty cleaning.
Last edited by midnite902; Jan 20, 2007 at 03:45 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Winter Springs FL
Vararam
1. Do they work?
Yes
2. Will they void my warranty?
Not unless the modification causes the break.
3. Can water get into the engine?
Are there any brands that will not let water into the engine? It' spossible, but highly unlikely. I live in Florida and drive through thunderstorms like you haven't seen anywhere. No problems.
4. Difficulty of installation?
Can be done easily in 1 hour or less. Just make sure you put a piece of quarter inch plywood or some other form of protection be the shroud befor you start cutting. You don't want to cut into your AC condenser or radiator. Costly repair.
1. Do they work?
Yes
2. Will they void my warranty?
Not unless the modification causes the break.
3. Can water get into the engine?
Are there any brands that will not let water into the engine? It' spossible, but highly unlikely. I live in Florida and drive through thunderstorms like you haven't seen anywhere. No problems.
4. Difficulty of installation?
Can be done easily in 1 hour or less. Just make sure you put a piece of quarter inch plywood or some other form of protection be the shroud befor you start cutting. You don't want to cut into your AC condenser or radiator. Costly repair.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge LA
Big Questions???
Here's another question, (if you don't mind DP Dave):
5) Is having the cold air worth the $300 to $500 price tag??? Or should I just spend $50 - $60 on a set of K&N's that fit the factory box?
5) Is having the cold air worth the $300 to $500 price tag??? Or should I just spend $50 - $60 on a set of K&N's that fit the factory box?
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 0
From: Littleton CO
I'd say for price that depends on you and what your plans are. If you are going to do headers and other exhaust work then CAI is probably worth it. If you are going to leave the car stock then maybe not.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 343
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
I have the callaway honker and I am very happy with it. Looks stock, it utilizes the factory mounting gromets and the only modification required was cutting the shroud. I opted to remove the shroud, which proved to be a bit of a challenge, but in the end it was worth it.
The honker places a large panel filter directly opposite the radiator and it pulls fresh air from in front of the radiator. I noticed better throttle response. Callaway claims a 15hp dyno proven gain on their website.
Good luck in your choice. No matter which way you decide to go, it will be better than stock. I could not believe how poorly the stock system was setup. It looks very restrictive to say the least
The honker places a large panel filter directly opposite the radiator and it pulls fresh air from in front of the radiator. I noticed better throttle response. Callaway claims a 15hp dyno proven gain on their website.
Good luck in your choice. No matter which way you decide to go, it will be better than stock. I could not believe how poorly the stock system was setup. It looks very restrictive to say the least
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
I've got the Halltech Stinger and it didn't give me any exta power, at least none that I could varify at the track. From what I've been reading, the Vararam is the one that gives good gains at the track. I just ordered one and will give it a shot.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 926
Likes: 0
I also chose the Callaway for 2 reasons. One it looks like an OEM part, and two the people at Callaway are going to try and get it CARB approved as they did with their C5 CAI. But by far the main reason is that it looks OEM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 906
Likes: 1
From: SF Bay CA
unfortunately, most people only buy one intake based on internet reports and are only going to tell you that the intake they bought is the best. I dont know anyone that has done any meaningful back to back testing on all of the popular CAIs with the proof to back it up, though I doubt they would all be more than a couple hp difference from the highest to the lowest anyways. The fact is the stock intake is a heat sucking POS, and any of the popular CAIs are going to be worlds better.
BTW I have the Ligenfelter FWIW
BTW I have the Ligenfelter FWIW
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: VA
I have the callaway honker and I am very happy with it. Looks stock, it utilizes the factory mounting gromets and the only modification required was cutting the shroud. I opted to remove the shroud, which proved to be a bit of a challenge, but in the end it was worth it.
The honker places a large panel filter directly opposite the radiator and it pulls fresh air from in front of the radiator. I noticed better throttle response. Callaway claims a 15hp dyno proven gain on their website.
Good luck in your choice. No matter which way you decide to go, it will be better than stock. I could not believe how poorly the stock system was setup. It looks very restrictive to say the least
The honker places a large panel filter directly opposite the radiator and it pulls fresh air from in front of the radiator. I noticed better throttle response. Callaway claims a 15hp dyno proven gain on their website.
Good luck in your choice. No matter which way you decide to go, it will be better than stock. I could not believe how poorly the stock system was setup. It looks very restrictive to say the least
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,599
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 595
Likes: 38
From: San Jose CA.
I have the callaway honker and I am very happy with it. Looks stock, it utilizes the factory mounting gromets and the only modification required was cutting the shroud. I opted to remove the shroud, which proved to be a bit of a challenge, but in the end it was worth it.
The honker places a large panel filter directly opposite the radiator and it pulls fresh air from in front of the radiator. I noticed better throttle response. Callaway claims a 15hp dyno proven gain on their website.
Good luck in your choice. No matter which way you decide to go, it will be better than stock. I could not believe how poorly the stock system was setup. It looks very restrictive to say the least
The honker places a large panel filter directly opposite the radiator and it pulls fresh air from in front of the radiator. I noticed better throttle response. Callaway claims a 15hp dyno proven gain on their website.
Good luck in your choice. No matter which way you decide to go, it will be better than stock. I could not believe how poorly the stock system was setup. It looks very restrictive to say the least
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 3
From: Penn Valley California
I just received the Vortex Rammer from Breathless,and am very impressed with the quality.The box that contains the vortex filter is also enclosed on the base of it except for an air scoop.This section of it is not clearly shown at the website.I was concerned with the license plate causing disruption of air into the Vararam,so having a scoop a little higher up meets my needs,and less fear of water ingestion as well.Unfortunately when I opened the box it contained a Z-06 model,though Breathless sent me a C6 one out immediately with a UPS pickup.When it gets here this week I will take pictures before install to show the Rammer box.Very nice folks to deal with,and a Forum sponsor.