[Z06] Air Intake Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Heights Illinois
Air Intake Question
I went back and read a bunch of strings on the various air intakes like VaraRam, Vortex etc. Mid America offers what I think is a house brand kit that includes a chrome ram air dual cone intake, modified mass air flow sensor and a smooth flow air coupler. Tag is $400.00 for the set. I didn't see any mention of this set up in the searches. Anybody have this and like it? Also didn't see much mentioned on SLP Blackwing or the K & N single cone setup. Blooming Gold coming up in 2 weeks and I want to go with something. Any comments would be appreciated.
2002 Z06 stock everything so far.
Thanks,
Ian
2002 Z06 stock everything so far.
Thanks,
Ian
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 35,874
Likes: 1,600
From: Honolulu HI
I went back and read a bunch of strings on the various air intakes like VaraRam, Vortex etc. Mid America offers what I think is a house brand kit that includes a chrome ram air dual cone intake, modified mass air flow sensor and a smooth flow air coupler. Tag is $400.00 for the set. I didn't see any mention of this set up in the searches. Anybody have this and like it? Also didn't see much mentioned on SLP Blackwing or the K & N single cone setup. Blooming Gold coming up in 2 weeks and I want to go with something. Any comments would be appreciated.
2002 Z06 stock everything so far.
Thanks,
Ian
2002 Z06 stock everything so far.
Thanks,
Ian
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I kind of agree with MTPZ06...
What I don't agree with is that the Callaway Honker produces the same results as the Vararam. I've had quite a few CAIs and the Vararam has by far provided me and my friends the best results. My friend's 2000 Vert with the only mod being a Vararam turned into a freeway monster. He was FAR faster than he was before. I've never seen results like that.
The Vararam in my car caused me to get lean codes which is apparently common with Z06s. That's when you know it's working!!! The difference between my Vortex Rammer + power bridge (which was almost as good as a Honker) and the Vararam with the stock air bridge was night and day.
But I still agree with MTPZ06 that $400 is WAY too much for the CAI.
What I don't agree with is that the Callaway Honker produces the same results as the Vararam. I've had quite a few CAIs and the Vararam has by far provided me and my friends the best results. My friend's 2000 Vert with the only mod being a Vararam turned into a freeway monster. He was FAR faster than he was before. I've never seen results like that.
The Vararam in my car caused me to get lean codes which is apparently common with Z06s. That's when you know it's working!!! The difference between my Vortex Rammer + power bridge (which was almost as good as a Honker) and the Vararam with the stock air bridge was night and day.
But I still agree with MTPZ06 that $400 is WAY too much for the CAI.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
and some other ppl found that taking the V-Ram off and replacing with a honker type single air intake produce better results especially at lower and mid range rpms.
So could go either way.
Adding any CAI will need a tune as well.
Good Luck
So could go either way.
Adding any CAI will need a tune as well.
Good Luck
Last edited by AU N EGL; Jun 14, 2010 at 08:43 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 264
From: Near Charlotte NC
I run the VR + PowerDuct on my 02Z.Got the same lean codes many have ,but the Halltech honeycomb MAF screen straightened the airflow and no-more-codes.
All 3 were a tad less than $350 when I bought them.Here's a pic.
As always,IMO.
\db2
Carolina
All 3 were a tad less than $350 when I bought them.Here's a pic.
As always,IMO.
\db2
Carolina
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Arlington Heights Illinois
What would need to be tuned? I am under the impression the engine mgmt system will figure it out after a few hundred miles. I did order the Vararam VRB2 today.
Thanks,
Ian
Thanks,
Ian
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I'm going to have them keep it a little lean (like 12:1) so that I'm still getting enough air for my Vararam and I'm not leaning out. I may get a wideband anyway.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 16,135
Likes: 5
From: Newberry FL
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
It's worth it to get tuned, although not required. My ECU finally stopped throwing codes after 800 miles put on the Vararam. But when my car was put on the dyno, I was running 10.5:1 AFR. That's likely correct since on the dyno you don't get as much air as you would being on the freeway with a Vararam. However, I'll be getting my car tuned when I have the new exhaust put on.
I'm going to have them keep it a little lean (like 12:1) so that I'm still getting enough air for my Vararam and I'm not leaning out. I may get a wideband anyway.
I'm going to have them keep it a little lean (like 12:1) so that I'm still getting enough air for my Vararam and I'm not leaning out. I may get a wideband anyway.
