With multiple options now available for a C7 CAI, has anyone attempted to do an independent assessment in an effort to determine which leads the pack in terms of performance enhancement over the stock intake?

 

At this point its tough to even get your hands physically on one of them, let alone multiples. It wouldn't surprise me if guys like Halltech get their hands on an AFE sometime over the course of the next 2-3 weeks.

 

I would bet the performance differences would not be noticeable in the real world. We are probably only talking about a couple of HP in the difference... no butt feel.

To me, the decision is about cost vs. look. If you want the CF look and a dressed up engine bay, get the Halltech. If you want to spend less than half as much and have a look through window to see the filter, get the AFE. Based on the group buy, it is pretty clear where many are choosing to spend their $$.

 

I independently tested the Halltech and LMR on my car. I didn't mentioned LMR in the original post since their intake is not finished. But results between the 2 were very similar. Halltech is super nice. AFE is gonna be nice for the price, but I don't think anyone is going to be able to beat the flow volume capability the Halltech has. Jim's intake is simply put, very nice. I know everything thinks the price is ridiculous. But he did a good job. I'm keeping the Halltech on my car. We'll test the AFE as soon as we get one in.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c7-t...d-results.html

 

No doubt... the question is whether any difference will be meaningful in any way. My thought (but just a thought) is that they all flow a ton of air and the difference will be primarily aesthetics in real world use.

What's interesting is the Halltech unit has lower dyno results than AFE. Having said that, we all know how reliable dyno results can be

 

Like others have said, its just aesthetics at this point. GM engineers built it right the first time. At max you max see 5HP from a CAI on a C7 and the amount of R&D it took to get that manufacturer there will no doubt be reflected in the cost of the part. Just my $.02.

 

Except several manufacturers are getting 12 to 18 HP from the complete CAI system as demonstrated on their dyno testing.

 

Please remember that NO dyno chart provided BY the manufacturer is ever accurate and most always inflated. Only those dyno results from those who have tested multiple CAI's as independant people or businesses with nothing to gain should be trusted. There are MANY ways to manipulate dyno results..

 

 

I'm a dealer for Halltech, and AFE, and Airaid, and K&N, Volant, SLP, Vararam.... And I like testing/comparing products. So the test I did was completely unbiased. Since Halltech up to this point has been the only true available CAI for these cars, I got one of his units, and I was very impressed. Which was no surprise to me, because I love his C5 and C6 products.

Of course the stock intake is fine/adequate for a basically stock car (which most will agree)... However, I saw much more than 5 HP (your previous claim). Maybe it was a freak of nature, but the dyno runs were made within 30 minutes of each other, and ambient air had risen almost 5 degree's by the time I made the runs w/ the Halltech.

One thing to keep in mind is that the factory intake has to include silencers and flex tubes which cause airflow turbulence. So there definitely is power to be gained from a good CAI. And IMO, the airbox size around the filter on these aftermarket units will absolutely be critical on higher modded N/A builds (which are my plans).

For a bolt on car (with no other major plans), that AFE is gonna be the hot ticket due to it's value.

Comparing CAI's on basically stock cars is going to yield pretty much the same results across the board. The proof in the pudding will be comparing them on bigger cube/higher volume type setups. That's when it becomes critical to buy the intake that is going to support your future goals.

I'm anxious to see the AFE unit, I've always been very happy with their intakes. I'll be honest, I sell a lot of AFE products since they were the first to release a 2014 GM truck intake. No surprise they are on the ball with the C7 as well.

 

I'll agree with most of this, primarily your point that intakes dont really matter much unless you doing bigger cubes or FI. My statement is primarily referring to the bolt on setups. A stock car with an intake is a waste of money unless you want it for aesthetics.

 

Well, like I tell all my customers. You gotta pay to play. Sure these 5-10-15 HP gains can be "expensive".. but the guy w/ the most 5-10-15 HP gains is the guy 1 or 2 cars ahead of the guy who said all that stuff is a waste of money

 

 

Ported heads, an aggressive cam, upgraded valve train, stroked engine, full exhaust, intake = big money for the power increase.

Supercharger = $5k, much more power, better driveability, retain all factory technology systems for economy, smooth quiet idle.


Spending $3500 for a full exhaust, intake + install is a joke for the power increase you get compared to a blower.

I'll never spend money for a 15-30hp increase on anything ever again.

I'll spend my $5k for a blower and get that best bang for the buck and be done with it.

 

Unless you care about a factory warranty... can't imagine there would be anything left after the supercharger and related tune. Maybe I'm wrong?

 

Adding a tune without any changes to the mechanics of the car voids the warranty, so what's your point?

This has nothing to do with a warranty.

 

The real comparison is at the track. Just because you have gained 15-20 rwhp on the dyno doesn't mean that you're going to see a tremendous amount of performance at the track.

 

That's right. I need to see 2 - 3 MPH minimum (not tenths) or else the mod in question didn't do anything.

 

mostly!

Whatever the approach, the warranty on the motor/drivetrain is likely history.

Having said that, a blower is tough to beat. Highly noticeable gain with reasonable reliability as long as the tune isn't crazy.

The only "better" approach in my mind?




Z06! Highly engineered. Warrantied. Better resale. More $ to buy? Yep. Worth it? To me yes. To others? Maybe, maybe not.

 

Couldn't agree more... Going boost is the easiest way to make these cars scream, and you get to retain stock driveability.

I'm going the all motor route for bragging rights. But I had always planned on going boost before I even took delivery of the car. Then I decided to be different. I make my living doing cam/headers/full bolt ons. So only seemed fit that I practice what I preach.