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Got Me A Vararam!

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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:17 PM
  #1  
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Default Got Me A Vararam!

Yes, Yes, I finally got my first ENGINE mod for my C5! I placed an order from Maryland Speed, (Very Helpful) and im just wondering what to expect. How is the install? How long will it take me? how does it sound? anything I should know prep for? How much more of a Bad A** will I become? is there a step by step Pic installation thread? and any other tips or tricks you guys can think of!

Thanks Guys!

p.s. I don't know if this makes a difference, but i also got the power duct with it...
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:19 PM
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The power duct makes a world of difference!
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:21 PM
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Nice, But living in California will the Vararam pass inspection? I didn't think it would.
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
Nice, But living in California will the Vararam pass inspection? I didn't think it would.
I'm not planning on it passing, I JUUUSt had it smogged so i got a while till my next smog. but i realize its probably gonna have to be switched out
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by PvtJoker21
Yes, Yes, I finally got my first ENGINE mod for my C5! I placed an order from Maryland Speed, (Very Helpful) and im just wondering what to expect.
How is the install? - had mine installed, but most say a PITA due to poor quality
How long will it take me? depends on your ability
how does it sound? I didn't notice a difference, but then again did headers at the same time
anything I should know prep for? get beer
How much more of a Bad A** will I become? have seen claims of .2-.3 at the track, diddly on the dyno
is there a step by step Pic installation thread? http://www.vararam.com/VR-B2_instructions.pdf
and any other tips or tricks you guys can think of!

Thanks Guys!

p.s. I don't know if this makes a difference, but i also got the power duct with it...
See above in red
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:34 PM
  #6  
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OOOH, Switchitee Switchitee mods...that no good, too time consuming.
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:50 PM
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Welcome to he forum ..
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 12:54 PM
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I did mine about 18 months ago. I took my time, researched on the forum, read everyone's horror stories and success stories and my installation went very well. Flawlessly actually.
Between the forum installation posts and the instuctions it came with, assuming you have some level of mechanical apptitude, you'll be fine.
Mine fits very well. You'll hear a slightly louder intake suction from the front. I had not codes. I drove it for about 50 miles on the freeway right after installation. I think that's for ECM the re-learn process.
I'm a very satisfied VRB2 owner. Good luck with the install and don't forget the beer.

This link may help. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tallation.html compliments of Iron Maiden.

Last edited by maxx2200; Jun 18, 2013 at 12:59 PM. Reason: Link
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 01:26 PM
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Originally Posted by PvtJoker21
I'm not planning on it passing, I JUUUSt had it smogged so i got a while till my next smog. but i realize its probably gonna have to be switched out
Just remove the cheesy Vararam sticker and the unit actually looks very stock. Most smog techs won't even know the difference. "A friend of mine" has passed 5 or so smogs with a Vararam.

BTW, it's a pain to install. Just take your time.
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 01:29 PM
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Originally Posted by REDEVIL
Just remove the cheesy Vararam sticker and the unit actually looks very stock. Most smog techs won't even know the difference. "A friend of mine" has passed 5 or so smogs with a Vararam.

BTW, it's a pain to install. Just take your time.
Thanks for the tip RED! I'll try to remember that...was that in California?
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 01:42 PM
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You may notice a very slight change in sound,but not much.
No noticeable difference in performance that you can feel. If someone says they picked up a tenth or so in the quarter, I would not say they were lying , but it is nothing you can feel on the street.
Some will imagine a change because they just spent money on it but I sure can't tell any difference.
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 01:46 PM
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Originally Posted by sjohnson2615
You may notice a very slight change in sound,but not much.
No noticeable difference in performance that you can feel. If someone says they picked up a tenth or so in the quarter, I would not say they were lying , but it is nothing you can feel on the street.
Some will imagine a change because they just spent money on it but I sure can't tell any difference.
Really? No major change in the sound? Well that's a bummer... i really thought it would make a difference
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 01:58 PM
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Default For the same $$

I couldn't pass this one up!
For about the same $$ you could have the setup below!

I did look into the VR but I'd have to do some fab work to use it with my TS bumper. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Attached Images  
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 01:59 PM
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i don't consider this an "engine" mod LOL

you are way too excited over an Intake LOL
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by PvtJoker21
Really? No major change in the sound? Well that's a bummer... i really thought it would make a difference
Why? It's just a filter box with ducts for sucking in fresh air from the nose. If you want it to sound better, buy an over axle exhaust like a Corsa, Borla, Billy Boats,..... That you will hear!
Better yet, add headers. That's my next mod.
As far as the install, read over my thread posted above. I just did an install.
The new kits are pressure fit to the nose, YOU DO NOT BOLT THEM IN PLACE like the instructions say. Read my thread and you will understand.
Also, with the power duct, it will tell you to relocate the MAF sensor. This would not work on my car, period. It might be a car to car fitment issue. Either way, my thread shows how to install the MAF in the factory location. And the duct makes no noticable difference. I actually have my stock duct back on right now as I'm painting the power duct.
Whole other thread
PM me if you run into trouble.
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 02:03 PM
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Take your time for the install, and you should be fine.
I fitted the power duct as well.
Had the car Dino tuned after, no idea if it made much of a difference.
I like the car sucking fresh outside air verses the hot engine bay air ....... That's why I did the mod.
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 02:05 PM
  #17  
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Originally Posted by chassed
i don't consider this an "engine" mod LOL

you are way too excited over an Intake LOL
I disagree... Its in your Engine bay... it connected to your engine... it keeps your engine cooler... how is it not an engine mod?
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To Got Me A Vararam!

Old Jun 18, 2013 | 02:12 PM
  #18  
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I installed mine myself. A few hours and a few beers. Not as bad as people are making it out to be. The quality is fine for it's use. Most of it is hidden so it is not a big issue with me. It does help the engine breathe cooler air and I did feel some difference in throttle response. At low speeds it is good for the colder air, at higher speeds, ram air effect.

A few suggestions:
Keep the filter clean. Depending on your amount of driving, the filter will get dirty fast.

If you are using a K&N style filter, go easy on the oil. After a few "spirited" runs with the new clean filter, clean the MAF sensor with electrical cleaner. A few droplets of oil may coat the sensor and it will run like ****. Trust me, I know.

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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 02:13 PM
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Originally Posted by IRON MAIDEN
Why? It's just a filter box with ducts for sucking in fresh air from the nose. PM me if you run into trouble.
Well Most intakes improve sound by quite a bit, but then again most cars are not corvettes...
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Old Jun 18, 2013 | 02:14 PM
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Congrats!
And yes you will pass smog with a vararam in cali.
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