RobRobinette

I have installed cold air intakes on other cars and from what I have read a CAI is a good mod for the C6 Z06. From online pictures I can't tell how they actually work because they look very similar to the stock setup. Do CAIs involve cutting into the ducting to actually get cold air? In other words, how does a good CAI differ from the stock Z06 intake? Thank you in advance.

Rob
Bone Stock 2009 C6 Z06

geno01

Vararam CAI you have to cut the shroud. See if you can pull up installation of a Vararam that might show you how it works. Had one on my C5 and have one on my ZO6. They are a true CAI.

rgeorge33

I found this to be helpful when looking at intakes:

RobRobinette

gren01, I took your advice and found a C6 Z06 Vararam install video and it showed me exactly what I needed to know. Thank you for the suggestion.

rgeorge33, I watched the video. It seems all the "cold air" intakes tested did not cut into the radiator shroud like the Vararam does to source cold air. It seems they all pull in the engine bay air like stock except they breath better. Is that true?

449er

I also watched this video & just beware of one thing...when they tested the Halltech CAI, they didn't use the beehive shroud which is why the Halltech works so well, keep that in mind when you see the testing results

double06

Looks like an older Halltech too with the sensor close to the air coupler. New ones are a little further forward.

Diavolo_Z

That does appear true and one thing to always remember on a dyno, especially when thinking about the vararam, is that you simply cannot simulate road driven air with a fan. I have the airraid because it was already on my car when purchased, works fine for my H/C setup. It does have some shrouding that goes on top that tries to keep out hot air.

rgeorge33

Agree that it doesn't get a lot of direct cold air without cutting. It does get a small amount through the functional NACA duct and from around the sides of the front plastic. As I understand the design GM engineers limited direct airflow to limit MAF turbulence. I also have the Airaid, but haven't done any dyno work to quantify its effectiveness.

NemeZ

Look into the Callaway CAI, it’s a true cold air intake and has great fitment.

Apocolipse

Stock is a CAI - the design is only poor when you are sitting still. Driving the vehicle the naca does what it is designed to do.

rybern

Interstellar

For those with a CAI and especially those who have cut around the intake as seen on the Vararam, are there any issues regarding the rain? Still doing my research as I anticipate buying a Z soon, and would likely be driving in the rain. Wouldn't want to get into a H/C/I Z only to realize it's a hazard when the water comes out.

Spaceme1117

That is a well done video. Of all of those, I would have chosen the Airaid. But honestly, the factory intake is so good that spending $400 to $500 on an intake, the gain really isn't worth the cost.

tommyc6z06

Dumb question; wouldn’t cutting into the radiator shroud to steal air from there serve to marginalize cooling to a small extent? Possibly problematic for a track car?
Just wondering ...

Apocolipse

Yes

grcor

This is a worthless test. Some of the CAI had clean filters, some where dirty, and the Halltech was so dirty it was black and it was damaged where some of the filter pleats where crimped.

geno01

I have never had an issue with rain. If you go through standing water now that's different. You could get the same results with a stock air cleaner. Not being a smartass but there is a lot of info out there on the subject.