New LS1 Owners - Newbie Tech Basic Technical Questions & Advice
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Does Ram Air actually up your HP?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 27, 2007 | 10:05 PM
  #1  
burnzilla's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Default Does Ram Air actually up your HP?

Had an arguement with a fellow member.
Apparently, Ram Air forces more air into your intake and motor, making for more power.

How true is this?
I was told by members on here Ram Air is total bs.
While some lids/airbox's work better then others, my point is NO AIR is actually forced.
Old Dec 27, 2007 | 10:14 PM
  #2  
99camarosupersport's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,487
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Default

Wouldn't say it makes for more power, just looks good, and may lower running temps during the winter / fall months by 1 or 2 degress.. "forcing" air, by my own definition is compressing and pushing it in there ie Turbo or Supercharger..
Old Dec 27, 2007 | 11:13 PM
  #3  
Tainted's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 8,425
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
Default

ram air is only in effect at over 100
Old Dec 27, 2007 | 11:35 PM
  #4  
Shooter_Jay's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 0
From: MA
Default

Yes and no.

Ram air is somewhat debatable. Fresh/cooler air is proven science. How much is debatable. I would figure a "ram air" hood is going to be good for a few hp across the curve, but not because of ram air, but for the cooler/fresh air. Supposedly ram air needs much higher pressure like near 200mph with total seal to effectively gain hp with ram air. Might be less hp, to be effective, not sure.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 12:39 AM
  #5  
87formy's Avatar
TECH Apprentice
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
Default

I don't think they even come sealed from the factory, so there goes the "ram" part of it. Anyway, you could just tell them that your cowl hood creates a low pressure zone in front of your windshield and forces air into your intake (You can pretend you have a carb on it that's sealed off )
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 05:50 AM
  #6  
MeentSS02's Avatar
Kleeborp the Moderator™
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10,316
Likes: 6
From: Dayton, OH
Default

Yes. Ram Air is the real deal. My SS hood puts me over 500 HP, easily. I can top out at 250 MPH in 6th gear. Show me a regular Z28 that can do that. Yeah.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 06:33 AM
  #7  
g-ryde1's Avatar
TECH Enthusiast
15 Year Member
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
From: Cali Kid livin in the Zona
Default

for some people ram air is the best thing since sliced bread

for me it looks cool
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 07:29 AM
  #8  
toneloc60's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 291
Likes: 1
Default

I've heard... but not seen the data to back it... if you completely seal the box for Ram Air, you may actually get somewhere between 1-1.5 psi of forced induction starting at speeds near 100 mph. I don't know that for sure though.

What "Ram Air" is really good at, however, is selling cars. Just like "Hemi," "Shelby" and "SS."
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 08:13 AM
  #9  
Nine Ball's Avatar
LS1Tech Co-Founder
20 Year Member
iTrader: (38)
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 32,987
Likes: 58
From: Houston, TX
Default

Ram air only works if the airbox is completely sealed to the hood and no leaks are present. Then it only works at high speeds, maybe over 100+ mph. Until then, it is just a cool air setup, which is also effective. At the drag strip, we tested normal hood setups vs ram air hoods and found that the hood was worth about 0.05 sec and 1 mph trap speeds, on cars running low 12s. That isn't bad for something that looks cool yet also functions.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 08:20 AM
  #10  
BIG_MIKE2005's Avatar
12 Second Club
20 Year Member
iTrader: (116)
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,221
Likes: 1
From: Skiatook, OK
Default

As a Ram Air owner, I'll just say I got mine for the looks. I have not seen a single thing that would make me think my Ram Air WS6 is any faster than any other LS1 6-speed bone stock to bone stock.

True the hood may help get a little more fresh/cooler air in, but its not sealed from the factory & even after sealing it I don't feel it'll make that big a difference until you get up to 100+ mph & even then I doubt it's enough to worry about.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 09:37 AM
  #11  
unit213's Avatar
Administrator
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 45,841
Likes: 5
From: Earth
Default

Originally Posted by burnzilla
Ram Air forces more air into your intake and motor, making for more power.
"Ram Air" does not force air into the motor. That would be forced induction
(blower or turbo).

