Headers/CAI
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Joined: Feb 2011
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Headers/CAI
Looking for my first Vette. I have a basic question about performance mods.
As I understand it headers allow for increased flow of exaust at higher RPM (higher pressure?) and a CAI will allow more cold air to flow into the engine. Result: more power.
What I do not understand is why in a performance car like the Corvette the manufacturer does not provide a vehicle with a top notch CAI as well as headers. I get it that blowers are expensive and add to cost of car from factory but different pipes and air intake?? Sure part of the fun is improving your ride but it seems like providing better pipes and intake would allow GM to proclaim for example 515 HP vs 505. So why do they not do this at the factory?
As I understand it headers allow for increased flow of exaust at higher RPM (higher pressure?) and a CAI will allow more cold air to flow into the engine. Result: more power.
What I do not understand is why in a performance car like the Corvette the manufacturer does not provide a vehicle with a top notch CAI as well as headers. I get it that blowers are expensive and add to cost of car from factory but different pipes and air intake?? Sure part of the fun is improving your ride but it seems like providing better pipes and intake would allow GM to proclaim for example 515 HP vs 505. So why do they not do this at the factory?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 21
From: Placitas New Mexico
efficient catalitic converters that meet EPA regs. Most headers either have hi-flow cats or no cats. Neither would meet EPA regs. Nice 304 SS headers would increase cost over cast iron castings, not to mention they would place the cats too far away to be efficient.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 4
From: Cape May, NJ; Guntersville, AL; Orange Beach, AL
As for the CAI if you really search the LS3 box is almost as efficient as any of the aftermarket ones. You can improve on that with products that require you to cut the shroud but then you are opening a whole other can of worms. The LS2 air intake leaves some room for improvement but not tons. You can read about CAI's all day and there is is really no clear answer for it. As for the header question the others have answered it. Also some gains you get from the headers is from the tune and GM wouldn't send production cars out with anything but really conservative tunes to ensure reliability.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,572
Likes: 1
From: Austin Texas
Manufacturers are under a stricter set of rules and have to pass EPA emissions and noise levels. Once you start replacing the CAI and headers, you will notice more noise in certain driving conditions. Items like the dual wall exhaust manifolds and the Helmholtz Resonators are strategies used to combat noise levels.
