[Z06] Vararam ???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
Vararam ???
I have a stock 2004 ZO6 with a Vortech air intake. If you have installed a Vararam intake was it worth it over other intakes - could you feel the power gain ( i.e., 40 hp as claimed by the manufacturer ). Also, since the Vararam occupies the front air intake ports does this lack of cool air to the engine compartment cause the Vette to run hotter ?
Thinking about buying one if it is really worth it ?
Thinking about buying one if it is really worth it ?
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Tustin Ca
I have installed the Vararam on my '03 Z06. I can't say on how it compares to other intakes because it's the only one that I have experience with on the corvette. As for as feeling the 40 hp, I can't honestly say that I felt 40 hp, but I definitely feel it pull harder above 4,000 rpms. The faster you go, the more air is rammed into the intake from the outside. Also on a plus side, with the Vararam you are drawing cooler air into the intake vice the hot air from the engine compartment from open element air filters.
Also it does not effect the engine temps of the corvette because our cars were designed to be bottom feeders. Meaning drawing air from underneath the car.
Also it does not effect the engine temps of the corvette because our cars were designed to be bottom feeders. Meaning drawing air from underneath the car.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
Thank you cw1970 ! I understand the bottom feeder feature but I thought on the ZO6 they had the fog lights removed and cooling screens added to further cool the LS6 ?
Was the Vararam difficult to install ?
Was the Vararam difficult to install ?
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Tustin Ca
If that's the case, then my car runs the same temps both in coolant and oil temp before and after the install.
It took me about 6 hours to install because 1. I was a newbie (this is my first corvette).
2. the included directions weren't all that great, I had to download additional info from the internet. and 3. I don't had to run back and forth to the parts store for tools. My tool collection was lacking.
I see that you're local to me. If you need a hand installing or want to check out the set up on my car, just let me know.
It took me about 6 hours to install because 1. I was a newbie (this is my first corvette).
2. the included directions weren't all that great, I had to download additional info from the internet. and 3. I don't had to run back and forth to the parts store for tools. My tool collection was lacking.
I see that you're local to me. If you need a hand installing or want to check out the set up on my car, just let me know.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: Tustin Ca
To change and clean the filter is not difficult. It's just a tight fit. I still have the stock duct behind the Vararam. I just cleaned mine last week for the first time in about 10 months that I have had it installed. There was some dirt, but nothing more than usual. Some guys clean it after every other oil change. Oh btw, my car was a weekend driver up until 2 months ago. Now i sort of daily drive it and it's not that difficult to mantain. They do have a cleaning kit for the Green airfilters.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 264
From: Near Charlotte NC
Installed mine about 2 years ago.I had a pal help,took about 3 hrs.Added the Power Duct last spring.
Worth the money & effort.I clean my filter every OCI( 3-4k).Takes about 10 min to clean.
\db2
Carolina
Worth the money & effort.I clean my filter every OCI( 3-4k).Takes about 10 min to clean.
\db2
Carolina
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,333
Likes: 2,879
From: Fort Worth, Texas
It netted a .1 and 2mph in the 1/4 over the blackwing I had on previously, so the ram air effect works. I run the same 178* while cruising as before also. I recommend installing the z06 screens in the front bumper to help keep big debris out of the filter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,375
Likes: 97
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
I just installed mine today. It went in place of the stock box/zip tie mod which I have been playing with for a while, going back and forth. My trap speeds were fairly close with each in the 1/8, with my fastest pass coming with the stock air box on.
I would like to consider myself to have a good sotp meter. I pay close attention to how my car feels while accelerating. I felt absolutely nothing under 55mph, and I made a lot of WOT pulls. At the top of second gear, you will notice a little increase, and with third. My car goes in for a dyno tune next week, and I will be posting track times on it. Last week, I ran 7.82 at 90.08 with a 1900ft DA. Last year, my fastest MPH was 90.84mph at 900ft DA. Both runs were done in 100% stock trim, except this year I had drag radials.
I would like to consider myself to have a good sotp meter. I pay close attention to how my car feels while accelerating. I felt absolutely nothing under 55mph, and I made a lot of WOT pulls. At the top of second gear, you will notice a little increase, and with third. My car goes in for a dyno tune next week, and I will be posting track times on it. Last week, I ran 7.82 at 90.08 with a 1900ft DA. Last year, my fastest MPH was 90.84mph at 900ft DA. Both runs were done in 100% stock trim, except this year I had drag radials.
Last edited by winters97gt; Sep 24, 2009 at 12:24 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,375
Likes: 97
From: Somewhere in the Mid 9's TX