IMO, it's total BS...looks badass though!
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 09:40 AM
  #12  
horist's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,036
Likes: 1
From: Lake Zurich, IL
Default

My ram air netted me over 1 million horsepower
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 10:01 AM
  #13  
raceme@you'dlose.com's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Default

Ram Air has to work the factory said Ram Air cars have 20 more HP. Seriously though it isn't very effective unless sealed and only at high speeds. You may get a small increase from cooler air but not a lot. It does look better though.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 10:18 AM
  #14  
1meantransam's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 0
From: Houston/Florida.Currently FL
Default

Originally Posted by MeentSS02
Yes. Ram Air is the real deal. My SS hood puts me over 500 HP, easily. I can top out at 250 MPH in 6th gear. Show me a regular Z28 that can do that. Yeah.

i back this. when i did my free ram air mod to my car i hit 227.984 in just seconds...

but seriously, ram air = 100MPH+... looks good
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 10:21 AM
  #15  
MeentSS02's Avatar
Kleeborp the Moderator™
20 Year Member
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 10,316
Likes: 6
From: Dayton, OH
Default

Originally Posted by 1meantransam
i back this. when i did my free ram air mod to my car i hit 227.984 in just seconds...

but seriously, ram air = 100MPH+... looks good
I can't get my car to do under 200 MPH...I have to keep it on jack stands in the garage so it doesn't go plowing out the other side, even with the engine off.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 10:24 AM
  #16  
1meantransam's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,138
Likes: 0
From: Houston/Florida.Currently FL
Default

Originally Posted by MeentSS02
I can't get my car to do under 200 MPH...I have to keep it on jack stands in the garage so it doesn't go plowing out the other side, even with the engine off.
soo i take it you have the G-Force bungie cords that you have to pull into also to slow you down? just don't miss, i know when i did my mom was furious because of the whole in the house.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 12:29 PM
  #17  
_JB_'s Avatar
TECH Junkie
20 Year Member
Photoriffic
Community Favorite
iTrader: (33)
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 28
From: Tampa, FL
Default

I remember seeing a video of a Civic or something on a dyno and they hooked up a leaf blower on one of the pulls. It did make more power, so is ram air real? Yes, but you have to be going pretty damn fast as the leaf blower in the video was probably 100+MPH model. To me all it's ever been is a true CAI, especially on 4th gens.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 12:35 PM
  #18  
2 FASST SS's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Nine Ball
Ram air only works if the airbox is completely sealed to the hood and no leaks are present. Then it only works at high speeds, maybe over 100+ mph. Until then, it is just a cool air setup, which is also effective. At the drag strip, we tested normal hood setups vs ram air hoods and found that the hood was worth about 0.05 sec and 1 mph trap speeds, on cars running low 12s. That isn't bad for something that looks cool yet also functions.
+1
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 01:17 PM
  #19  
unit213's Avatar
Administrator
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 45,841
Likes: 5
From: Earth
Default

Originally Posted by _JB_
To me all it's ever been is a true CAI, especially on 4th gens.
Has anyone ever done an IAT comparison test between a Ram Air fbody (WS6) and a base trim package fbody (Formula)?

I don't see how it could be called a "true CAI" if there is no difference
in IAT's.
Old Dec 28, 2007 | 01:19 PM
  #20  
burnzilla's Avatar
Thread Starter
Banned
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,292
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Default

Originally Posted by Nine Ball
Ram air only works if the airbox is completely sealed to the hood and no leaks are present. Then it only works at high speeds, maybe over 100+ mph. Until then, it is just a cool air setup, which is also effective. At the drag strip, we tested normal hood setups vs ram air hoods and found that the hood was worth about 0.05 sec and 1 mph trap speeds, on cars running low 12s. That isn't bad for something that looks cool yet also functions.
So, it can work, if sealed...at really high speeds, and the difference is very, very very small. .05 at best for low 12's cars you say?
Just what I thought. Waste of time.
Thats not even as much as a performance gain as an airfoil



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:12 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE