To Vararam or not? That is the question.
10-07-2016, 12:12 AM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
To Vararam or not? That is the question.
Got a bone stock 03' Z06 that I just purchased. I've got a hurst shifter in the mail and just found a VR intake for $250 shipped. From the bit of searching I have done, the VR seems to be the intake of choice still, but I e read it's it's a nightmare to install.
So so before I drop $250 smackers, any other recommendations and is this a good price?
many thanks!
So so before I drop $250 smackers, any other recommendations and is this a good price?
many thanks!
10-07-2016, 01:01 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Jan 2014
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C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
$250 for just the Vararam? I bought a lightly used Vararam and power duct for $200 from the C5 Parts for sale section. Install is definitely a pain in the ***, especially for a CAI. Cool though, when you have everything in. If you're willing to get your hands dirty and get the rpm's above 4k from time to time (sorry bow tie guy. 
), it's definitely worth it.
), it's definitely worth it.
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10-07-2016, 08:59 AM
#7
10-07-2016, 09:58 AM
#8
Racer
Thread Starter
if you search "Flow Bench" you may come across a thread by a guy that used a flow bench to see of if common aftermarket intakes added usable CFM through the restriction known as the MAF
Some good reading, and a lot of regurgitated hype too. my stock Car with a fresh element seems to meet my expectations
So unless you're going to run the car ***** to walls, and often I really see no need on a dai ly driver but then again I shift my M6 car @ 3500-4000 rpm my cars never see Redline
no need, by the time I'm in third I'm backing off
Some good reading, and a lot of regurgitated hype too. my stock Car with a fresh element seems to meet my expectations
So unless you're going to run the car ***** to walls, and often I really see no need on a dai ly driver but then again I shift my M6 car @ 3500-4000 rpm my cars never see Redline
no need, by the time I'm in third I'm backing off
Thanks for the advice, I'll do a search for bench flow or CFM flow restrictions.
10-07-2016, 09:59 AM
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
$250 for just the Vararam? I bought a lightly used Vararam and power duct for $200 from the C5 Parts for sale section. Install is definitely a pain in the ***, especially for a CAI. Cool though, when you have everything in. If you're willing to get your hands dirty and get the rpm's above 4k from time to time (sorry bow tie guy. ), it's definitely worth it.
), it's definitely worth it.How long did it take you to install? Did you have to remove the front facia/bumper?
10-07-2016, 10:00 AM
#10
Racer
Thread Starter
10-07-2016, 10:01 AM
#11
Racer
Thread Starter
10-07-2016, 10:03 AM
#12
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated.
10-07-2016, 10:05 AM
#13
Racer
Will report you back with sotp results if you want.
10-07-2016, 10:09 AM
#14
Racer
Thread Starter
Between the two, I chose the honker. Based of fit/finish and many proven results on the forum (The vararam is also a good choice though but do your research before buying either).I got it NIB on the for sale section for 350...Excited to be installing it this weekend! Will report you back with sotp results if you want.
Will report you back with sotp results if you want.As you can obviously tell, I have done some research and searched the forums.. but I want to be sure before I make my purchase. I'm planning on lots of drag strip time, so I want to get the best bang for my buck.
I had a 2000 C5 and because I failed to do proper research for a clutch (after many other mods), I went through 2 before finally settling on a 3rd which was a McCleod twin disc. That was a lot of wasted money.. I don't want to waste money on this build.
Thanks again for you input.. I greatly appreciate it and good luck on your install this weekend.
10-07-2016, 10:10 AM
#15
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The Vararam causes the most change to the MAF settings, which is why it needs to be tuned more than other cold air intakes.
Simply put, the more it needs to be tuned, the better the intake works.
The inlet ducts of the Vararam are above the door sill, so if you take in water you're already above the level of the door in water. I understand things can happen, but I don't understand how that can accidentally happen.
BTW, I have a used Vararam take out here in fair shape that can go for $100 if anyone is interested. PM me
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10-07-2016, 10:11 AM
#16
Racer
Thread Starter
The Vararam causes the most change to the MAF settings, which is why it needs to be tuned more than other cold air intakes.
Simply put, the more it needs to be tuned, the better the intake works.
The inlet ducts of the Vararam are above the door sill, so if you take in water you're already above the level of the door in water. I understand things can happen, but I don't understand how that can accidentally happen.
BTW, I have a used Vararam take out here in fair shape that can go for $100 if anyone is interested. PM me
Simply put, the more it needs to be tuned, the better the intake works.
The inlet ducts of the Vararam are above the door sill, so if you take in water you're already above the level of the door in water. I understand things can happen, but I don't understand how that can accidentally happen.
BTW, I have a used Vararam take out here in fair shape that can go for $100 if anyone is interested. PM me
10-07-2016, 10:14 AM
#17
Race Director
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I have personally ran all of them.... VR2,Calloway,Halltech.... the VR is a pain in the *** to install.... the Calloway is somewhat easier other than cutting your factory shrowd. The Honker is hands down the better choice over the VR... For me, the Halltech has served me well. But then again my car is built and needs the air up top which the Halltech provides.
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10-07-2016, 10:16 AM
#18
Racer
Thread Starter
The Vararam causes the most change to the MAF settings, which is why it needs to be tuned more than other cold air intakes.
Simply put, the more it needs to be tuned, the better the intake works.
The inlet ducts of the Vararam are above the door sill, so if you take in water you're already above the level of the door in water. I understand things can happen, but I don't understand how that can accidentally happen.
BTW, I have a used Vararam take out here in fair shape that can go for $100 if anyone is interested. PM me
Simply put, the more it needs to be tuned, the better the intake works.
The inlet ducts of the Vararam are above the door sill, so if you take in water you're already above the level of the door in water. I understand things can happen, but I don't understand how that can accidentally happen.
BTW, I have a used Vararam take out here in fair shape that can go for $100 if anyone is interested. PM me
10-07-2016, 10:19 AM
#19
Racer
Thread Starter
I have personally ran all of them.... VR2,Calloway,Halltech.... the VR is a pain in the *** to install.... the Calloway is somewhat easier other than cutting your factory shrowd. The Honker is hands down the better choice over the VR... For me, the Halltech has served me well. But then again my car is built and needs the air up top which the Halltech provides.
How much power you putting to the ground? I'm pretty much looking for a similar setup as you.End game is H/C/I with wet nitrous setup aiming for consistent low 10's to high 9's on a 6spd. I had high 10's in my old C5 Coupe with C/I and 175 shot of nitrous.
10-07-2016, 10:27 AM
#20
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I have personally ran all of them.... VR2,Calloway,Halltech.... the VR is a pain in the *** to install.... the Calloway is somewhat easier other than cutting your factory shrowd. The Honker is hands down the better choice over the VR... For me, the Halltech has served me well. But then again my car is built and needs the air up top which the Halltech provides.
You made an excellent point, nice car too!
The Vararam does become restrictive on high HP builds, but for a bolt on or cammed C5 they work great.