The latest integration of Corvette, to some, is a dream car come to fruition. Long have we wanted the mid-engine Vette that GM had teased us with since the 1970s, that would periodically pop up in more modern iterations as time went on. For 2020, Chevrolet finally made it a reality, and the aftermarket has been running full steam ahead, ever since.
The latest product that slid across our desk, is the brand new intake manifold from Wilson Manifolds for the C8. Designed for LT-based engines, it’s a natural and direct fit for the latest Corvette. Erik Bentley of Florida High Performance also helped with the development and testing on the R&D side of things. Since Wilson Manifolds doesn’t work on C8 Corvettes, they brought in a specialist that knows them inside and out, to help streamline the process.
Keith Wilson takes a deeper dive into the intake for us, showing us the features and benefits of switching from the OEM intake, to the aluminum billet intake from Wilson. Stronger construction, increased flowing capabilities, the ability to connect all of the stock sensors, and more. As an added bonus, a nitrous bung was implemented into the design, for those of you looking to add giggle can to your LT-powered machine.
Utilizing a stock C8, even down to the OEM air box and paper air filter, the car generated nearly an extra 20hp to the rear tires. In fact, it flowed so much extra air, that the fuel curve had to be recalibrated to avoid any type of lean condition. The OEM manifold is a very stout and well-designed piece, even by Keith’s own mission, but the Wilson manifold adds extra power, flows better, will allow the use of direct-port nitrous, and will handle just about any kind of boost you throw at it. We can’t wait to see these out in the wild!
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of GMEFI Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the brand’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next modifications for his own cars.
