Elvisf16

After reading all the raves about vararam, I am seriously considering making that the first mod on my car. Their website has a caution about driving in the rain with them. I'm just wondering if I'll have to avoid the rain with this mod. I like to take road trips in the mtns around here and it's hard to avoid the occasional summer shower

Thanks,
jed

RG in Dallas

Good question.:)

As with any cold air box, stay out of the gaping puddles and you should be fine. Nose diving deep will get you in trouble.:)

If peace of mind is a huge issue, then consider an under hood model. You'll feel better when you drive in the rain. Peace of mind is a biggy to some and rightfully so.:)

I've had a Vortex, an open shroud cold air unit, and drive in the rain when it comes. I don't drive in puddles that I don't know the depth of. I have almost 30 k on it now with no issues.:)

Hope this helps.:)

RG

Z06_2002

This is what cold air sees :) I cannot imagine the size and duration of the puddle you would have to drive through to injest water. :seeya

ApeelinC5

I just went from Chicago to Bowling Green to the 50th anniversary celebration and we hit storms the last 80 miles. could not see more than 10 feet in front of us. I have the Vararam and my friend has the Vortex and we were both worried, but they performed great and we had no problems. I would only worry about puddles and not rainfall. It depends on how much travelling you do. Good Luck in you intake choise.

Power Shifter

The issue of hydrolock got blowen out of proportion because "one" vender insisted hydrolock was impossible with there intake, instead of being straight about it. Common sence and a bit of caution is all that's required. I have driven with the VR in the rain a few times with no problem. My C4 had the AO air intake through the front bumper with an LPE 420, I think it's in the hands of it's 4th-5th owner, set up the same way 10+ years later. Ric

Elvisf16

I thought they might just be covering their azz for the worst case situation.

Thanks. I will make that my first performance mod.

-Jed

ZO6Les

Think about it this way. Look at the front of your car and the distance from the ground to the bottom of the air inlet screen. My car is lowered and the distance is still 12". That is how high the water would have to get to enter the screen and create the risk of hydro-lock. With the shape of the bumper I think it would be unlikely even a 10" deep puddle could push water up, over and in on a car moving forward either., Also anything less the 4" deep would stay under the car.

The top load filters (Halltech, Blackwing) are a very viable alternative if you are concerned about water. If not the Vararam and Vortex are worth consideration.

Les


[Modified by ZO6Les, 2:46 PM 7/5/2002]


[Modified by ZO6Les, 2:49 PM 7/5/2002]

jschindler

I agree with everything that has been said. I would only add that because the Z06 has screens to let air into the engine compartment directly in front of the stock intake location, I would probably go with a "top breather" just because it's easier to install and there would be less water concern.

I do have a "bottom breather" vortex on my car, but seldom drive in the rain at all. But I have driven in one very hard rain with it, and had no problems.

COZMONOT

These mods should perform they sure charge enough for them. Don't you
feel $549 (Vararam) is a ripoff at that price for mostly plastic.? Just because we have Corvettes, that doesn't give the vendors a license to
steal. Paying for mods like the Vararam only encourages them to charge
you more!

ZO6Les

Welcome to the forum cosmonot. I agree that Vette owners get overcharged vs. similar mods on cars like the F-Body. Price is also driven by volume/market and the need to recover development as well as production costs. Aftermarket on the Vette is a small % of other cars, so we pay more. Are prices jacked up even more because of the car - sure they are, happens all the time.

Each of us make our our peace with the value of the mods. Some buy, some don't - it's all good :)

Les

yelloz06

What about the first Halltech carbon fiber T1's at 600 smacks for TWO pieces of CF, some silicon hose and a filter :confused:
$549 doesn't seem THAT far out of line for all of that ducting
Seems like performance parts for any hi-line sports car / car are high
Just my Dollar 68 worth

:cheers:

Power Shifter

Price vs. value is a question each has to decide for them self. I din't belive all the differant systems preform the same, but I have to base my opinions on my own experiences. If the prices offend you and you still want an aftermarket piece go for the K&N filter for 50 bucks or buy used from someone looking for the last .01sec. Ric

yelloz06

My '70 GTO Ram Air IV had forward facing hood scoops, this was back in the day when I drove my performance cars in the RAIN. Never any problems.

COZMONOT

Try looking at LS1.Com to see the HP gains one gets by purchasing a K & N
Filter. Can you say ZIP!