Vararam vs. Callaway Honker
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Vararam vs. Callaway Honker
I hate to be "that guy" because I am sure you guys who have been here awhile hate it when new members ask about exhausts, intakes, etc.
I have done plenty of searching, and I still can't decide which of these two units is best. I'm not looking for a strip/autox monster or anything, so big HP numbers won't matter down the road. I'm just looking for a little extra "umph" and wondering which of these would last the longest.
I know the Callaway is more expensive, but at the same time there seems to be a love/hate deal going on with the Vararam unit. Also, I'm not so sure I want to add the front fog light screens to the car either.....I'm not certain it's a good look.
Can some of you guys who currently own or have owned one or both of these systems chime in on what your experience was/is? I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
I have done plenty of searching, and I still can't decide which of these two units is best. I'm not looking for a strip/autox monster or anything, so big HP numbers won't matter down the road. I'm just looking for a little extra "umph" and wondering which of these would last the longest.
I know the Callaway is more expensive, but at the same time there seems to be a love/hate deal going on with the Vararam unit. Also, I'm not so sure I want to add the front fog light screens to the car either.....I'm not certain it's a good look.
Can some of you guys who currently own or have owned one or both of these systems chime in on what your experience was/is? I would appreciate it.
Thanks in advance!
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I went through the same challenge two years ago when choosing my CAI. After helping a friend install his Vararam, I chose the Callaway Honker.
I know there are guys who will swear on the Vararam, however I wasn't impressed with the quality of the parts. Another reason I chose the Honker was because I thought it had the best OEM look of all the CAIs I checked, plus it took advantage of the original bottom breathing design of the C5.
When you compare the costs, also make sure you calculate in the cost of secondary air bridge which is included with the Honker! It brings the costs more in line.
Good luck!
I know there are guys who will swear on the Vararam, however I wasn't impressed with the quality of the parts. Another reason I chose the Honker was because I thought it had the best OEM look of all the CAIs I checked, plus it took advantage of the original bottom breathing design of the C5.
When you compare the costs, also make sure you calculate in the cost of secondary air bridge which is included with the Honker! It brings the costs more in line.
Good luck!
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 14
From: Glenwood Springs Colorado
I know I am not really helping your question, but just adding another option.
What about the Breathless Performance Vortex ramair?
It is essentially a hybrid of the Vararam and the Honker. And it is not that expensive. Looks best of the bunch also.
Why is it that I almost feel like Breathless Performance is considered a "bad word" around here?
What about the Breathless Performance Vortex ramair?
It is essentially a hybrid of the Vararam and the Honker. And it is not that expensive. Looks best of the bunch also.
Why is it that I almost feel like Breathless Performance is considered a "bad word" around here?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I went through the same challenge two years ago when choosing my CAI. After helping a friend install his Vararam, I chose the Callaway Honker.
I know there are guys who will swear on the Vararam, however I wasn't impressed with the quality of the parts. Another reason I chose the Honker was because I thought it had the best OEM look of all the CAIs I checked, plus it took advantage of the original bottom breathing design of the C5.
When you compare the costs, also make sure you calculate in the cost of secondary air bridge which is included with the Honker! It brings the costs more in line.
Good luck!
I know there are guys who will swear on the Vararam, however I wasn't impressed with the quality of the parts. Another reason I chose the Honker was because I thought it had the best OEM look of all the CAIs I checked, plus it took advantage of the original bottom breathing design of the C5.
When you compare the costs, also make sure you calculate in the cost of secondary air bridge which is included with the Honker! It brings the costs more in line.
Good luck!
Thanks for your input. I have heard of many issues with the fitment of the Vararam, but you never know until you ask someone who has hands-on experience with it whether or not it's true.
I saw the system in person and it looked a little cheaply made to me. Not disrespecting the guys who run that system though....it's definitely priced right. Just my own personal opinion.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I know I am not really helping your question, but just adding another option.
What about the Breathless Performance Vortex ramair?
It is essentially a hybrid of the Vararam and the Honker. And it is not that expensive. Looks best of the bunch also.
Why is it that I almost feel like Breathless Performance is considered a "bad word" around here?
What about the Breathless Performance Vortex ramair?
It is essentially a hybrid of the Vararam and the Honker. And it is not that expensive. Looks best of the bunch also.
Why is it that I almost feel like Breathless Performance is considered a "bad word" around here?
