C6 Tech/Performance LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

which air induction system?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 1, 2009 | 11:44 PM
  #1  
BMORAGHAN's Avatar
BMORAGHAN
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 92
From: BRIGHTWATERS NY
Default which air induction system?

I have an 06-c6 / LS2 W/Borla headers / touring cat back exhaust system, and have been told that I can gain some additional punch by simply switching out the OEM air intake....which one is best and how much additional hp can i expect.....do i also need to have the car dyno tuned?

Thnx
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 12:14 AM
  #2  
jpee's Avatar
jpee
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
Default

Do a search on intake systems, there are many thoughts on which is best... also if just a CAI no a dyno is not needed, but to get the "BEST" results I would have one done..
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 02:10 AM
  #3  
woulddug's Avatar
woulddug
Racer
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Norco Ca
Default

You are going to get SO many opinions. You just need to research and then pick. It is like walking in the Salon at the Mustang Ranch, just what you prefer.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 09:46 AM
  #4  
BMORAGHAN's Avatar
BMORAGHAN
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 92
From: BRIGHTWATERS NY
Default

Guys...thnx for the heads up.........I Hopped on CF store website and checked out there products...CF Store has a stage I kit which include a hurricane A/I system, 170 deg thermostat & MSD plug wires for $429...claims you get a peak boost of 30 hp...there is also an A/I system by snake charmer VRSC1 claims 32HP boost at 60 mph...These a/i systems are a differernt design...Is there a preference??? does changing out the thermostat to 170 and replacing factory plug wires with msd wires really make a difference in perfomrance??...or should I simply go with the Snake Charmer A/I system?.....has anyone installed either of these systems and what kind of performance results have they seen?

Thnx
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 10:31 AM
  #5  
Larry R. Quinn's Avatar
Larry R. Quinn
Racer
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Newburgh Indiana
Default

I hope this thread doesn't turn into a CAI debate . I would strongly suggest that you get a dyno tune after the CAI instal simply because you also have headers . I am going to stop right here before I say something that might start an uproar .
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 12:47 PM
  #6  
LS1LT1's Avatar
LS1LT1
Team Owner
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Default

I like (and use) the Vararam Snake Charmer CAI.
A full dyno tune will help but isn't totally necessary.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 05:45 PM
  #7  
Chris@East Coast Supercharging's Avatar
Chris@East Coast Supercharging
Premium Supporting Vendor
25 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Active Streak: 60 Days
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 17,681
Likes: 11
From: Central Jersey
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Default

Air boxes dont show any real difference to speak of on a dyno. The real test is the track We use and recommend the Vararam systems.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 06:04 PM
  #8  
FredSM's Avatar
FredSM
Drifting
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 1
From: Livermore California
Default

If you haven't yet, get it tuned by a reputable corvette tuner. LG Pros, Vararam, and a Synergy tune took my LS2 from an anemic factory 330rwhp to 387rwhp, 399rwtq, FWIW. That's a difference you can feel and others can see.

FM
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 09:14 PM
  #9  
jpee's Avatar
jpee
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
Default

I agree with the above posts, the only thing (IMO) is the 170 T Stat... if you "Don't" plan on taking it to the dragstrip I doubt a 170 T Stat will make that much difference..

I use a 160, but I also have a manual fan switch because when I make a run I want my engine temp to be 170 every time so the car will run the SAME # as I have to dial in my ET before the run..

If you are just building it for a little more performance on the street, I doubt a 170 will do much, but its an inexpensive item so if you want go for it, but if you do... you should have it re tuned to turn on the fans at a lower temp or its a waste of time...
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 11:10 AM
  #10  
BMORAGHAN's Avatar
BMORAGHAN
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 92
From: BRIGHTWATERS NY
Default

The car is primarily a fair weather weekend car only...never sees the strip or bad weather...but when i stomp on it i want the max amount of power available without drastically modifying the car....that being said ..gonna do a bit more research on the cai systems and just pull the trigger..will also do the dyno tune as well...stay tuned...and thnx for all your in put!
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 09:21 PM
  #11  
turboffr's Avatar
turboffr
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 64
From: Lakeville, MA
St. Jude Donor '10
Default

I like my Callaway Honker CAI
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 09:59 PM
  #12  
goatts's Avatar
goatts
Safety Car
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Default

Vararam and Callaway are good. I had Vararam on my C6 and it works as advertised.
Reply
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 10:03 PM
  #13  
AeroJim's Avatar
AeroJim
Pro
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 702
Likes: 82
From: Ronkonkoma NY
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

Originally Posted by BMORAGHAN
I have an 06-c6 / LS2 W/Borla headers / touring cat back exhaust system, and have been told that I can gain some additional punch by simply switching out the OEM air intake....which one is best and how much additional hp can i expect.....do i also need to have the car dyno tuned?

