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From everything I've read, I think the LS3/7 filter flows enough air for moderate power levels. For actual gains, you're main objective should be to get cooler air to it. So I guess if you are going to make a switch, get the unit that pulls in the most cool air...?
True that! The stock intake is a good CAI it just needs to get a better free flowing supply of cooler air, hence the cutting of the shroud and the blocking pieces.
I realize this intake thing has been beat to death but...
I heard that the LS3 Intake and filter are as good as you can get.
Is that true, or is there some gains to be had from an AirRaid with open shroud.
Thanks for any input.
Save your $$$ ..unless you plan on "REALLY" racing.... if you want SOP to "FEEL" better, just remove the stock air filter, & it will make a lot more intake noise & you'll be happy and save $$$$
IF you are "SERIOUS" about track racing then go for a CAI !!
Save your $$$ ..unless you plan on "REALLY" racing.... if you want SOP to "FEEL" better, just remove the stock air filter, & it will make a lot more intake noise & you'll be happy and save $$$$
IF you are "SERIOUS" about track racing then go for a CAI !!
Best filtration - Donaldson powercore
Highest HP - no filter
Best compromise - a real CAI with a good filter (Vararam/Amsoil EAA-240)
Im running a LS7 cai with a k&n filter. I also cut opening to expose as much of the filter as possible. I believe the LS3/7 bridges are the same, if so they seem pretty wide.
Not a fan of K&N filters. Too much oil and you can get it on your MAF (its easy to do sometimes) and they allow too much dirt and other particles in to your engine.
If you are planning lots of mods I would do it but it just that and a cat back..........I would save the $400+ for strippers.
1/4 mile GS:
Stock best ET= 12.31@115.75 MPH
Z06 CAI best = 12.01@117.15 MPH (CAI "only" change)
Rest my case that "cold air" makes for more power!!! The CAI et was done at a faster track in my book (Cecil County) stock time was done at (Capitol Raceway) with a full tank of gas, so I really think the CAI is really worth somewhere around 2 tenths in my book and it was cheap too
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; Sep 12, 2012 at 12:01 PM.
1/4 mile GS:
Stock best ET= 12.31@115.75 MPH
Z06 CAI best = 12.01@117.15 MPH (CAI "only" change)
Rest my case that "cold air" makes for more power!!! The CAI et was done at a faster track in my book (Cecil County) stock time was done at (Capitol Raceway) with a full tank of gas, so I really think the CAI is really worth somewhere around 2 tenths in my book and it was cheap too
On the .2 for a CAI statement, but question what it is that you call a Z06 CAI.
Excellent article in explaining the importance of air intake design. In summary:
1. Helmholtz resonator plays an important part in keeping resonances pulses from giving bad readings from the MAF to ECM.
Don't be so quick to saw off the ugly box on the side of the LS3 air intake. GM engineers felt this was important for the LS3.
2. Diameter of the air intake around the MAF is calculated to accurately report flow to the ECM.
Larger is not always better - increasing the diameter size of the air intake around the MAF will cause false reporting to the ECM which will affect fuel trims and A/F ratios. A tune will correct this.
3. Straight and short flow from the air box to the MAF with air horn (velocity stack design) to prevent turbulence.
Importance of incoming air to the MAF not being turbulent. Some of us have experience surging when experimenting with opening up the shroud for cold air.
Do your homework when selecting an aftermarket air intake and make sure it is designed properly.
On the .2 for a CAI statement, but question what it is that you call a Z06 CAI.
If you look at the air intake assembly you will notice that it does not have the "silencer" like the LS3 intake on the passenger side. I swapped it out for a 2009/10 Z06 assembly with filter that I picked up for $65 because I just did not like the look of the silencer.
The cold air part comes from me cutting a rectangular hole in the shroud and boxing off the intake to the shroud opening.
PS: If I had not sprung for that "expense" air intake with filter ($65) than the "CAI" would of cost me approx. ten bucks.
OH, and no dust gets into this engine compartment from this setup and I can clean the front of my radiator now if I want to. I also call it a draw as far as weight goes between stock and this setup due to the missing silencer and the missing shroud part I cut out.
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; Sep 12, 2012 at 03:40 PM.
just did the change to my ls3 no problems no codes, i also used an attack blue filter...very happy with the change..
probably little hp gain..but i love the sound of my ls3, kinda sounds like my old 06 c6 Z
Do you think a straight Power Coupler( smooth poly tube) replacing the accordian tube in front of the throttle body on a C6 will make the LS3 smoother & more responsive by reducing turbulence? My 2011 GS has intake shroud/ NPP / ARHeaders/chip/tune 430 rwhp
Home made "CAI" (made from a 2009/10 C6 Z06 OEM air intake) 1 3/4" Headers with the 'standard' stock 430HP mufflers, DiabloSport intune 'canned' 93 tune & drag radials.
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; May 9, 2019 at 12:13 AM.
Traded the GS in on an 'ordered' 2015 Z06. I was 'Grand Sport Man' before I got the shark grey C7/Z06. Note avatar on left.
No front splitter on car (due to driveway) & running drag radials in picture.
Not my best 60 ft./ET on this 'Capitol Raceway' time slip (1.53 60 ft. best on OEM MPSS tires) "but" one of my newer time slips. I was running an AFE CAI with their 'low flow' dry air filter installed.
Last edited by C7/Z06 Man; May 9, 2019 at 03:38 AM.
If you look at the air intake assembly you will notice that it does not have the "silencer" like the LS3 intake on the passenger side. I swapped it out for a 2009/10 Z06 assembly with filter that I picked up for $65 because I just did not like the look of the silencer.