I have not heard of that one...I will have to research it as well.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
I have a vararam and I'm happy with it. However, I didn't buy it or install it. It was installed by the previous owner. Obviously I wasn't able to do any baseline testing, but I do remember reading that it would outperform most of the other intakes on the track. BUT, it will not outperform on a dyno. It is very dependent on air flow through the front vents.
I will say the fit and installation is not what I would have accepted if I had been the one installing or paying for the install. But I don't know if I can blame that on the installer or the product. I have heard from people that the product isn't the easiest to install and I think the installer to a shortcut. So I think a little blame goes in each direction.
With all of that said, if I was buying new, I think I would go with the Callaway. I've been to their facility in Old Lyme and I can tell you they are a group of stand up professionals and they do their due diligence on their products.
I will say the fit and installation is not what I would have accepted if I had been the one installing or paying for the install. But I don't know if I can blame that on the installer or the product. I have heard from people that the product isn't the easiest to install and I think the installer to a shortcut. So I think a little blame goes in each direction.
With all of that said, if I was buying new, I think I would go with the Callaway. I've been to their facility in Old Lyme and I can tell you they are a group of stand up professionals and they do their due diligence on their products.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 107
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
Thanks for the replies guys/gals!
I think I'm leaning towards the Callaway unit just for quality and fit/finish.
I did read about some people who were concerned about the car running hot while at a stand still due to the location of the airbox on the Honker. I know the radiator shroud has to be trimmed to get it to fit.
Has this really been an issue for anyone? I live in Texas...where it gets hotter than any place should...and I just don't want to create an issue that I don't have right now.
Thanks!
I think I'm leaning towards the Callaway unit just for quality and fit/finish.
I did read about some people who were concerned about the car running hot while at a stand still due to the location of the airbox on the Honker. I know the radiator shroud has to be trimmed to get it to fit.
Has this really been an issue for anyone? I live in Texas...where it gets hotter than any place should...and I just don't want to create an issue that I don't have right now.
Thanks!
Advanced
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 81
Likes: 2
From: Gaithersburg MD
Thanks for the replies guys/gals!
I think I'm leaning towards the Callaway unit just for quality and fit/finish.
I did read about some people who were concerned about the car running hot while at a stand still due to the location of the airbox on the Honker. I know the radiator shroud has to be trimmed to get it to fit.
Has this really been an issue for anyone? I live in Texas...where it gets hotter than any place should...and I just don't want to create an issue that I don't have right now.
Thanks!
I think I'm leaning towards the Callaway unit just for quality and fit/finish.
I did read about some people who were concerned about the car running hot while at a stand still due to the location of the airbox on the Honker. I know the radiator shroud has to be trimmed to get it to fit.
Has this really been an issue for anyone? I live in Texas...where it gets hotter than any place should...and I just don't want to create an issue that I don't have right now.
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
Want a true opinion without bias? Ask the performance shops which they prefer and why.
They are the ones who build these things, so their opinions count.
Most (like Vengeance Racing) have forums. I would ask there and get a real eval.
They are the ones who build these things, so their opinions count.
Most (like Vengeance Racing) have forums. I would ask there and get a real eval.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 18
From: Scottsdale Az
With that said, I have seen both products and Callaway is nicer looking, but I liked the design of the VB2 better and went with it.
Install for the Honker would have been free and the VB2 cost me $100 as I was having headers and a CAM installed at the same time.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 14
From: Glenwood Springs Colorado
So everyone continues to pretend that Breathless Performance does not exist..... Can someone fill me in why that is?
I had their CAI on two of my cars. Both showed difference that I could feel. Instalation was a snap and it looks good. It is good for about 20 hp gain. No accordeon like the honker. All silicone couplers. You can get it with a carbon airbridge for the full effect. This bridge by the way, is pretty much the only real carbon fiber part out thrre that I have seen. Meaning it is 100% cf, super light functional piece. Unlike some other cf fiber bridges that cost more, weigh 5 times more and the cf is just a top layer for looks.
Bang per buck, combined with looks and ease of installation, my money is on the Breathless Performance.
I had their CAI on two of my cars. Both showed difference that I could feel. Instalation was a snap and it looks good. It is good for about 20 hp gain. No accordeon like the honker. All silicone couplers. You can get it with a carbon airbridge for the full effect. This bridge by the way, is pretty much the only real carbon fiber part out thrre that I have seen. Meaning it is 100% cf, super light functional piece. Unlike some other cf fiber bridges that cost more, weigh 5 times more and the cf is just a top layer for looks.
