Best Cold Air intake For C5 Corvette

The Chevy Corvette has been around since the 50s. It is an All-American muscle car that enthusiasts love to this day. Whatever the reason you like it, one thing is for sure. Getting the best cold air intake for C5 Corvette will help squeeze out every last bit of power from this American legend.

Although the company is now on its 8^th generation, the C5 is still the best. Why? For one, its styling just screams out late 90s-early 2000s! It also comes with one of the best engines ever made, the LS V8 Chevrolet utilized the LS in one form or another over several different platforms including their flagship sportscars.

Over the years, aftermarket manufacturers such as K&N and Volant have developed high-end cold air intake kits. Each CAI is engineered to extract every last bit of power and improve that sweet engine sound we all know and love.

Best Cold Air intake For C5 Corvette Comparison Table

Top Corvette CAI Brands

1.  K&N

With over 50 years of knowledge in the industry, K&N is a top player in air filtration. The company was started back in the 60s by two biker friends. A racing background led them to unknowingly create a brand that is now known all around the world.

From simple air filters that provide unprecedented airflow and dust protection to complete air intake kits, K&N has you covered. And of course, a legendary car such as the C5 Corvette has to be included on their list.

Several key features such as a washable, reusable, and 50 state legal high-performance air filter comes with every kit. It gives you the maximum sound and high-end performance that K&N only offers. The aerodynamic, lightweight intake tubes are engineered to perform and provide optimal airflow. Even the couplers and hose clamps are made of the highest quality possible.

2.  Volant

Founded in 1997, the Colombus OH company is proud to offer some of the best air intake systems on the market. Countless hours of research and development go into each system to system to ensure optimal airflow and power are delivered.

A Corvette is the king of modern American muscle cars. It is only fitting that you help it breathe better with a Volant Air Intake System. Key features such as Maxflow 5 oiled filters provide maximum horsepower and extended lifetime. This is what you get when you choose A quality CAI from Volant.

Specifically, the C5 Corvette CAI from Volant comes with 2 high performance, Maxflow 5 oiled filters and precisely engineered intake that will make your 5.7L come to life the moment you step on the gas. On top of that, it will add a much-needed visual impact to the engine compartment.

3.  SLP

One of the lesser-known brands on this list is Street Legal Performance or SLP for short. But they have been around since 1987, so you know they must be doing something right. Most notably, the company is famous for creating the first 50 state emissions legal performance package.

The Blackwing series, named so for its appearance, is specially designed to provide as much as 90% more air when compared to the stock one found on the C5 Corvette. This means more power, torque, and a whole host of noises that car fanatics love. 

But that’s not all, SLP uses specially designed Synteq filters that allow more airflow while stoping power-robbing particles such as dust, and dirt from entering the engine.

4.  BBK

BBK was created back in the 80s. Back then, the only product they offered was a cold air intake for perhaps the Corvette’s biggest rival, the Mustang. Ever since that day SLP has grown exponentially and makes of the best cold air intake for the C5 Corvette.

Now the brand continues to evolve and produce the highest quality aftermarket parts for most popular automakers. Their 200,000 sq. ft. facility based in Florida puts out some of the best products. BBK stands out by producing CAIs which consist of metal intake tubes, whereas the competition uses plastic.

Installation is also made as simple as possible for all their products. Therefore, you can enjoy more time out on the open road.

C5 Corvette Buyers Guide

We know that you want to get as much power as possible from your vehicle. Before you go out and buy the best cold air intake for C5 Corvette, several questions should be answered. This section is dedicated to helping for know exactly what you need and wants from a cold air intake.

Which Brand Is The Best?

It really depends on the style you want, but generally speaking, recognized names such as K&N and BBK will have some of the best products on the market. However, lesser-known brands are known to also provide an improvement over the factory air box.

If doubt still plagues the mind, reading a few reviews about a specific model and brand you have in mind should help ease doubts.

Is A Plastic Intake Tube Better as Durable as Metal?

Yes! Nowadays, manufacturers have advanced so much, that brittle and temperature-sensitive plastics are no longer an issue. Each C5 Cold Air intake is engineered and tested to ensure durability.

Alternatively, aluminum or stainless steel intake tubes can add weight and decrease flex created by high-revving, high-horsepower engines. Production costs also increase, therefore the final price will be affected.

Oiled Or Dry Filter?

The majority of aftermarket cold air intakes come with oiled or “wet” filters. Tests have shown that wet filters can help stop up to 98% of contaminates, while its dry counterpart can reduce upwards of 99%. Realistically, that is a minute difference that you won’t notice unless doing close-quarter racing.

