Vortex Ram Air System

By Steve

I received the Vortex Ram Air System from Breathless Performance, Monday March 4th and installed it that night on my stock 345 HP, 350 ft.lb. 97 C5. If the vendors claim of 22 HP and 21 ft/lbs is correct, it should now be pushing 367 HP and 371 ft/lb at the flywheel. The following link gives a great over view of the installation. I opted for the clear kit thinking it would make checking for a dirty air filter easier.

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2001/september/ramair/ram1.ASP

If only the vendor instructions provided were as good this web site. I think I would have had problems if I hadn't visited this site beforehand.

The vendor provided template accurately represents the needed cutout to access outside air but, I found it missing instructions on where to line it up before marking for the cut. I took a "best shot" and got it about right. I think it's just a little, less then an inch, too far forward and the template does not lay out the bolt holes.

Proper tools are critical as is following the instructions on opening up the holes drilled before mounting. Little strings of plastic left over from drilling made getting the bolts started difficult. The vendor instructions indicate that the easiest way to install the ram air system is on the car. If I ever have to do this again, I'm taking the shroud out! Cutting, drilling and mounting took over 2 hours and resulted in removing the hood before I was done. This created a whole new set of problems that I won't go into here. I had previously removed the screen mentioned in the web site article, I knew about that from my Mustang days, so that didn't have to be done and it wasn't mentioned in the installation instructions. Curious! Without removing the screen, the kit could not make the performance boost it claims. I seem to recall reading someplace that the screen restricts about 125 CFM.

Once installed and everything connected again and the hood re-installed and aligned, it was time for a quick test drive. Those of you that have driven the 6 speed C5, have probably experienced the raw acceleration it's capable of in 1st gear. I've had mine break loose under full power at about 4400 RPM, max torque, after getting the tires wet but never on dry pavement.

Once I found a suitable place, about 2 minutes from the house, I eased the clutch out and started putting my foot into it. By 3000 RPM it was on the floor and was really starting to pull. The manufacture claims that the system starts to benefit from the ram air effect above 35 MPH. This was quickly passed but I can't say I felt any difference. The tach continued spinning past 4400 and at about 4600 the traction control went active! In other words, on cold dry pavement with properly inflated tires, wheel spin was being detected! What a rush! I eagerly looked forward to the drive to work the next day.

Tuesday - Over slept or, was it just an excuse to have to "get on it" for the drive to work... Too tired to really test it on the way in but, it did feel stronger.

On the way home I had a chance to do a little testing. That's one Camero that will never try a Vette again. Starting around 3000 RPM, the engine pulls stronger. Above 4500, it definitely breathes better all the way out to red line. I don't have anything but the seat of my pants to substantiate the change, but in fourth gear from about 90 to 140, I'm willing to bet it shaved .5 to 1.second and in 5th gear it didn't seem to labor as hard as it use to but, I got off of it before 150. After all, by this time that Camero was toast.

I finally think I can see some effect from the ram air. If you hold a constant throttle setting about half throttle, as the speed climbs through about 40 MPH, it feels as if you suddenly add just a little bit, maybe 5% more throttle.

Now the down side. The only way I see to replace the air cleaner is remove the 6 bolts that hold the whole kit together or maybe from underneath? The vendor doesn't say. Each has its own disadvantage but I think I'll try underneath first, but that may take 2 people. Cutting the shroud has its own down side but, it's a good chance to clean the bird feathers and rabbit fur, (yes feathers and fur, not my doing, I bought it used), out of the front of the air conditioner heat exchanger and a replacement is supposed to be less than $60.00. That's what the vendor claims but, I haven't priced it myself.

If you're looking for a new air filter and a little more power out of your C5, I would recommend this one. At $249.00 plus shipping, it’s priced about right. A note of warning though, the plumbing visible on the web site does not come with it. The $249.00 only buys the ram air box, template, a clamp and air filter. Can I substantiate the vendors claim of 22 HP and 21 ft/lb? No. But the seat of my pants tells me this C5 is stronger then it was.

Now how do I get all this intake air out?

More to come…