I have a couple of questions regarding the Vararam. Thinking to get one for my C5....

If I get the Vararam do I need the

1. VR power duct and what if dont get it what am I loosing, fit, etc
2. Do the Vararam comes with the filter (I guess depends who you buy it from) and do I need to replace the filter every X amount of miles
3. Will I get some error codes after the installing since it seems their will be a change in airflow intake into the engine
4. Do I need a tune or something

Thank you

RB

 

To help you with your questions...I have had two of these...

1. You do not need the POWER DUCT and the gains are not worth the extra money you pay and it can be a headahce to get the MAF to fit (very tight).
2. They have upgraded the FILTER (which comes with it). Cleaning... probably once a year would be fine. It is very similiar to the K&N.
3. I believe your MAF is screened (unless you descreened it). This will help with air flow and that is what causes the majority of the codes...that and vacuum leaks.
4. Tuning? If you do the relearn properly, you will not need a tune. Some will say you do, I did not and refuse to tune a CAI. Just do the relearn and put miles on it.

Hope this helps. Not the best designed product, but the gains are worth the hassle and poopy quality.

Micah

 

Thank you that really helped. I believe my MAF is screened if that is how they suppose to come I never touched or messed with it. So you are saying that I if it is screened I will get error codes and if I do how do I get rid of them....

Thanks again

 

Good info, I had one when I had my C5, best intake I ever had, and really a TRUE CAI.

 

No Yes No and No

 

Im actually in the exact same boat as you. I think im ordering from maryland speed. Also i heard it is better to get the powerduct and to relocate the MAF because of low bucking issues and when installing the vr power duct it fixed it and also added a bit more power. Here is a link about ppl on the board talking about the vr power duct..

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/perf...ower-duct.html

Check this link out. This is the best deal i found so far.. Also they did a test on it if you want to read it.

http://marylandspeed.com/vararam-vrb...b2-p-1239.html

 

I ran the power duct and it is not necessary if you have a screened MAF. I have a ZO6 and bought the HALLTECH Honeycomb screen to prevent the codes and surges/bucking you speak of. The POWER DUCT is not what prevents that sort of thing, it is the screens ability to regulate the incoming turbulent area. This is coming from someone that has ran it all ways and the only thing that helped was the screen.

Micah

 

I will have to look and see if my MAF has a screen or not. I have a 2001 A4 when stock do the MAF come with screen?.......

 

Only the 02+ Z06s came with no screen. But some previous owners descreened their MAFs.

If your car is bone stock, you're probably still screened.

 

LEt me kmake sure I get this straight and to avoid getting any codes after the vararam install its better to keep the screen on RIGHT?

 

Yes.

 

O ok got you. So it only affect 02+ zo6 because they come with no screen. I was confused when i was seeing ppl said it changed when they installed it there wasnt anymore bucking or surging. Guess those ppl had zo6 cars and didnt have the screen. Thankx

 

Let me ask this then so if the screen was a good thing why the Z06 and +02 vettes dot have it...Is it to maximize the air entering????

 

1. Only for looks
2. Yes it comes with a filter. No you don't replace it, you recharge it (clean and oil). The place you buy it from will sell a kit for this).
3. Probably not. I haven't after three installs.
4. No. It isn't necessary for just a CAI, but if you're willing to spend the money, a good tune can really wake up the C5. If this is the last bolt-on your planning to do in the near future then I would suggest a tune aferwards, if not, wait until all of your bolt-ons (headers, CAI, etc.) are done then get a tune. Chuck CoW (do a search) from Corvettes of Westchester can mail you a tune if you tell him the mods you've done for a pretty reasonable price.

Also, just FYI, the build quality of the Vararam unit is... well it sucks. I don't have one (my current CAI is a halltech with a modded shroud to allow cool air to get in), but I have helped three friends install theirs and I just don't understand why a company would go to the trouble of designing the best true CAI out there for the C5 then make the manufacturing quality of the piece something akin to the high school shop class group project result.

Having said that, don't worry about some of the posts where people say they can't get it to fit... If you know what you're doing and employ a little patience it will eventually line up and go on. Also, the posts that say the air inlets by the fog lights look bad with Vararam are sort of true, but how often do you actually squat down and look into where your fog lights are? Sure you can see it from certain angles, but you'll have to decide how much this will bother you... I would suggest the purchase of cold air screens of some type (Z06 or other) with the vararam install to keep from sucking up newspapers, rocks, leafs, diapers... whatever into your inlets while driving, then you won't be able to see the crappy looking plastic inlets even if you do squat down and look.

Also, just a suggestion, while you're in there with your factory intake (air bridge and air box) out, take a few minutes to pull the radiator shroud out and clean all the S**T out of there that has been sucked up over time (a small drawback to having a "bottom breather" car like the C5). Your car will thank you and you'll likely save yourself some heartache over overheating issues further down the road.

Sorry for the long post... Good luck with the install.

 

I have the VR + PD on my 02Z.Took about 2.5 hrs to install w/some help.Also got the Halltech screen to elim the lean codes.I used a hand held prog to get my LTFT's in the range of 0 to +2.

No probs in over a year.

\db2
Carolina

 

Thank you that was very informative. I will also be buying a screen to cover the fog light and I will do your suggestions and clean before installing the VR. Right now I have installed a screen underneath that I got from Elite Engineering

 

That screen is a great idea... I keep meaning to try to make one of those. Maybe I'll just buy it and save the trouble, can't seem to get much fee time. BTW, if you're concerned about the little bit of power you'll miss out on by not getting the power duct, you can get a smooth air coupler to replace the accordian piece on your stock air bridge to recover most of it. I think CCA sells the smooth air couplers for around $30 -$40... It's been a while since I looked though.

 

Already have it (air coupler) been using it for 2 months. I guess I am on the right track

 

Getting screens is an excellent suggestion. I installed my new Vararam yesterday. It is a complicated, time consuming job, but is not difficult if you take your time. During disassembly, I found an 8 x 5 piece of Styrofoam in my radiator inlet, along with leaves and other debris. I was shocked because my car only has 12,000 miles and has never been driven in bad weather. I wasn't planning on getting screens for my Vararam, but after seeing the debris in my radiator inlet, I promptly ordered screens. Needless to say, I will be checking my radiator inlet frequently now.

Phil

 

The filter rarely needs service and YES, a tune is a really good idea...

Stop by and talk to me today and we'll work it out.

Chuck