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Please help me decide on a cold air intake system for my LS3 C6. I want a direct replacement for the stock one that will NOT require a special tune. Thanks!
I think there are probably a few really good CAIs out there but I went with a Halltech Venom and Beehive shroud. A tune is worthwhile but not required IMHO.
Bear in mind that some of the companies making CAI's ARE NOT selling CAI's.
By definition a CAI is a COLD AIR INTAKE, not just a filter/filter box change. If you don't have to make provisions for fresh air to enter the filter (via a cut shroud or extra ducting) it's not a CAI, it's just an expensive filter change.
For the money get the TKO Performance new low restriction filter that fits in your already excellent air intake system. Add to that the vette-air inlet scoop and you'll have a low restriction cold air system that's as good as anything you can buy in the aftermarket for a far better price and it looks stock.
Bear in mind that some of the companies making CAI's ARE NOT selling CAI's.
By definition a CAI is a COLD AIR INTAKE, not just a filter/filter box change. If you don't have to make provisions for fresh air to enter the filter (via a cut shroud or extra ducting) it's not a CAI, it's just an expensive filter change.
Without cutting the shroud, the Halltech is not a true CAI. I'm cutting the shroud.
My tuner recommended an Airaid, I know its not a CAI but it does appear to flow better than stock. It was cheap, appears well made, fits good and was easy to install. It looks as unlikely to have any hydrolock issues as the stock unit.
I'm not interested in every last tenth in the quarter mile at the risk of eating dirt. If I wanted a true CAI it would be a Callaway.
In the last car I had a CAI, long tube headers, underdrive pulley, etc. plus an aggressive tune. Every time I went to the dealer, or had the car inspected they would flash the computer and cause many problems. The LS3 is fast enough stock, but more air would make it far more efficient. Thanks for all the suggestions.
2008 Vette Auto. After I installed a Callaway Honker, 160 thermostat I developed a miss. A G.M. mechanic friend put the tech 2 meter on it and did not show any codes. Any thoughts on the miss. He also informed me the ANY VETTE must be downloaded to see if the program has been tampered with before any work is to be performed. ALL programs are to be sent to G.M.
Thanks, C5-JIM
I did a ton of research before I chose my Vararam. I read all of the horror stories about them but tried it anyways. As for performance, Vararam is the way to go. However, vararam lacks the quality of other CAI's. It comes in two sections. The filter goes between the area where the sections fit together.....and thats where the problem is. The fitment is not perfect and the chance of anything getting past the filter is not good. I have never heard of anyone ruining an engine but many dont like the vararam for this reason.
My solution- I simply put black tape around the area where the pieces fit together just to be safe. Some may find it tacky but you cant even see it. I was getting a CAI for performance reasons and since the gains are minimal, I figured I would get the best performer or just leave it stock.
The Vararam only gives you like 9.x rwhp sitting on a dyno but since it is a true CAI and actualy forces air into the intake manifold, its true gains are seen on the street.
BTW- it took my car almost 100 miles to learn the new air/fuel ratio so dont be suprised if your car runs below par for a while.
2008 Vette Auto. After I installed a Callaway Honker, 160 thermostat I developed a miss. A G.M. mechanic friend put the tech 2 meter on it and did not show any codes. Any thoughts on the miss. He also informed me the ANY VETTE must be downloaded to see if the program has been tampered with before any work is to be performed. ALL programs are to be sent to G.M.
Thanks, C5-JIM
I wouldnt think a miss would be related to either of your mods. How hot is your car running after the 160? Are you sure they didnt accidently instal a cam and thats just a lope you are mistaking as a miss?
2008 Vette Auto. After I installed a Callaway Honker, 160 thermostat I developed a miss. A G.M. mechanic friend put the tech 2 meter on it and did not show any codes. Any thoughts on the miss. He also informed me the ANY VETTE must be downloaded to see if the program has been tampered with before any work is to be performed. ALL programs are to be sent to G.M.
Thanks, C5-JIM
It's the MAF sensor. I'm betting your symptoms are it gets worse under very light throttle, such as a slight down hill, but goes away under heavier throttle. The MAF is extremely sensitive to disturbances in airflow, which some CAI's cause by their design. Not much you can do about it, not even sure a tune can cure it and even if it did it's not worth losing the warranty. I have the stock intake on mine and after adding the vette-air scoop, I'm having the same issue. I no longer really notice it. We'll see how it behaves with the new TKO filter I have on order.
Last edited by AirBusPilot; Oct 14, 2009 at 02:11 AM.