Ok, I'm tired of the old stock intake; I'm tired of loosing gas mileage, and lost perf(although I doubt I'd notice), and I'm tired of how ugly it is. So I've been considering upgrading to an aftermarket system. Now, like most of you; if I'm going to upgrade something, I'm going to upgrade it to the point where I will not notice anymore change by adding more money.

Most of the companies say "1,800,000+ hp rw increase!"; I'm pretty sure they are just being optimal and that I will not notice any difference, however with gas mileage I noticed a difference with the borla exhaust upgrade, so I assume I'll notice a difference with this upgrade too.

The question is: what brands should I check out? or does it not matter? can I just buy the $60 twin pipes from ebay and stick k&n's on?

Also, there are multiple designs: twin pipes, upgrades to the stock system, ram intake from the bumper.. Is there any design that stands out over the others? I see black wing an aweful lot here, is that just the standard upgrade or does it hold some merit?

Thanks,

Depending what year your car is (97 to 2000 have 3.5 inch maf) 2001 to 2004 have 4 inch maf..

I'd buy used..either a Donaldson blackwing..which usually sells for around 150 dollars used..or if you have a 2001 or newer vette..pick up one of the T-1 C elbows with filter for around 70 dollars..

A lot of guys with the Halltech T1-c and moved to the Halltech Trap like I did..

The T1-c and blackwing installs in about 10 minutes..no cutting..nothing..but an additional 10 to 20 hp..

I meet up with a local Corvette owner who put on the borla stingers..and was thinking of selling it because when he first put it on..he thought it was too loud..He decided to keep it..as we both marvelled at those stunning quad tips...

Getting back to the story..I had the T1-c in the trunk..He bought it from me and he's happy..

Let us know what year car you have..

For the most part..I'd suggest passing on the twin elbow version your thinking about..

I'm sure its good but TUNER Steve Cole said..years ago..he hated the twin flow design because it caused turbulence in the maf that he could not work with..

Take it for what its worth..

Blackwing or Halltech T1 C used would be my suggestion..

Alright, turbulance makes sense.. so the first recomendation is not to get a split, twin arm air filter?

I have a '99 so I have the 3.5; would it be better of me to get a 4.0 MAF? or is there no noticable difference?

Now with these filters, do they work better or worse with cuts in the front nose (like in the z06)? or is that a not recommended upgrade?

Also, has anyone actually felt a power change with this upgrade? (it doesn't matter much to me, I'm looking for better mpg with this upgrade.)

Supercharge it!!! You will not be disappointed.

Once you swallow the price, the Blackwing is hard to beat. I put mine on and the response was instant, quicker/deeper low end and the sound, hearing the LS1 gulping huge copious quantities of air is a beautiful thing.

If you're gonna do heads, cam and headers another setup might be better, but for an relatively inexpensive way to juice up a stocker the Blackwing is the way to go. Exceptional quality.

If you have the time and like the look of the Z06 type grill. I'd recommend it. I believe it draws cooler air temps into the engine bay..

Remember for every ten degrees you can lower air temps..you'll add 1 % more power...Usually cool air intakes lower air intake temperatures by 30 degrees and add an additional 3 % or 10 rwhp Off a dyno..

I'd truly suggest buying a used filter ....if you have a 3.5 inch maf..Leave the maf alone..and just pick up a used blackwing..

I've seen them for 150 dollars..

Hell I've bought and sold a used blackwing myself as a first mod..

I remember I bought it for 160 when they were selling for 300...and then after 7 months or so..when I was after cool air..I sold it for about 140 dollars..


Buy used and have a good laugh..

Its worth about 10 to 20 hp without any z06 screens..even..


If you can keep your foot out of it..you should be able to squeeze some more mpg..

I have the Breathless Performance Rammer Air Induction. Installs with ease and makes a difference. www.breathelssperformance.com has all the information on-line on why theirs is the best.

I didn't think you were that interested in doing any cutting..or spending a lot of cash..

Heres an example of a blackwing that had 11,000 miles..and sold used just today I believe..

Check the used parts section of the various forums ..and go from there..(just make sure the guy your buying from has lots of history..or posts so you can feel secure..) Not a big deal but just a good thing to do..

Here's a copy of his post from Z06vette.com...;

His blackwing..just has an adapter to go from 4 inch..to 3.5 inch maf..I'd assume you just take off the adapter..

Heres the post:

Blackwing $125 ( used for11500 miles) SOLD.
02 simulators $80 for 2 (used for 2500 miles) STILL AVAILABLE
Koolsox 1200 degrees $30 (never used) SOLD.
Black lugnuts, set of 20, $50. STILL AVAILABLE
Gtech Pro, $90. STILL AVAILABLE

Buyer pays for shipping from CA.

Thanks!

I have no problem making any modifications, I just don't want to spend $150+ just to find out in 3-7 months that what I was actually looking for was[...]; and have to resell it and buy the new one.

You don't have to do anything with these Corvettes..

Right out of the box they are fast as hell as I'm sure you know.

The blackwing..for your 3.5 inch maf..is a good unit for what you described as important to you.

It installs in about 10 minutes.

Here's the install instructions:

http://www.fototime.com/B8D6287F38B30E5/standard.jpg

Cold air intakes produce 3% more power than underhood units. (IMHO)

www.vararam.com

Anything else is a compromise.

EdG

Good luck.

To JBsC5:

Please elaborate. If you have some comments
about the vararam please pass them on.

To me it makes sense to get the coldest air.

The only problem I see is if you drive into
a a wave of water or deep water and cover your
intake. Rainwater should just pool up and run
out the weep holes or out the front.

EdG

EDG's device looks like it would bring more air to the party, but conventional designs like the blackwing have been around while for a reason: THEY WORK.. Has anyone tried both head to head??

Vararam = ~3 hour install with car on lift or jacks

Blackwing/T1-C 10 minutes install in your garage.

To the gentlemen who started this thread..I was under the impression from your original post... you wanted the quick and easy 10 to 20 hp..and didn't want to work to hard to get it.


JB