I was asked by Craig Gemmel to do research on Cold Air Intakes (CAI) for the C5, C6 and C7. In my March 19 Technical Corner, I had reviewed the CAI for the C7. In this current report I have updated these findings as well as researching for the C5 and C6.
Cold air intake purpose is in theory to improve the HP, Torque and Sound of the engine.
There are a lot of different CAI on the market. Some claim crazy improvements like up to 50 hp. I have not seen any those high numbers supported by dyno testing other than on the Z06 C7, so they are suspect in my mind. Either these claims came out of a hat or are marketing optimism. My findings show that improvements supported by dyno testing do not exceed 15-20hp in the best of cases while many are in the 0-10hp range for the base engine. However, CAI tend to improve the level and the sound of the engine. Many owners like it. So, if you are in the market for a CAI for your Corvette and you want to increase your HP, then make sure that the gains are supported by dyno testing.
C5 CAI
Callaway Honker Price – $500US
Claimed Power Gain – 16.5bhp dyno tested
This intake is considered the best money can get judging by forum reviews. It has a dyno-test proven gain of 16.5bhp on a stock motor without any custom tuning. Despite those proven gains, the intake looks like a stock part. C5 Corvette owners should be pleased to learn the Callaway unit relocates the MAF next to the throttle body the same way it is on the C6. Installation is straightforward, but does require cutting a shroud; however, a template is included to make it as easy as possible. Recommended if you want an intake with proven gains.
Vararam B2 Price – $350US
Claimed Power Gain – Up to 40bhp but not supported by dyno testing
The B2 is a good choice if you are on a budget, but it does have its drawbacks. The major drawback is that it pulls air from the vents used to bring cooler air into the engine bay. Turning the engine vents into air intakes will cause engine bay temperatures to rise, leading to hotter coolant temperatures. While they will provide more power, installing this intake will not improve performance by 40 horsepower. Aesthetically, it maintains a stock-like appearance without the bling factor. You’ll also spend additional time during the installation trying to get everything to line up properly. If you have the extra money, the Callaway Honker is recommended over the B2.
K&N Performance Air Intake System Price: $550US
Claimed Power Gain – 11.35 hp dyno tested
K&N’s Performance Air Intake System utilizes a high-volume, rationally molded intake tube, designed to significantly enhance incoming air delivery. This specialty ductwork is paired with the company’s infamous oiled High-Flow Air Filter, which is rated to operate for up to 100,000 miles without need for service.
Key Specs & Features
Custom heat shield
Roto-molded HDPE intake tube paired with oversized oiled cotton air filter
Engineered to provide high airflow and exceptional filtration
Replaces factory air filter and intake tube
Filter only requires cleaning every 100,000 miles under normal highway driving conditions
C6 CAI
Magnum FORCE Stage-2 Cold Air Intake System w/Pro 5R Filter Media Price: $550
Claimed Power Gain – 22 hp dyno tested (Vehicle Tested with Aftermarket Exhaust) so it is unknown what was the exhaust impact.
- Outflows Factory Intake by 50%
- Measured Flow: 375 CFM @1.5″ H2O
- Vacuum-Formed ABS Plastic Intake Cover
- Computer-Designed Roto-Molded Intake Tube
- Pro 5R Pre-Oiled, Washable and Reusable Air Filter for Maximum Performance
’08 – ’13 K&N Performance Air Intake System Price: $550
Claimed Power Gain – 17.72 hp dyno tested
The K&N Performance Air Intake System delivers an abundance of oxygen-dense intake air, in the least restrictive way possible. This is accomplished with an oversized air filter element, and a custom-molded intake housing. In-house testing performed by K&N has recorded performance gains of up to 17.72 horsepower, with the installation of this kit.
Key Specs & Features
Designed to improve throttle response and engine sound
C7 CAI
AFE Momentum Cold Air Intake System w/Pro 5R Filter Media ($550us and $800us for ZO6)
Claimed Power Gain – AFE claims 18HP and 22FT# on a regular C7 and 46 HP and 39 FT # on a Z06 not dyno tested
The unit comes with a pre-oiled filter. It has a Clear Sight Window for Convenient Filter Inspection Without Disassembly.
K&N Cold Air Intake – High-flow, Roto-mold Tube ($500US FOR C7 AND $850US FOR Z06)
Claimed Power Gain 12.51HP and 16.6 FT# on regular C7 (dyno tested) and 50HP and 62FT# on Z06 (dyno tested).
These come with oiled filter.
VERARAM TCR-7 ($425US)
Claimed Power Gain 18-20HP increase but does not specify if it a regular C7 or a Z06. Non dyno tested
They come with pre-oiled filter.
GENERAL MOTORS PART#84689752 ($1000CDN)
Claimed Power Gain no performance gain on a regular Corvette and 11 HP on a Z06
However, there is an increase in the airflow of the order of 30%. This unit is very similar to the AFE above. This CAI comes with a dry filter. GM also states that if it is installed by a GM car dealer the warranty will be maintained.
BMS DROP IN AIR FILTER ($90US)
Claimed Power Gain 30HP on a Z06 non dyno tested.
This filter will drop in the factory air box. Manufacturer claims that there is a 15% increase in airflow. Some owners have said that if you don’t want to spend a lot of money this solution is as good a some of the CAI on the market for a lot less money.
In general people that have installed CAI on their Corvettes seemed happy. They like the new sound, and some say that the throttle response is better. In order the ensure that you get the gains claimed by the manufacturers you would need put your Corvette on a dyno. You might also see if you are getting performance improvements if you do a few drags runs without and after installation and compare the times.
