Donaldson Blackwing

SJRAMROD · 03-10-04, 03:20 PM

Almost purchased a Vararam Ram Air System but, got a little scared with the install instructions. I bought a Blackwing instead. Did I make a good choice? Will it perform as well as the Vararam System?

I've heard that the twin cone filter set up creates turbulance with the intake air. Wouldn't the Vararam do the same thing since there are 2 intakes?

TODD L GRIFFITH · 03-11-04, 06:44 PM

I have the Blackwing and I'm happy with it! The Vararam I thought about too, but I didn't get it. I spent the extra money on a carbon fiber powerduct, 160 degree thermostat and coolant by-pass instead. Not a bad way to go either.

DWS'03Z · 03-14-04, 08:08 AM

works for me........quality construction & fit

DRTH VTR · 03-16-04, 10:15 PM

I bought a VaraRam. The installation is not too bad for someone with at least a little mechanical experience. It is not for the guy who has never done any work at all. I am heading to the strip weekend after next and will post the before and after numbers. From what I have read, the VaraRam results in more improvement than the Blackwing, but it comes with the additional risk of having the engine ingest some water.

TODD L GRIFFITH · 03-17-04, 08:55 PM

Hey let me know how you make out at the track. T.G.

DRTH VTR · 03-18-04, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TODD L GRIFFITH

Hey let me know how you make out at the track. T.G.

I will do that. The local strip has a test and tune day on 3/27. I hope to get in a few runs. The weather should be cool, too. I don't know how well the strip will be prepared, but it is the first day, so it should be good.

NEVR L8 · 03-29-04, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TODD L GRIFFITH

I spent the extra money on a carbon fiber powerduct,

They look really nice but watch out for them cracking on the underneath side, especially if they make any contact with hood when you close it as most do. I have heard of them cracking many times and that causes 2 problems. Unmetered air flow and the fibers get into the intake and have created some real messes. Just a FYI.....

DRTH VTR · 03-29-04, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRTH VTR

I will do that. The local strip has a test and tune day on 3/27. I hope to get in a few runs. The weather should be cool, too. I don't know how well the strip will be prepared, but it is the first day, so it should be good.

I got only 2 runs. The track had lots of traction compound, but I was still greatly limited by wheelspin. I had a previous best (at 2600') of 13.2 @ 110MPH. I only got 13.4 @110MPH after the Vararam installation. It feels stronger to me, but the wheelspin was a big problem. My 60 foot times were poor. My next step is to see the local wheel/tire guy for some better drag strip rubber.

TODD L GRIFFITH · 03-29-04, 06:47 PM

Did you launch with the traction control on, or off? What RPM did you launch at?

DRTH VTR · 03-29-04, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TODD L GRIFFITH

Did you launch with the traction control on, or off? What RPM did you launch at?

I turn the traction control to 'competitive driving". There is so much to do in that few second run, that I generelly screw it up. The RPM that I launch at is between 2000 and 2500. But then I give it so much gas that I overpower the track and spin my wheels. I need some drag radials, or maybe even some 'cheater slicks'. I hope to buy that stuff in the next 2 weeks. I'll let you know what it does to the car.

TODD L GRIFFITH · 03-30-04, 07:19 PM

I can imagine the adreneline pumping and getting your foot in it. I believe the competition mode shuts the traction control off and leaves the active handling on. Maybe with the traction control on, you could eliminate so much wheel spin off the line. It is something you will have to experiment with until you find the right mix. Hope you have a 12 second run soon, the car is capable of it for sure.

DRTH VTR · 03-31-04, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TODD L GRIFFITH

Hope you have a 12 second run soon, the car is capable of it for sure.

The elevation costs me about 0.4-0.5 seconds.

TODD L GRIFFITH · 03-31-04, 04:33 PM

Yes. I forgot about that. Guess that means the new turbos are on order!

Geneus · 04-04-04, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWS'03Z

works for me........quality construction & fit

Hey guys,

New to this forum. I have something that looks very similar to the Blackwing...the K&N FIPK Air Charger. It requires cutting the shroud and inserting some brackets provided with the kit to allow cool, bottom air to come up and enter the filter. But it is virtually impossible for water to enter, so no fear from hydolink. Good system, with the K&N quality filter. Not sure of the actual HP gains, but I think that just about any aftermarket system will be a bit more beneficial than the stock box (not that it is that bad) in allowing the LS6's to breath better.

Don

theblackvette · 04-04-04, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geneus

Hey guys,

New to this forum. I have something that looks very similar to the Blackwing...the K&N FIPK Air Charger. It requires cutting the shroud and inserting some brackets provided with the kit to allow cool, bottom air to come up and enter the filter. But it is virtually impossible for water to enter, so no fear from hydolink. Good system, with the K&N quality filter. Not sure of the actual HP gains, but I think that just about any aftermarket system will be a bit more beneficial than the stock box (not that it is that bad) in allowing the L6's to breath better.
Don

Seen this at a local cruise in on a Torch Red Z06. When I see the guy again I will ask if he knows the HP gain!