Thnx
What ever CAI you wind up choosing you should get the car tuned. Since you're local , I'd suggest a visit to Vette Dr's in amityville. Not only can they tune your car But i'm sure they can give you some suggestions on choosing a decent well made CAI. Prior to my going to vette dr's I put a vararam on my car and in terms of quality, fit and finish, its a real piece of crap...
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 10:54 AM
  #14  
BMORAGHAN's Avatar
BMORAGHAN
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 92
From: BRIGHTWATERS NY
Default

Guys thnx for the heads up...AeroJim...I will defintiely check in with Vette Dr. in amityville...and let tehm make a reecomendation...Thnx and stay tuned
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 11:02 AM
  #15  
LAWLESS's Avatar
LAWLESS
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: MIAMI FLORIDA
Default

CHECK OUT BREATHLESS PERFORMANCE AROUND $500.00

THE VORTECH IS THE WAY TO GO.

CARBON FIBER FINISH IS OPTIONAL

NO DYNO TUNE IS NECESSARY.

AND IT SOUNDS NICE SUCKING UP THAT AIR..........
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 03:29 PM
  #16  
YLOFEVR's Avatar
YLOFEVR
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,569
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix AZ
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Default

Originally Posted by BMORAGHAN
Guys...thnx for the heads up.........I Hopped on CF store website and checked out there products...CF Store has a stage I kit which include a hurricane A/I system, 170 deg thermostat & MSD plug wires for $429...claims you get a peak boost of 30 hp...there is also an A/I system by snake charmer VRSC1 claims 32HP boost at 60 mph...These a/i systems are a differernt design...Is there a preference??? does changing out the thermostat to 170 and replacing factory plug wires with msd wires really make a difference in perfomrance??...or should I simply go with the Snake Charmer A/I system?.....has anyone installed either of these systems and what kind of performance results have they seen?

Thnx
I wouldn't give much credence to the claims of appreciable horsepower gains from CAI and thermostat claims or for plug wires. That said, ALL those things will get you a better performing car i.e. better response. The headers will make a difference in torque results and modest HP gains. The TUNE will make the difference because it can optimize the combination of components. I have seen many instances where an owner makes these mods with the expectation that he/she will have dramatic improvement in HP as read on the Dyno, only to be disappointed with the PAPER results. Do not be disallusioned by extravagant manufacturer claims in this respect. Seek the advice of knowledgeable TUNERS regarding these things beforehand because they have the end results and have experience with different combos based on your configuration, and ultimately have the job of giving you the most efficient use of the finished productivity of your build.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 04:32 PM
  #17  
iridelow's Avatar
iridelow
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,119
Likes: 272
From: SC
Default

Originally Posted by YLOFEVR
I wouldn't give much credence to the claims of appreciable horsepower gains from CAI and thermostat claims or for plug wires. That said, ALL those things will get you a better performing car i.e. better response. The headers will make a difference in torque results and modest HP gains. The TUNE will make the difference because it can optimize the combination of components. I have seen many instances where an owner makes these mods with the expectation that he/she will have dramatic improvement in HP as read on the Dyno, only to be disappointed with the PAPER results. Do not be disallusioned by extravagant manufacturer claims in this respect. Seek the advice of knowledgeable TUNERS regarding these things beforehand because they have the end results and have experience with different combos based on your configuration, and ultimately have the job of giving you the most efficient use of the finished productivity of your build.
Very well put! A good tuner drives vettes all day long and knows what mods help and which ones don't! But in the end...A good tune will yield the best hp gains possible! I had a vararam and borla and felt no difference. Got it tuned with a 160 stat and WOW! Now there's a big difference!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To which air induction system?

Old Oct 5, 2009 | 05:16 PM
  #18  
lebvette's Avatar
lebvette
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
St. Jude 10 Year Donor
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 6,798
Likes: 25
From: Pine Bluff Arkansas
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18-‘19-'20-'21
Default

The LS2 might could use another intake. I saw a Callaway on a blacked out Z06 this weekend at Eureka Springs, and if I was going to buy....this would be the one. The Vortech is a interesting intake, also. But like some have said....get the 160 and a tune also if you really want to feel something. Most tuners will want a true CAI and a 160.
You don't need plug wires...save your money, and if your set on buying an intake just make sure it's really a cold air system.
Good luck....and watch your money.
Larry
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2009 | 05:33 PM
  #19  
Corvettes of Dallas - Parts's Avatar
0Corvettes of Dallas - Parts
Former Vendor
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 857
Likes: 0
From: DFW Texas
Default

PM Sent.
Reply
Old Oct 6, 2009 | 10:03 AM
  #20  
BMORAGHAN's Avatar
BMORAGHAN
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 92
From: BRIGHTWATERS NY
Default

I think ylofevr hit the nail on the head..Gonna make an appt with Vette Dr. here on LI and see what they reccomend..I have also seen some blogs on changing out the MAF sensor...is this also necessary when going with an after market CAI??........Ive seen several Tuners reccomending the calloway system w/ a 170 tstat on thier websites...I have always been an advocate of running the engine cooler for less wear and tear...any additional thoughts on that issue?..Thnx for all you input..stay tuned!

Ps...if these mods are so simple (CAI/HDRS)..why doesnt GM simply incorporate them into their designs??
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:41 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE