RedRyder518

I have the oppertunity to pick one of these up for cheap. Would I really see any type of gain in switching these out? I know a lot of people don't like the LT1 SS ram air, but don't fix what ain't broke right?

mrz28 73/97

I also have an SS and would like to know the answer to this question, but I would say if you can get a K&N cheap then buy it go to the track with both systems and do a head to head comparison and whichever one gives you the highest mph keep that one on the car because that's the one making the most hp.

FASTFATBOY

I called K&N, the engineer said the FIPK system would support 700 normally aspirated flywheel horsepower with a bigger cone filter, I am gonna use one on my fairly radical 383, if this helps.

David

97FormulaWS-6

In Theory... Per Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and heat-transfer rules...

The SS Intake Track SUCKS... the K&N should outflow it with ZERO issues what so ever...

I could get into why, but if you do a search on this MB, there probably uhm.... 800+ threads on this topic...

97FormulaWS-6

In Theory... Per Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, and heat-transfer rules...

The SS Intake Track SUCKS... the K&N should outflow it with ZERO issues what so ever...

I could get into why, but if you do a search on this MB, there probably uhm.... 800+ threads on this topic...

Red95M6Z28

I know of many many people that have gone to a cold air instead of factory ram air. At 200mph a ram air hood might work better than a cone filter. Then again maybe not. Plus you get that cool sucking sound from the fender

orbitalshock2k

But on the 96-97 SSs they had 20 more base HP than Zs. I think the only performance difference was R/A (correct me if I'm wrong). So doesn't R/A add 20 HP over stock intake? Does CAI add more? ahh!

97FormulaWS-6

it was "rated" at 20 more HP.... was it really; HIGHLY doubtful...

Like I said, if you really want details use the SEARCH feature...

Bastardcat

If they SS's were fitted with a CAI they'd probably also be rated at 20HP over the stock intake.

Steve0

SS's also all got the SLP 2OTL exhaust system didnt they, or was that an option?

Sandman_97Z

Ya they had that option, and the SS "ram air" ( ) is better than that craptacualr stock air box. That being said, the LT1 SS cars barely dyno more than a standard Z28. The rating of 20 more hp is simply marketing. Same reasons they rate the LS1's at 305hp and the Vette at 350hp.....both put down similar dyno numbers (Vettes might see a few more ponies), but GM wont rate them the same because they cant have a "lesser" car with the same power....

But as far as you getting a CAI over your SS airbox....

Short answer: Do it. SS airbox sucks.

Long answer: Do a search. There are more threads about this than you can imagine.

Good luck

96SS#853

GM rated 96-97 SS's due to the 3 inch 2OTL exhaust system and Z28's ran stock exhaust! That's the same reason GM rated stock LS1's 00-02 models 325HP and with the special exhaust 345HP! The first thing I did to my SS was change the stock box to K & N, who wants a airbox that sits on a hot motor and only works on cold days on the highway!

ninetythreez

Chevy High Performance magazine did a head to head test a few years ago on this and came out with the CAI making more PROVEN POWER than ram air. Identical LT1 cars with SS vs. CAI.. I have that issue with the test in it!(subscriber)

BlackBird97

Hmm....would this apply to the WS6's too? The WS6's scoop appears to be directly over the filter...while the SS's is like in the middle of the hood. So wouldn't the R/A on a WS6 be as good or better than a CAI?

ninetythreez

It seems like it would be maybe as good when traveling at speed but maybe from a stand still start as heat rises to the filter from engine heat, maybe not. Key is the heat isolation.
Just my observation. worth very little. LOL.