Fozzy_Bear

Well, I have had the Callaway Honker installed for a few weeks and tonight my wife decides she was going to borrow the vette to go to the gym while I have her sedan at Home Depot getting stuff for the house. It's the first time she has ever borrowed it - we have only had it 60 days.

While she was there it started to rain heavily and one of the intersections on the way home had a dip with about 6-7 inches of water. Well, she didn't know any better and she went into the intersection.

Bulrp.

Then a horrible screatching sound when she tried to start it.

So out came the cell phone and I went to pick her up (in a pouring rain).

When I go there, some neighbors were helping her push it out of the intersection. I walked up and she said, " it just makes a screatching sound" and before I could stop her she turned te key again and I heard the starter motor gear shread.

I'm figuring, "Scratch one LS-1."

I had it towed to a friends house (where we will have a better look in his garage tomorrow)

But I digress. The point is; It IS easy to hydro-lock your motor with a "bottom-feeder" intake. I had heard about it, but I figured, I'd just drive my jeep if it was going to be raining heavy. I just hadn't got around to telling the wife yet.

MawneeC5

Sorry to hear that

My wife cant drive stick...my car is ALWAYS a stick

DangerousMind

Sorry to hear man

sbright

I only have one key to the Vette at the house. If I leave-- it goes with me. That's been my policy ever since my wife helped me find my sunglasses under the driver seat. The next morning after she borrowed the car, they were laying under the pedals.. So how DID you have to stop honey??

Bills Z06

OUCH! Sorry to hear about the lock up and good luck with the repair.

0EG@EnglandGreen

The moral of your story? Do not lend your SO your Vette.

Sorry to hear about this. Hope it's not as bad as it seems.

AU N EGL

Never had a problem here. I also have a bottom breather with a Cyclone intake. Cyclone is like the Vortexx.

I do a lot of driving in the rain and even on the track.

But then again not into driving in 5 - 7" of standing water either.

itsmeek

there is an optional bypass valve which many cai manufacturers make or you can fabricate your own for your car. this will not allow hydrolock..

Pureenergy

Let us know how you make out with the car.I hope the damage can be repaired for a reasonable price.I assume your wife was pretty upset too.
There is always a silver lining in every cloud...hope you find yours...soon

Frankie2blue

This is why I am still on the fence about another intake.I for one, have been very interested in this intake and this confirms my fears. I can't believe that there isn't a way to protect the intake area on a bottom breather against this,maybe by the addition of a second scoop under there, or for that matter that the Vararam people still have not figured a way to use a quality air filter for their unit. I have the blackwing now, but am starting to think about just returning to the ZO6 lid as I don't think it makes a hell of alot of difference. Anyway, Hope all works out for you.

Joe_G

I'd sure like to hear more about this bypass valve - I went to Breathless' shop and asked them about this and they told me just don't drive in water! Easier said than done here in hurricane alley.

Do you have a link?

sxeC7

Hopefully, she wasn't going very fast and it didn't bend any rods. Pull the plugs and see if it will spin freely. Make sure the intake is dry. Good LucK.

taaz024

My bypass valve is in my head!! It's called, "bypass the deep puddles stupid". Bottom line, we all want the best performance for our cars and that starts with alot of cool, clean air. If that means being a little more careful with where we drive, and who we loan our cars to so be it. The only people that drive my cars are vette buddies or good friends that own performance cars, and they use "my" key.

REDGAR

I know the feeling. Killed mine a few years ago. It was in a similar dip in pouring Florida rain and panic driver (me) that caused mine

taaz024

When are you coming down to our challenge so I can meet you Redger? I lost my 2nd place status finally. Now, it's time to get back on track and get it back, lol.

PA_BLUE_C6

Thanks for posting. I was on the verge of getting a low or bottom breather, but I have been caught in some downpours hundreds of miles from home.
Noe

REDGAR

I was hoping that the PRI show and your December race were the same weekend but they are a week apart.

So it might be the first race of next year till I come down.

Richie Carbone

My wife wouldn't even think about going near my Vette unless we're going for a ride and I allow her to sit in the passenger seat.

I have a Vararam and I have been caught in some heavy rain where I could only see 5' in front of me and my motor is still alive.

I guess that can happen when you're used to driving SUV's.

Now you can blame her for you having to buy a 427 C5R.

Good luck.

GettReal

I have had my vortex for years and have had the same fear. As a general rule if its gonna rain, I take the SUV, however Ive been caught a few times in rain (panicking the whole time but its always been fine)... Sorry to hear and hope its not too serious. Dont blame the wife, she didnt know, blame yourself you let her drive it

2KVetteMan

That completely sucks!! Hopefully the damage is not that expensive.