Vararam vs. Honker
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
Vararam vs. Honker
Vararam seems to have the best design for a true CAI. On the flip side, the quality isn't top notch and it's a bitch to install.
Honker may not be a true CAI as it breathes hot air from the radiator? On the flip side, the build quality is top notch and easy install.
I'd really like to buy the Honker, but the fact it takes in hot air from the radiator sways me away. Should I go Vararam??
Honker may not be a true CAI as it breathes hot air from the radiator? On the flip side, the build quality is top notch and easy install.
I'd really like to buy the Honker, but the fact it takes in hot air from the radiator sways me away. Should I go Vararam??
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Plus needed to put duct tape over screens for better aerodynamics and greater speeds.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
im going to have to agree with Jhonathan on this one. go with the VR. if the fitment is bad, it can be fabricated to fit better. one other thing, i would want as much air going to the radiator as possible. the honker takes air flow away from the radiator, not to mention its sucking in hot air at lower speeds.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 9
From: Jackson Tn
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09
im going to have to agree with Jhonathan on this one. go with the VR. if the fitment is bad, it can be fabricated to fit better. one other thing, i would want as much air going to the radiator as possible. the honker takes air flow away from the radiator, not to mention its sucking in hot air at lower speeds.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,530
Likes: 250
From: CT
im going to have to agree with Jhonathan on this one. go with the VR. if the fitment is bad, it can be fabricated to fit better. one other thing, i would want as much air going to the radiator as possible. the honker takes air flow away from the radiator, not to mention its sucking in hot air at lower speeds.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 234
From: SW Nuh Hampsha
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
There's a zillion posts about the Vararam. Most agree that the quality isn't the best. Some have difficulties installing them, some don't (I didn't). Most agree that the performance makes up for the lack of quality. I like mine and have the VR Power Duct to compliment it. I have no intention of changing it to any other system. I'd also recommend the screens for the front inlets. Those have kept many an autumn leaf from being ingested.
There may be a comparison of the two (or more) on the forum somewhere. Be prepared to read a lot.
There may be a comparison of the two (or more) on the forum somewhere. Be prepared to read a lot.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,538
Likes: 9
From: Pasadena, CA
I was set on the Honker until I read that it's getting hot air from the radiator. I have no idea if this is true or not, that's why I posted the question. I think there will be bias from both sides, so how will I know the truth? 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Uhmmmm VARARAM all the way! If you think that is hard to install then you are wrong
Well actually I don't know you wrenching skilss but if you have a small amount of skills you can do it with ease.
I had mine for a long time before i went FI, I would not hesitate to recommend it to others and the quality is just fine, don't listen to all that you hear
Thanks,Matt
Well actually I don't know you wrenching skilss but if you have a small amount of skills you can do it with ease.
I had mine for a long time before i went FI, I would not hesitate to recommend it to others and the quality is just fine, don't listen to all that you hear
Thanks,Matt
Team Owner
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 21,473
Likes: 356
From: Palmdale, Ca----- 2009 Cyber Gray 4LT A6 F55 452 RWHP 422 RWTQ- RIP 1998 C5 734 RWHP & 585 RWTQ-----
Uhmmmm VARARAM all the way! If you think that is hard to install then you are wrong
Well actually I don't know you wrenching skilss but if you have a small amount of skills you can do it with ease.
I had mine for a long time before i went FI, I would not hesitate to recommend it to others and the quality is just fine, don't listen to all that you hear
Thanks,Matt
Well actually I don't know you wrenching skilss but if you have a small amount of skills you can do it with ease.
I had mine for a long time before i went FI, I would not hesitate to recommend it to others and the quality is just fine, don't listen to all that you hear
Thanks,Matt
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
there is a reason why they didnt design the radiator shroud with a hole in it. it is supposed to capture air and force the air through the radiator. if you put a hole in it, its not going to be forcing as much air through the radiator because the pressure in the area is released through the hole in the shroud. At low speeds, where there isnt as much pressure, heat will rise off the radiator because there is not sufficient pressure in the shroud area to force air through the radiator. therfore, you will be sucking in hot air from the radiator. its common sense really.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Macungie Pa
Search out those who have tried both. Both are great products but one seems to have more than a few complaints about fitment and overall quality.
I went with the Honker and couldn't be happier.....
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1
From: You know your drunk when you swerve to miss the tree then you realize its your air freshener! Covington Ga
im going to have to agree with Jhonathan on this one. go with the VR. if the fitment is bad, it can be fabricated to fit better. one other thing, i would want as much air going to the radiator as possible. the honker takes air flow away from the radiator, not to mention its sucking in hot air at lower speeds.
Still sticking by aFe Stage II pictures in profile
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
I have the Vararam, and I'm very happy with the fit, and the results. OTOH, the Honker is a very nice piece, and at any speed above walking, the hot air sucking argument is no longer valid. IIRC, at today's prices, the Honker is substantially more expensive, and slightly less effective, so make your choice.