Tech Thursday: C6 Intake K&N install

Modifying your intake, or cold air intake, is a relatively inexpensive, easy way to gain some horsepower. Make no mistake, this will not result in 50% more horsepower, at best around 5%. But it doesn’t cost too much (most complete intake systems cost less than $500) and can be a fun, quick (around one-two hours for most installs) DIY project.

What are the negatives? Well, it can make your car louder (that’s a positive for some) and will obviously require you to spend some money. But there aren’t too many ways to add some power so cheaply; modifying your intake is often the gateway to further mods. Additionally, it may lead to increased fuel consumption as it can allow more air into the manifold so that injectors must squirt more fuel in order to get the air/fuel ratio right.

There are three basic approaches to modifying your intake: first, the simplest, replacing the stock air filter with a K&N or other filter. This only requires you to open the airbox and switch the filter. Second, the cheapest option, you could modify the airbox yourself to remove any obstructions which slow airflow. The third option would be to buy a new intake system and install.

This is the most expensive and complicated option, but doesn’t require special tools or damaging/modifying (depending on perspective) your stock parts. The only question is which kit? Well, that’s up to you and the install process may vary slightly depending on the kit, but following is the basic process of replacing the whole intake assembly with a K&N high flow intake (not just the filter).

Below is the video. For step-by-step instructions, keep reading.

Step 1: Turn off the ignition. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Step 2: Unlock and disconnect the crankcase vent hose from the intake tube.

Step 3: Disconnect the Mass Air Sensor electrical connection.

Step 4: Loosen the hose clamp that secures the intake tube to the throttle body.

Step 5: Pull the intake tube off the throttle body and dislodge the intake tube from the mounting pins on the radiator cover. Then remove the complete intake assembly from the vehicle.

Step 6: Remove the two screws that secure the Mass Air Sensor to the stock intake tube and then carefully remove the sensor.

Step 7: Install the Mass Air Sensor into the K&N intake tube.

Step 8: Secure the Mass Air Sensor to the K&N intake tube with the screws and spacers provided.

Step 9: Remove the crankcase vent fitting from the stock intake tube.

Step 10: Install the provided grommet into the K&N intake tube.

Step 11: Install the crankcase vent fitting, removed in Step 9, into the grommet in the K&N intake tube.

Step 12: Remove the two mounting grommets from the stock intake tube.

Step 13: Install mounting grommets, just removed from stock intake, into K&N intake tube mounting holes.

Step 14: Install the supplied oval silicon hose onto the K&N intake tube and secure with the supplied hose clamp. Be sure to place the notches in the silicon hose over the air diverter mounting bolts (see video for clarification).

Step 15: Install the K&N air filter onto the silicon hose and secure it with the provided hose clamp, designed to fit tightly on the filter.

Step 16: Install the 4″ inside diameter silicon hose onto the throttle body and secure it with the provided hose clamp.

Step 17: Move the K&N intake assembly into installation position and connect the Mass Air Sensor electrical connection.

Step 18: Install the K&N intake assembly onto the mounting pins and the silicon hose at the throttle body and secure it with the provided hose clamp. Then reconnect the crankcase vent hose.

Step 19: Reconnect the Vette’s negative battery cable. Double check all connections to ensure that they’re all tight, secure and in proper position before starting the vehicle.

It will be necessary for all K&N high flow intake systems to be checked periodically for realignment, clearance, and tightening of all connections. Failure to follow K&N’s instructions or proper maintenance may void warranty.