I just picked up my new vette and am looking to put a CAI system on it. Is there one system out there that's any better than the others? Been looking at the SLP Blackwing and the Vararam. I know K&N doesn't have anything for the LS3 yet.

Advice?

 

The K&N system for the Z06 works on LS3 motors..Problem is, if you are looking for a genuine Cold Air Induction system, you will have to (a) prop the shroud, (b) cut the shroud and install a Vette-Air, or (c)get a Vararam. There are a couple of others that are true CAI, Callaway makes one, and there is an copycat of that model as well, but do your homework..Remember the ECM starts pulling timing at 86 degrees inlet air temp.. Do some searching, as each has pro and cons..

This is my setup, Vette-air, K&N, and Beehive..

 

Perform a search via this forum on CAI's. You will have all the info you need to make a decision. After researching this issue via this forum, I decided on BPP's Vortex Ram Air Intake. However, as you will discover, there are many great choices. Your biggest challenge will be to select the one CAI that will make you happy.

 

There's also AIRRAID filter setup,basically the same as K+N blackwing Slp,etc.VARARAM,CALLAWAY,LPE,VORTEX are the tru CAI's out there and all require cutting the shroud for that air.Of course,you can cut your shroud now,leave the stock system in there and get the same effect you would get installing anything other then the TRUE CAI's mentioned,and save 200-500 bucks!!!AIRRAID-200-230,all the other big filters 399-499!!Ripoff!!

 

I vote for the Airaid too! That's what I'm getting sometime in the future.

 

Cougar2002, et al:
Thanks for posting a new CAI thread for the "new" owners. I purchased my '08 1LT M6 NPP in July and have 1100 miles on it so far. I've been running the OEM set-up but have decided to change to a CAI. I've been researching the threads for months now and have decided on the AIRAID 250-230 system. I'm waiting on delivery as I write this, purchased from a local speed shop here in the Dallas area for $236. The only downside is that I'm paying delivery fee and state sales tax which ups the final price to $287. I'm sure you'll make a better deal with your purchase.

My decision on the AIRAID was one of moderation. Moderation in price and effect. Although it is not a true cold air intake, it might be considered an ambient air intake (AAI). All I really wanted was better breathing capacity for the engine, and the SOTP (seat-of-the-pants) feel of more torque and horsepower.
I have also learned from reading on the CF of the technique of opening-up the shroud at the bottom (instead of cutting) for better, easier air ingestion. Also, I didn't want to take a chance on voiding my warranty.

Hope my opinion (and others) helps in your selection. Do your research and decide if it's what's right for you and how you want to apply it to the car, i.e. drag racing, autocross, etc. Remember: Street racing is officially discouraged and will not be tolerated... but will be graded.

I'll post more later and let you know how my installation/mod goes. Good luck with your research.

TJ VETTE
Terry

 

VaraRam.........

 

I picked the Callaway Honker. It is probably the second best as far as HP without all the fit and quality issues of the Vararam. I have been very happy with mine.

 

I picked the BPP Vortex Ram CAI. Liked the quality and the design.

 

Do a search...You'll see the same responses over and over again..

 

if you want it fast get the VARARAM

 

i've owned a butt load of vehicles, and i always would do the k&n mod, but after learning the ZR1 uses the exact same filter as the LS3, i'm staying stock. I'm not worried about 5 degrees colder air, or 1 degree of timing being pulled. you won't feel it in the seat of the pants anyways unless you are over 120mph. do alot of searching, the ls3 is picky when it comes to directing cool air into the filter area.

If i had to go the CAI route i'd find something thats not going to lean out the MAF, something that won't get wet in the occasional rain storm, and something that uses a synthetic mesh filter that does not require oiling like an apexi powerfilter or a blitz LM. so far none of the competition is doing this.

 

I personaly went with the Vararam just for the performance. The quality and fitment rumors that you hear are true. I have tape around the outside of the Vararam where the two pieces fit together (not very noticable) to make sure no particles bypass the filter. If you want looks, go with something else. If you want the best performance, go with the vararam. IMO of course.

 

I have had mine for a year and a half now. No issues at all.

 

I had a VaraRam on my car before... With headers and a tune it made 395whp/387ft-lbs torque. The construction was fantastically cheap; it didn't seal worth a damn and I found leaves on my MAF housing when I took it apart to clean the filter after 5000 miles. I sealed it all up with extra foam and tape but that is not something I would expect to have to do on a $500 product.

I substituted it for this other Cold Air Intake by A&A and my car gained an additional 195hp/131ft-lbs torque at the wheels!

 

x 10

 

Yeah but that CAI costs a bit more than $500.00.

 

For performance the vararam, for looks and a bit less performance Callaway then again I am really liking Powerlabs CAI (intercooler) nothing like being blown

 

I still have my stock intake and plan to leave it that way. It's hard for me to believe that some are willing to install products that have know problems with quality in an area that is so important to protecting your engine. Remember what this sytem does. It directs Filtered air into your engine. The key word being filtered. If so many of you are finding warps, leaks, miss fits and the like how good are those units at filtering the incoming air? Just my 2 or 3 cents.

 

I have been researching this for awhile. I would go with Vortex when I pull the trigger. Seems some are having problems with the Vararaam fit.