Yet another Vararam question...
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 842
Likes: 4
From: Corpus Christi TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Yet another Vararam question...
I am considering the purchase of this unit fro the forum vendor who has it advertised for 289.
Has anyone really seen an improvement in their gas mileage with this unit installed?
Is it advisable to place a screen over the intake holes?
thanks!
Has anyone really seen an improvement in their gas mileage with this unit installed?
Is it advisable to place a screen over the intake holes?
thanks!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 842
Likes: 4
From: Corpus Christi TX
St. Jude Donor '05
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 8
From: Maker of Sharp Objects, AL - Roll Tide
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
St. Jude Knife Maker
RPI Designs matched the $277 price for me about a week ago. Someone here is selling it for $277, but I wanted it from RPI Designs, so they matched it.
As far as I know Rouven (Deathstrike) has an LS6 intake, Vararam B2, 3800 stall, 1 7/8" kooks headers, 3" x pipe, and a tune. I remember him telling me he got 1/2 second off of a quarter time with it, so I would think he meant the Vararam.
That was pretty much the reason I bought mine. You can't beat 1/2 second!
As far as I know Rouven (Deathstrike) has an LS6 intake, Vararam B2, 3800 stall, 1 7/8" kooks headers, 3" x pipe, and a tune. I remember him telling me he got 1/2 second off of a quarter time with it, so I would think he meant the Vararam.
That was pretty much the reason I bought mine. You can't beat 1/2 second!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 2
From: Prattville AL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
I used some black plastic mesh from the grille of a Dodge
pickup for screens - I cut the mesh to fit the openings and used panel bond to hold it in place - IMHO, it looks absolutely factory and should be done by Vararam when they build em
Mesh is octagon shaped and probably about 1/2 inch holes, but keeps bid debris out.
pickup for screens - I cut the mesh to fit the openings and used panel bond to hold it in place - IMHO, it looks absolutely factory and should be done by Vararam when they build em Mesh is octagon shaped and probably about 1/2 inch holes, but keeps bid debris out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 6,979
Likes: 31
From: Wichita KS
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 155
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 155
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: Cameron North Carolina
As far as MPG 's, I installed mine about a week ago, it's an A4 and a DD. I had a blackwing prior and was averaging 21.3 mpg's. With vararam I'm averaging 23.6 and I haven't changed driving habits. With that said, the blackwing is obviously up for sale if anyone is interested, (I don't see why they would be!!). Go ahead and get the Vararam B2, it's worth the extra corvette tax money!!
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 2,079
From: Guelph, Ontario
Definitely! And the beauty of the Vararam is that it is also something that you feel even at lower speeds too. A lot of people think a system like this will only make power at higher speeds, but I definitely notice more power even right off idle. The throttle response at any speed is much better with the Vararam. I think it's because the stock unit is just way too restrictive and the Vararam just lets your engine breathe so well.
And for those that are afraid of driving in heavy rain, don't be worried. I've had my Vararam on the car for more than two years now and I drive it daily, including heavy rain and snow as well. No issues whatsoever, the engine hasn't even misfired or stumbled in any way shape or form.
And no, I wasn't paid to say any of this stuff, I just really am impressed with this unit! Easily the best bang for the buck mod you can do on a Corvette!
And for those that are afraid of driving in heavy rain, don't be worried. I've had my Vararam on the car for more than two years now and I drive it daily, including heavy rain and snow as well. No issues whatsoever, the engine hasn't even misfired or stumbled in any way shape or form.
And no, I wasn't paid to say any of this stuff, I just really am impressed with this unit! Easily the best bang for the buck mod you can do on a Corvette!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 842
Likes: 4
From: Corpus Christi TX
St. Jude Donor '05
I used some black plastic mesh from the grille of a Dodge pickup for screens - I cut the mesh to fit the openings and used panel bond to hold it in place - IMHO, it looks absolutely factory and should be done by Vararam when they build em
Mesh is octagon shaped and probably about 1/2 inch holes, but keeps bid debris out.
pickup for screens - I cut the mesh to fit the openings and used panel bond to hold it in place - IMHO, it looks absolutely factory and should be done by Vararam when they build em Mesh is octagon shaped and probably about 1/2 inch holes, but keeps bid debris out.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
From: East Peoria Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08
Yes I got better mileage. After I put it in, went on a 40 mile drive to let computer adjust to air flow. Mileage down was 25.4 . Reset and mileage back was 28.2. This was at 65 mph on cc , and stay in left lane, they will run over you. The next few days, car has to learn idle, and all speed. I like 0-60 and it kicks azz. I'm 58 I bought it to save me money. Tonight went out and did speed limit, 65 for ten mile got off and went 2 lane for 10 miles, at 55. It was at 29.2, looked in mirror, 18 weeler on my azz. Took it up to 70, 15 over just did not want to get ran over. If you want better mileage it will, Keep your foot out of it. If you can not, it is fun. I also added a smooth coupler, and that help the car settle down. The car will act funny the first few times you run it. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: cobourg ont
Definitely! And the beauty of the Vararam is that it is also something that you feel even at lower speeds too. A lot of people think a system like this will only make power at higher speeds, but I definitely notice more power even right off idle. The throttle response at any speed is much better with the Vararam. I think it's because the stock unit is just way too restrictive and the Vararam just lets your engine breathe so well.
And for those that are afraid of driving in heavy rain, don't be worried. I've had my Vararam on the car for more than two years now and I drive it daily, including heavy rain and snow as well. No issues whatsoever, the engine hasn't even misfired or stumbled in any way shape or form.
And no, I wasn't paid to say any of this stuff, I just really am impressed with this unit! Easily the best bang for the buck mod you can do on a Corvette!
And for those that are afraid of driving in heavy rain, don't be worried. I've had my Vararam on the car for more than two years now and I drive it daily, including heavy rain and snow as well. No issues whatsoever, the engine hasn't even misfired or stumbled in any way shape or form.
And no, I wasn't paid to say any of this stuff, I just really am impressed with this unit! Easily the best bang for the buck mod you can do on a Corvette!
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
Likes: 0
From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
I'm not sure I got any better mileage, but the performance gain was noticeable. BTW, YES, YES, YES, get screens for the Vararam. I was driving my car, and a piece of newspaper flew up in front of the car. It started running funny, and missing. I pulled over and saw the paper had become lodged in front of the Vararam intakes. After removing it, the car was fine. If stuff gets sucked in, it WILL affect the car, and it will be a PITA to get it out if it gets into one of the tubes going to the throttle body. Plus, I think it looks better with them on since the Vararam doesn't look good with just the plain ducts showing. BTW check to see if the filter needs to be oiled too before you drive the car. A K&N filter has to be oiled to work properly.