I've heard many on the Corvette Forum say how impressed they were from the extra HP gains of the Blackwing open element air cleaner that I decided to try it myself. It is a well-built unit and is easy to install.

My source for the parts was LA Performance Division out of California.

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Here is the Donaldson Blackwing as delivered.

Identify your stock airbox assembly and duct-work. This all must be removed in order to do the swap.

Start by disconnecting the two wiring connectors and unhook the air filter retaining straps.

Disconnect this air fitting by pulling on it until it leaves the ducts.

Identify the air tube the meets the airbox and use a flat blade screwdriver to release the plastic clamp.

Remove the hose from the fitting.

Use a flat blade screwedriver to loosen the band clamp on the throttle body.

Disconnect the duct from the throttle body.

Use a flat blade screwederiver to pry up on the center buttons on the mounting hardware that holds the duct to the top of the radiator shroud.

Pull the duct away from the shroud.

In this photo, you can see a rubber grommet, inside the air box, near the bottom of the box. This attaches to a metal post which holds the airbox to the front frame. There are two grommets, one on each side. Pull the airbox back away from the frame very hard to disconnect the assembly.

Remove the stock assembly.

Identify the two rubber grommets that held the box to the frame, and remove them.

Install them into the forward holes in the Blackwing, with the larger diameter hole of the grommet facing you.

Remove the air connector from the stock airbox.

And install it in the Blackwing.

The Blackwing is now ready to receive the ductwork.

Insert a flat blad screwdriver into the band on the back of the airbox, just forward of the MAF sensor and pry it open.

Install the MAF into the Blackwing and tighten the clamp.

Position the Blackwing from inside the engine compartment then move to the front of the car to line up the grommets onto the metal posts and push the Blackwing into place.

Now it's time to reconnect the ductwork and connectors.

Slide the duct over the throttle body and tighten the clamp. Feed the duct into the radiator shroud and push the retaining pins in place. Reconnect the air fitting at the back of the duct.

Insert the air tube into the Blackwing and attach the two electrical connections.

Double-check all connections and then start your C5 and enjoy the increased performance.


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Disclaimer: 97vette.com offers the C5 HOW TO section as a guide.
97vette.com will not accept any responsibility if you make a mistake and
damage your Corvette. You assume any and all responsibility to use caution
when performing work on your Corvette to prevent yourself from causing any
damage. --Pat


 
 


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