Cai
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 274
Likes: 43
From: Vestavia Hills, AL
Cai
Alright, opening this can of worms. I’m getting a tune in a few weeks and was considering a CAI. I see so many posts saying it’s pointless and some claim it’s worth the money. Any recommendations? 09, Coupe, A6, Lt headers, X pipe, flowmaster mufflers. Have not had the tune since the LT headers install. So I’m thinking if I’m going to get it, it should be soon.
Last edited by wood78221; Jun 2, 2021 at 04:15 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 597
From: Question Government
From what I heard, a real CAI (drawing air in from outside the engine bay) is the only worthwhile air intake out there. Otherwise most other air intake systems are just for looks and the bored gear head.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 771
Likes: 399
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I have also read (and agree) that you have to be moving at a good rate of speed to take advantage of the CAI...... Dyno will show minimal gains I would think. I am sticking with the stock set up and maybe do the DIY prop mod.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,104
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Second, on the Vararam, the inlet area handles the same volume as a LS3 at WOT at the stock redline at ..... wait for it.....88MPH. Unfortunately, at 88 mph the C6 gear ratios don't match the engine redline, but it still produces a slight pressure from 88 up.
Yes, the $2 shroud mod is about 2/3rds as effective as the Vararam, but has the downside of lots of dust/dirt in the engine bay.
The downside of the Vararam, is the mesh filter lets a lot of dirt through. However, there are several brands of paper filters that can be trimmed to fit.
Do searches for filters using HOXXOH as part of the subject terms. I've posted a lot on this subject.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 274
Likes: 43
From: Vestavia Hills, AL
Thanks for the responses. I went with the Vararam that is coming in today. It seems like a lot of people claim the quality of the Callaway is better but give a "performance" nod to the Vararam.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 537
Likes: 169
From: Ogden, Utah
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,616
Likes: 1,808
From: Erlanger, Kentucky
Cheapest option is to get a Grand Sport or Z06 intake and retrofit it to your car and add a Halltech shroud to isolate the intake opening from the engine bay (you would need to trim the shroud to fit). You can also cut part of the radiator shroud to allow cool air in or add a Vette Air scoop.
I know a lot of people like the Vararam. I've never had one so can't really comment on them.
Personally, I really like the Callaway Honker and it is a very high quality intake. You have to cut your radiator shroud but Callaway includes a template and instructions on what to do. I had a Honker in my C5 Z06 and it was excellent. If Callaway made a Honker that was compatible with my E-force, I would purchase one. No possibility of sucking water into your engine with it.
Currently, I have the E-force on my car so my intake is what came with the supercharger kit (basically a bridge with a K&N filter). But I have the intake isolated from the engine heat with a custom cut Halltech shroud.
I know a lot of people like the Vararam. I've never had one so can't really comment on them.
Personally, I really like the Callaway Honker and it is a very high quality intake. You have to cut your radiator shroud but Callaway includes a template and instructions on what to do. I had a Honker in my C5 Z06 and it was excellent. If Callaway made a Honker that was compatible with my E-force, I would purchase one. No possibility of sucking water into your engine with it.
Currently, I have the E-force on my car so my intake is what came with the supercharger kit (basically a bridge with a K&N filter). But I have the intake isolated from the engine heat with a custom cut Halltech shroud.
