Corvette Bolt-Ons - C5 On A Shoestring

For our induction system, we chose Mid America's Ultimate Air Intake Kit, which includes an SLP high-flow MAF and a BBK 80mm throttle body.

Note the gear drive on the side of the BBK throttle-body. A motor controls the throttle-blade position based on input from the PCM.

The 85mm SLP MAF flows more air than the 75mm stocker. SLP claims a 10hp increase for this modification.

We began the throttle-body installation by clamping off this coolant line. This permitted us to disconnect the old unit without having to drain the coolant system. Using this bypass tube will reduce the throttle body's temperature and keep the air charge cooler.

With the bypass tube installed, we bolted on the new throttle body. We had to loosen the power-steering-fluid reservoir to facilitate this installation.

We used the spacer that came with the throttle-body kit to position the powersteering- fluid reservoir approximately 1/4-inch forward on the alternator bracket. This allowed adequate clearance for the new, larger unit.

Because our aftermarket power duct repositioned the manifold-air-temperature (MAT) sensor, we had to install a new one, using this relocation kit.

To install the new MAT, we drilled a 3.8-inch hole in the duct.

We clamped the entire induction assembly together first, then slipped it into place as a unit. Next, we attached the end of the power duct to the throttle body and plugged in the MAS and MAT sensors.

The new Mid America power duct and air-cleaner assembly fit perfectly and look great. The air filters are positioned right in the area of highest airflow, but not low enough to suck up water and debris.

We chose ACCEL's Extreme 9000 Heat Reflective spark-plug wires to use with our Bosch Plus 4 spark plugs. The angled boot design fits better with the SLP headers we installed in our last story.

For added heat resistance, we placed KoolMat's Koolsox insulators over the wires. They provide protection up to 1,200 degrees F.