[Z06] A Note on the Vararam
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
A Note on the Vararam
I just thought I would pass on my experience with the Vararam. I had a Vararam 1B installed on my 04 Z06 about two months or so ago. At first, the car definitely felt different. I wouldn't necessarily say better, just different. About a week later, presumably after the car re-learned the new air flow, the car did seem to have a little more pep, especially at higher RPMs. Then, I noticed that the engine started to sound a lot different. I couldn't really describe it, it just didn't sound the same. It didn't sound "right." So, as is typical, I started to 
So today, I took it in to the folks at Corvette Mike (who RULE). The manager and I took it for a spin, after which he said, in not so many words: "Dopey, you're car is perfect! That sound you're hearing is the sound of the Vararam sucking in the air." He explained that the stock air box is designed so it's quiet, but the after market intakes are designed with a different purpose in mind. I felt pretty stupid, but also quite relieved. But, since he told me that I wasn't the first one to come in with this concern after having the stock intake changed out, I thought I would pass it on.
P.S.: I went from to :o to 
So today, I took it in to the folks at Corvette Mike (who RULE). The manager and I took it for a spin, after which he said, in not so many words: "Dopey, you're car is perfect! That sound you're hearing is the sound of the Vararam sucking in the air." He explained that the stock air box is designed so it's quiet, but the after market intakes are designed with a different purpose in mind. I felt pretty stupid, but also quite relieved. But, since he told me that I wasn't the first one to come in with this concern after having the stock intake changed out, I thought I would pass it on.P.S.: I went from
to :o to
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,506
Likes: 0
From: Hillsborough NJ
LOL...different sound? Put a big cam in that car, or a blower, then talk about a different sound. Granted, the aftermarket air intakes do make the engine more "throaty" but nothing like a cam or blower. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,138
Likes: 37
From: Burbank. CA.
Not to rain on your parade, but Vararam intakes are not smog legal in California. You will have to switch back to the stock one when time. Most venders don't tell you this, and I think that is just plain wrong.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Originally Posted by pb24dagrk
mikeo
i'm thinking about getting the vararam next....how did the install go? do you have any pics? where did you order online? was it worth it? did you test it at the track to see gains?
i'm thinking about getting the vararam next....how did the install go? do you have any pics? where did you order online? was it worth it? did you test it at the track to see gains?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Originally Posted by mountainbiker2
Not to rain on your parade, but Vararam intakes are not smog legal in California. You will have to switch back to the stock one when time. Most venders don't tell you this, and I think that is just plain wrong.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 9,251
Likes: 217
From: 2007 Nat'l Corvette Challenge 11.50 index Champ. New Jersey
Originally Posted by pb24dagrk
mikeo
i'm thinking about getting the vararam next....how did the install go? do you have any pics? where did you order online? was it worth it? did you test it at the track to see gains?
i'm thinking about getting the vararam next....how did the install go? do you have any pics? where did you order online? was it worth it? did you test it at the track to see gains?
As for Ca emissions, I don't see why an air intake would not pass emissions inspection...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 0
After calling two popular inpsection sites in Northern Ca where I lived for over 20 years thye indicated there is no problem with an air intake system in Ca. provided the emissions results pass protocols set by State/ Dept Of Transportation regs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,155
Likes: 56
From: Escondido CA
Originally Posted by Geneus
LOL...different sound? Put a big cam in that car, or a blower, then talk about a different sound. Granted, the aftermarket air intakes do make the engine more "throaty" but nothing like a cam or blower.
oh and a stock lid is about $70, get one pop in on after cleaning the k & n and your ready for the kaliforneia smog cert..
Last edited by bud miller; Oct 10, 2004 at 09:22 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 518
From: Admit Nothing, Deny Everything, Make Counter Accusations.
Originally Posted by pb24dagrk
mikeo
i'm thinking about getting the vararam next....how did the install go? do you have any pics?
i'm thinking about getting the vararam next....how did the install go? do you have any pics?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=379054
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Originally Posted by WFO
After calling two popular inpsection sites in Northern Ca where I lived for over 20 years thye indicated there is no problem with an air intake system in Ca. provided the emissions results pass protocols set by State/ Dept Of Transportation regs.