Driving without air intake ?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: upstate New York
Driving without air intake ?
I recently removed my air intake on my 09 C6 to have it custom painted . I was wondering if anyone knew if driving the car without the intake would hurt the vehicle in any way. The intake will be back from paint in a couple of weeks but I'm sure between now and then there may be a couple of nice days here in upstate New York that I may want to take her out for a spin. I guess my main concern is there was a sensor plugged into the side of the intake , I'm not sure if this will cause the engine light to come on. Thank you in advance for any advice.
Team Owner
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other than nothing stopping dirt from directly going into the TB I see no problem
other than nothing stopping dirt from directly going into the TB I see no problem
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 465
Likes: 0
From: Webster New York
The MAF is needed to measure air flow and adjust fueling. I would assume it will run will rough if at all without it connected. Also, what would you use to filter the air entering the throttle body? Not a good idea.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 139
From: Port St Lucie Florida
I recently removed my air intake on my 09 C6 to have it custom painted . I was wondering if anyone knew if driving the car without the intake would hurt the vehicle in any way. The intake will be back from paint in a couple of weeks but I'm sure between now and then there may be a couple of nice days here in upstate New York that I may want to take her out for a spin. I guess my main concern is there was a sensor plugged into the side of the intake , I'm not sure if this will cause the engine light to come on. Thank you in advance for any advice.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: upstate New York
Thanks for all the advice. This forum is an excellent tool for guys like me that love their car but don't always know how it works.... maybe I'll get lucky and we will get more snow in the great northeast LOL 
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
I'd almost bet it won't run (at least run really bad). Lots of reports of the LS3 cars being finicky with after market air cleaners "disturbing" the air flow to the point of causing issues.
As others have said, the prudent thing is to just bite the bullet and let it sit 'till you get it back together.
As others have said, the prudent thing is to just bite the bullet and let it sit 'till you get it back together.
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Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
When I was a kid in the 50's we thought it was cool to remove the air cleaner. I now know we were damaging the engine but we were cool. I agree with the above the car probably won't run but even if it does why chance it. 