Another upside of oiled filters is that they can be reused indefinitely. Some companies like K&N claim 1,000,000 miles worth of use while others say they are for life. Either way, if you have reached any of the two with the same filter, pat yourself on the back.

To get more ideas check Best Cold Air Intake for C6 Corvette Review

Types of Air Intakes

You need the right tool for the right job. Some owners are fine with the stock setup, while some want more power and sound. This section is about weighing out your options and finding the best cold air intake for C5 Corvette.

From drop-in filters designed to outperform any stick option, to a true cold air intake, there is something for everyone out there.

Drop-In Filter

Drop-in or replacement air filters are the best way to maintain your car’s stock appearance while still packing a little more punch. Several options are available. Stock paper ones may claim to increase power but chances are gains will be extremely limited.

If maintaining the factory look is important, a K&N drop-in “wet” air filter is the only viable option for adding power and sound. Plus, they are washable and come with a million-mile warranty. It will be the very last air filter you purchase.

Cold Air Intake

When doing C5 Corvette cold air intake comparisons, we’ve had to talk about this legendary, classic CAI. But just what is a real cold air intake? In simple terms, a cold air intake is designed to bring in dense fresh air from outside the hot engine bay.

For the C5, this is the best option. A stock air intake on the Corvette already functions as a cold air intake kit. However, its design can be improved upon. A quality cold air intake like this K&N option will show you why it is the best.

Ram Air Intake

Working on the same principle as the cold air intake, a short ram intake will replace the intake tube and filter with a higher flowing, larger diameter alternative. Since space is already at a premium in the Corvette’s engine bay, most aftermarket kits are technically classified as a short ram intake.

However, they are commonly known as cold air intakes because they do the same job. Here is a good article that goes over each type of air intake currently available.

Best Cold Air intake For C5 Corvette Reviews

(Best Overall) – K&N Cold Air Intake Kit (57-3035)

K&N is one of those companies that is instantly recognized for reliable air intakes that simply work. While they make it look simple, it has taken several years of resting to produce one of the best cold air intakes for the C5 Corvette.

It will work on any 2001-2004 Corvette and guarantees it increases performance, torque, and that sweet, sweet V8 noise we are all crazy about. And of course, it comes with K&Ns exclusive 10/year million-mile oiled air filter. You will save hundreds by not having to replace the stock air filter every 15,000 miles.

This kit is amongst the easiest to install from this list. Anyone with a few basic hand tools and common knowledge should be able to install it in under an hour. Even if you arent 100% confident, a simple YouTube search will show you how easy it can be.

(Best Looking) – Volant 25957C Cool Air Intake

Two is always better than one, right? Volant knows that and has put as much thought into looks as it did in performance. Their signature twin air filters add a little something extra to an already impressive engine compartment.

The filter material is cleanable, washable, and made for extremely durable material. If cared for and maintained properly, the filters should last indefinitely. Try it out today.

Volant has also made sure that each component functions as well as it looks. From the MAF adaptor to the specifically designed venturi filter adapter, all parts are made to provide maximum performance from the C5s 5.7L engine.

(Easiest To Install) – SLP Performance 21110E Blackwing

SLPs Blackwing cold air induction kit is the easiest to install on our list. Although it looks simple, it has been meticulously engineered to replace the restrictive airbox for increased power and longevity. The name Blackwing comes thanks to its superhero-like looks.

The company that by simply installing this air filter, your C5 can easily gain up to 18 extra horsepower. Airflow is nearly doubled, with some reports claiming a 90% increase making it one of the best cold air intake for C5 Corvette. Not bad for a simple air filter, don’t you think?

Syntec fibers make up the filter materials and are, you guessed it, 100% synthetic. Compared to its cotton counterparts, the fibers are much smaller and even. This means increased filtration with overall better airflow. Just in case you do not know the last time your air filter was cleaned, an indicator was placed on the side of the element. It changes colors to let you know exactly when it needs cleaning.

(Best Value) – K&N Cold Air Intake Kit (57-3020)

Yes, we know that we have already mentioned K&N above, but hands down, it’s the best for your buck. Short of getting a custom cold air intake system, there is nothing better. You get a known brand that is nothing short of amazing at an amazing price.

The kit will fit any 1997-2000 Chevy Corvette and is 50 state legal. If that is not enough, how about a 50% increase in airflow over the stock airbox? Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

There are thousands of customers out there who have chosen K&N over the years and swear by them. It is simply the best cold air intake for C5 Corvette.

Final Words

So, there you have it. Some of the best cold air intake for C5 Corvette. No matter if you use the car for Sunday cruising or want to build a track-ready monster, one of the first mods should be a CAI.

We have done all of the research for you to make things as simple as possible. Regardless of where you take the Corvette, the right intake is just a few nuts and bolts from making an already iconic car that much better.