[Z06] New Vararam Install
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
New Vararam Install
I didn't want to jack the Vararam sale thread, so here we are.
I took out my Blackwing, it was pissing me off, so I am back to 100% stock, just ordered the Vararam yesterday, can't WAIT to install that bad boy over Christmas leave.
I did a Z06 forum search, couldn't find any threads with good Vararam problem discussions (maybe I should have searched in the parts section, I don't know, not too worried about it honestly).
Anybody got a link to such a discussion (common problems, remedies, etc.)? If not, can we start one here?
Common problems, where exactly parts are not fitting, specific places you have trimmed (with pics), y'all get my drift....
I took out my Blackwing, it was pissing me off, so I am back to 100% stock, just ordered the Vararam yesterday, can't WAIT to install that bad boy over Christmas leave.
I did a Z06 forum search, couldn't find any threads with good Vararam problem discussions (maybe I should have searched in the parts section, I don't know, not too worried about it honestly).
Anybody got a link to such a discussion (common problems, remedies, etc.)? If not, can we start one here?
Common problems, where exactly parts are not fitting, specific places you have trimmed (with pics), y'all get my drift....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,389
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
Not many issues with that application from my understanding. I cannot say from personal experience as I had a Callaway Honker for a while. Anyway, I think the biggest complaint is fitment issues with the shroud. I could be wrong.
It should be an easy in. Good luck w/ it all, and thank you for your service to this great country.
Merry Christmas
It should be an easy in. Good luck w/ it all, and thank you for your service to this great country.
Merry Christmas
Racer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Cypress Texas
I just installed the Vararam and to be honest, it was fairly easy. The only thing I would recommend is having a buddy helping when it comes time to fasten the air ducts to the fascia and when aligning/fastening the two air ducts together. I did this solo, but it would have been nice to have a second pair of hands.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 3
From: pasadena in the great state of TEXAS
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,816
Likes: 16
From: Anchorage Alaska
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I didn't have much trouble at all when installing on my Z. In fact, I think I had it easier than non-Z owners because I had no foglights or foglight wires or foglight housings to dink around with.
I used Cajundude's instructions since they are 15,000 times better than the little flyer you get with the kit:
http://www.cajundude.com/vararam.htm
I'd say most of my time was spent just removing all the paneling under the bumper; and then cleaning out all the crud I found under the radiator's front panel. It's amazing what I found up there: a plastic bag, a dead bird, at least 5 diff. types of leaves; millions of insects, some tape, a drink cup lid... a treasure trove to be sure.
I used Cajundude's instructions since they are 15,000 times better than the little flyer you get with the kit:
http://www.cajundude.com/vararam.htm
I'd say most of my time was spent just removing all the paneling under the bumper; and then cleaning out all the crud I found under the radiator's front panel. It's amazing what I found up there: a plastic bag, a dead bird, at least 5 diff. types of leaves; millions of insects, some tape, a drink cup lid... a treasure trove to be sure.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
From: Mooresville NC
You need to follow Cajundude's instructions. They are priceless. The only problem I had was that my Z06 front screens had sheet metal screws that got in the way of the Vararam air ducts. I had to drill a hole into the duct to allow room for the screws. Don't get the power duct option. I'm having a lot of check engine lean codes since I put it on. I changed back to stock. With the stock flexible hose end I can remove the air filter much easier now.
Don't forget to clean out your radiator with an air hose. I found so much crude on the radiator I was surprised that I wasn't overheating. Also, while you are under the car you might want to put a protective screen under the radiator to keep trash out of the radiator.
Take your time. They say an easy install, but it took me a good 5 hours (allowing for beer breaks and cleaning out radiator).
Don't forget to clean out your radiator with an air hose. I found so much crude on the radiator I was surprised that I wasn't overheating. Also, while you are under the car you might want to put a protective screen under the radiator to keep trash out of the radiator.
Take your time. They say an easy install, but it took me a good 5 hours (allowing for beer breaks and cleaning out radiator).
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,333
Likes: 0
From: DFW TX
Install is complete... success!! Cajundude's instructions were 100% priceless, thanks for the hookup.
I've gotten a LOT of questions about the Blackwing (even a PM haha). I was not getting the performance gains that my friends with Vararams were experiencing and the design seemed..... ?inadequate? from the start. No major manufacturing defects or anything, just didn't live up to competitor advantage.
Thanks for the help guys.
I've gotten a LOT of questions about the Blackwing (even a PM haha). I was not getting the performance gains that my friends with Vararams were experiencing and the design seemed..... ?inadequate? from the start. No major manufacturing defects or anything, just didn't live up to competitor advantage.
Thanks for the help guys.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
I just installed the Vararam and to be honest, it was fairly easy. The only thing I would recommend is having a buddy helping when it comes time to fasten the air ducts to the fascia and when aligning/fastening the two air ducts together. I did this solo, but it would have been nice to have a second pair of hands.
How hard is it to change the filter and how often do you need to do it ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Yes the Vararam will make a difference in performance. Need to take the filter out & keep it cleaned periodically. Not hard to install, or to pull filter out for cleaning. I suggest having screens in the fog light openings. Good luck. 
Last edited by bumble-z; Dec 30, 2009 at 02:52 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
Thanks, I have a ZO6 so the screens are already in-place.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,084
Likes: 0
From: Huntington Beach California
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,554
Likes: 3
From: pasadena in the great state of TEXAS
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
i installed my vararam 2 weeks ago, seems pretty sweet to me, especially since i went from stock. i didn't think it was possible but now when i drive my 
is even bigger.
is even bigger.
Last edited by hdff; Feb 23, 2010 at 03:59 PM.