Blackwing Installation

[yellow_2002_germany]

Finally got around to installing my Blackwing this weekend. However, I had to use a coupler from the filter to the MAF since I have a 2002. Now, I can't get the air bridge grommets to line up with the posts on the radiator shroud. The air bridge has been shifted about .5-.75 inch rearward.

Anyone else have this problem after installing their blackwing on a 2002 or later?

 

[AZMike]

As I recall, it took a bit of 'convincing' to get those grommets to line back up. About 10 minutes of swearing did the trick for me.

I think it's something that you just need to fumble with for a while and then it will go in place. Also, get underneath and try to line it up from there too.

 

[tomls1]

i have to agree with azmike...it took a little manuevering on my 98.

 

['04 Torch Red]

Finally got around to installing my Blackwing this weekend. However, I had to use a coupler from the filter to the MAF since I have a 2002. Now, I can't get the air bridge grommets to line up with the posts on the radiator shroud. The air bridge has been shifted about .5-.75 inch rearward.

Anyone else have this problem after installing their blackwing on a 2002 or later?

So does the blackwing really make a difference???I'm thinking of getting one...Thanks

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

[QUOTE='04 Torch Red]So does the blackwing really make a difference???I'm thinking of getting one...Thanks[/QUOTE]
It seems to make a difference to me. It feels like it ramps up a bit quicker and maybe even accelerates a bit faster too. I have a Corsa Pace Car exhaust too. That may help make a difference.

 

[AZMike]

Yes - it makes a difference. I feel a little more in the seat of the pants off the line, and a lot more in the higher end (of course, I've for the 2.73's)

The biggest difference is how it smoothed out the idle over the stock filter. I think that may have something to do with the summertime heat here in AZ as well. It never had a problem in the winter, but would idle a bit rough in the summertime with the stock box.

Definately worth the $230 I paid for it.

 

['04 Torch Red]

Finally got around to installing my Blackwing this weekend. However, I had to use a coupler from the filter to the MAF since I have a 2002. Now, I can't get the air bridge grommets to line up with the posts on the radiator shroud. The air bridge has been shifted about .5-.75 inch rearward.

Anyone else have this problem after installing their blackwing on a 2002 or later?

=======================================================
So did you get the problem solved and what did you do to solve it???I need to know because mine will be here in 3 days..thanks


Update...
I just installed my Blackwing today...not really that difficult...took about 5 minutes to disconnect the stock filter and other stuff...5 minutes to connect the MAF with the new coupler and attach it to the bridge...5 minutes to reinstall the new filter at the front and to the throttle body and another 10 mins pushing and pulling the bridge to get the MFk'ng pins inside the bridge grommets into the top of the fan shroud holes...( had a fit lining up the grommets in the air bridge but finally got them in:L ).......seems like I feel a difference in the acceleration...I know it is breathing better so I am happy I got it...

Heres a tip...on 01's and newer the special coupler is very difficult to slip over the Blackwing filter inlet so squirt some windex in the inside of the coupler and it makes it a lot easier to get on.....

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

Yes, I got my problem solved. I cut a bit of the connector off using an exacto knife. However, looking at the parts again, I think if you can push the coupler all the way down onto the blackwing you should not have a problem with it lining up.

Just take your time putting the coupler and the MAF together. It is not difficult, my MAF slipped right in, but if you do try to force it or aren't careful that MAF costs quite a bit!

 

['04 Torch Red]

Yes, I got my problem solved. I cut a bit of the connector off using an exacto knife. However, looking at the parts again, I think if you can push the coupler all the way down onto the blackwing you should not have a problem with it lining up.

Just take your time putting the coupler and the MAF together. It is not difficult, my MAF slipped right in, but if you do try to force it or aren't careful that MAF costs quite a bit!

Thanks...sent you an email

 

[C5Richard]

On Ebay I saw the air cleaner for basically $70. It looked nice enough and wondered about the huge difference in price compared to others. For $70 I really couldn't resist and ordered it and installed it just to try it out. Noticable difference in performance and seems to be holding up.

Richard.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38634&item=7918017361&rd=1

 

[KANE]

It seems to make a difference to me. It feels like it ramps up a bit quicker and maybe even accelerates a bit faster too. I have a Corsa Pace Car exhaust too. That may help make a difference.

Sure- replacing the factory air box makes a BIG difference. I have looked at the openings for the factory set up, and to be honest, I can't believe that GM had to limit the air as much as they did. An engine with that much power - not seen since the 70s - breathing through two golf balls worth of surface area real estate is alarming!!! Must have been those pesky EPA noise restrictions I think!!!

 

['04 Torch Red]

Update...

I just installed my Blackwing today...not really that difficult...took about 5 minutes to disconnect the stock filter and other stuff...5 minutes to connect the MAF with the new coupler and attach it to the bridge...5 minutes to reinstall the new filter at the front and to the throttle body and another 10 mins pushing and pulling the bridge to get the MFk'ng pins inside the bridge grommets into the top of the fan shroud holes:L ...( had a fit lining up the grommets in the air bridge but finally got them in ).......seems like I feel a difference in the acceleration...I know it is breathing better so I am happy I got it...



Heres a tip...on 01's and newer the special coupler is very difficult to slip over the Blackwing filter inlet so squirt some windex in the inside of the coupler and it makes it a lot easier to get on.....

 

[AZMike]

[QUOTE='04 Torch Red]Update...

...and another 10 mins pushing and pulling the bridge to get the MFk'ng pins inside the bridge grommets into the top of the fan shroud holes:L
[/QUOTE]
See - about 10 minutes of swearing does the trick I can't count how many times things just start working the minute I start swearing at them!

 

['04 Torch Red]

See - about 10 minutes of swearing does the trick I can't count how many times things just start working the minute I start swearing at them!

I'm beginning to think so..:L

 

[Blade]

Glad the install went easy '04 Torch Red

 

['04 Torch Red]

Glad the install went easy '04 Torch Red

Thanks Blade