Bang per buck, combined with looks and ease of installation, my money is on the Breathless Performance.
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From: The Sunshine State
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Thanks for the replies guys/gals!
I think I'm leaning towards the Callaway unit just for quality and fit/finish.
I did read about some people who were concerned about the car running hot while at a stand still due to the location of the airbox on the Honker. I know the radiator shroud has to be trimmed to get it to fit.
Has this really been an issue for anyone? I live in Texas...where it gets hotter than any place should...and I just don't want to create an issue that I don't have right now.
Thanks!
I think I'm leaning towards the Callaway unit just for quality and fit/finish.
I did read about some people who were concerned about the car running hot while at a stand still due to the location of the airbox on the Honker. I know the radiator shroud has to be trimmed to get it to fit.
Has this really been an issue for anyone? I live in Texas...where it gets hotter than any place should...and I just don't want to create an issue that I don't have right now.
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,777
Likes: 3,709
From: The Sunshine State
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So everyone continues to pretend that Breathless Performance does not exist..... Can someone fill me in why that is?
I had their CAI on two of my cars. Both showed difference that I could feel. Instalation was a snap and it looks good. It is good for about 20 hp gain. No accordeon like the honker. All silicone couplers. You can get it with a carbon airbridge for the full effect. This bridge by the way, is pretty much the only real carbon fiber part out thrre that I have seen. Meaning it is 100% cf, super light functional piece. Unlike some other cf fiber bridges that cost more, weigh 5 times more and the cf is just a top layer for looks.
Bang per buck, combined with looks and ease of installation, my money is on the Breathless Performance.
I had their CAI on two of my cars. Both showed difference that I could feel. Instalation was a snap and it looks good. It is good for about 20 hp gain. No accordeon like the honker. All silicone couplers. You can get it with a carbon airbridge for the full effect. This bridge by the way, is pretty much the only real carbon fiber part out thrre that I have seen. Meaning it is 100% cf, super light functional piece. Unlike some other cf fiber bridges that cost more, weigh 5 times more and the cf is just a top layer for looks.
Bang per buck, combined with looks and ease of installation, my money is on the Breathless Performance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,098
Likes: 111
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
If you guys have talked to Vararam team you would know that the design of it is so that it should not go through your hood or damage engine in a front end crash. It will break up and hopefully cause less damage. I had one I installed almost 4 years ago. I removed it for supercharger I installed back in Oct. I could tell a difference in performance and better gas mileage. When I used my predator I could also see that the air temps ran the same as ambient air temp. Unless you enter your car in shows, who cares what it looks like. I would buy another Vararam if I am ever in the market again. The price was right and performance was outstanding. No issues in rain or wet weather either. Do your research and talk to both companies also. Good luck in your decision!
Chris
Chris
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Of the two units you mention, I would probably choose the Callaway one. I just think it is a higher quality product.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 14
From: Glenwood Springs Colorado
I have noticed that this is not the first time this has happened. I don't really care and I have no stake in BPP products, but I just like to be let in on the little secret. Why talking about breathless performance is tabu on here?
Last edited by mrm13; Jul 1, 2014 at 09:44 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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Perhaps you should read post number 5 again.
I have noticed that this is not the first time this has happened. I don't really care and I have no stake in BPP products, but I just like to be let in on the little secret. Why talking about breathless performance is tabu on here?
I have noticed that this is not the first time this has happened. I don't really care and I have no stake in BPP products, but I just like to be let in on the little secret. Why talking about breathless performance is tabu on here?
Last edited by MSG C5; Jul 1, 2014 at 10:14 PM.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 14
From: Glenwood Springs Colorado
I don't think it's taboo, just that the "better CAI" topic has been beaten to death over the years and there aren't too many owners promoting the Breathless Performance CAI although I did see a Vortex Rammer with the clear casing at a show once. Performance aside, I thought it looked a little strange as the plastic casing had a bunch of scratches on it and it was showcasing a dirty filter with sucked up debris.
I have a clear one now and altho I drive my car a lot in all sort of conditions, it never sucked up anything. However, I can see how dirty my filter is by simply popping my hood.
Either way, I appreciate the attempt to explain the situation and think you have a point. I also had their headlights back then, but don't dare mentioning it anywhere.
Last edited by mrm13; Jul 1, 2014 at 11:45 PM.