Removing "black Vortec Box"

chrisbmo2000 · February 12, 2009

So I decided to remove the "black box" ( the one on the air intake hose just behind the throttle body that says Vortec on it)...I need ideas as to what I should cover the hole with. I was thinking about a sock...but I dont know if this will keep out dirt. the thinking behind this is to give the engine more air after the MAF and maybe improve fuel mileage a little....thoughts?

wlvrn1215 · February 12, 2009

uhh..I think you mean one of the baffles on the intake tube. So you took it off and now there is a hole there??? Just buy an intake tube and save your self the trouble.

mattgob86 · February 12, 2009

On my tahoe i wanted to do this but when i thought of what to cover with i was concerned with it getting sucked into the engine. So instead i took off the box and plugged the hole in the box and then installed it again. So now it is now decoration. I plugged it with a block of wood i cut out with a hole saw and fine sanded it to fit. it wont get sucked up because the box hole is bigger than the other hole so it is blocked.

blankey · February 12, 2009

Maybe I'm missing the point but what is the reasoning behind getting more air behind the MAF? The engine won't "know" the extra air is there so it won't add more fuel but, then it could result in a too lean condition. I agree with Z71 and if you want to do something get an aftermarket intake.

Draenor · February 12, 2009

After the MAF? You will introduce more air than what is actual in the ECU, causing a lean condition. The ECU 'should' correct it by the O2 readings and increase the injector cycle. You are going to burn more fuel and cut your mileage down. or You going to run lean and start detonation, which your gonna burn out a piston. The ECU should see the detonation(knock) and retard the timing, giving you less HP.

Darkanion · February 12, 2009

Ya got pics of this, so we can be sure of exactly what 'black box' you're talking about?

asilverblazer · February 12, 2009

After the MAF? You will introduce more air than what is actual in the ECU, causing a lean condition. The ECU 'should' correct it by the O2 readings and increase the injector cycle. You are going to burn more fuel and cut your mileage down. or You going to run lean and start detonation, which your gonna burn out a piston. The ECU should see the detonation(knock) and retard the timing, giving you less HP.

Yep, yep, yep. Buy an aftermarket tube.

BuckFeverZ · February 12, 2009

Ya got pics of this, so we can be sure of exactly what 'black box' you're talking about?

+1, I'm confuzzled.

Darkanion · February 12, 2009

Ya got pics of this, so we can be sure of exactly what 'black box' you're talking about?

+1, I'm confuzzled.

I haven't gone out to look at mine. But, the only thing I'm remember that says "Vortec" on it is the "cover" that goes on top of the motor, which doesn't seem to really "do" much of anything...

Of course, I replaced my intake a long time ago. So, going out to look at mine wouldn't help much anyway. But, I'd still like to verify what was taken off.

Draenor · February 12, 2009

On the GMT400 there was a noise resonators that attached on the intake. With it romived, you'd might as well just take off the whole assembly.

dayday · February 12, 2009

You don't want to allow unmetered (post MAF) air into the engine PERIOD. Get the proper aftermarket tube or leave it alone for now.

Darkanion · February 12, 2009

On the GMT400 there was a noise resonators that attached on the intake. With it romived, you'd might as well just take off the whole assembly.

I didn't even realize he was talking about a '97 model until you said that about GMT-400...

chrisbmo2000 · February 12, 2009

so as far as I can tell I should leave the "black box" alone or buy an aftermarket air hose.....this is why I asked the question.....to me it just kind of "clutters" the engine bay (sorry Im old school...ie 70s model where you can climb in and close the hood and still work on the motor) so the concensis is to leave it alone untill I have the money to buy aftermarket.......any suggestions????????