VaraRam vs Blackwing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Pa
VaraRam vs Blackwing
I can have the VaraRam System installed on my 04 coupe for $425.00 or buy the Blackwing for around $280.00. Does the VaraRam give you better performance then the Blackwing? I don't mind spending the extra money for better performance what do you all think?
Thanks
Thanks
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 10
From: Austin, Texas
You will get a slight bit better performance from the Vararam, but not enough to notice (between the two) in the seat of the pants.
You will be able to install the Blackwing yourself, saving a few $$$ as well. You should be able to get one for less than $280. Try a couple of the supporting vendors on the right side of the page.
Vararam is a good bit more difficult to install (if you want to do it yourself). If you intend to race the Vararam is probably the better choice.
You will be able to install the Blackwing yourself, saving a few $$$ as well. You should be able to get one for less than $280. Try a couple of the supporting vendors on the right side of the page.
Vararam is a good bit more difficult to install (if you want to do it yourself). If you intend to race the Vararam is probably the better choice.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 650
Likes: 0
From: Southern California CA
Originally Posted by roscoe118
You will get a slight bit better performance from the Vararam, but not enough to notice (between the two) in the seat of the pants.
You will be able to install the Blackwing yourself, saving a few $$$ as well. You should be able to get one for less than $280. Try a couple of the supporting vendors on the right side of the page.
Vararam is a good bit more difficult to install (if you want to do it yourself). If you intend to race the Vararam is probably the better choice.
You will be able to install the Blackwing yourself, saving a few $$$ as well. You should be able to get one for less than $280. Try a couple of the supporting vendors on the right side of the page.
Vararam is a good bit more difficult to install (if you want to do it yourself). If you intend to race the Vararam is probably the better choice.
Also, since you have a 2004 C5, if you have a warranty issue, MAF, A/F, etc., the dealer may point the finger at the intake system. You will spend a couple of hours pulling it out, and then a few more hours putting it back in, or paying someone $100 to do so. Blackwing to stock, 20 minutes.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
vararam
I have a vararam and I love it. Dont know much about the blackwing. As far as the install goes I spent at least an hour and a half cussing alone. I think it took my cousin and I about four hours to install. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 790
Likes: 7
From: Denton TX
For a long time the VaraRam has had a reputation for using a low quality filter. Someone once posted a picture of their MAF screen full of trash after a few months of using the VaraRam.
For those of you using the latest model what is your take on this. Does the VaraRam filter seal properly and take dirt out of the intake air effectively?
For those of you using the latest model what is your take on this. Does the VaraRam filter seal properly and take dirt out of the intake air effectively?
Corvette ***** OG
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 21
From: Charlotte NC
St. Jude Donor '05
CI VI Veteran
I purchased my Vararam a couple of months ago. The filter that came with it seems like a good piece and does a good job of filtering the trash.
I pulled it apart and I guess while there's no way I can prove it is or isn't working, the trash was on the outside of the filter...
Mark
I pulled it apart and I guess while there's no way I can prove it is or isn't working, the trash was on the outside of the filter...
Mark
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 371
Likes: 38
From: Madison Alabama
VaraRam ~ Blackwing
Terk,
One thing to keep in mind. . . . none of the above (VaraRam or Black Wing) are "RAM AIR" systems. The only "Ram" or "Forced" induction comes with a "Supercharger or Turbo". The "VaraRam" and "Black Wing" do about the same thing. . . . . provide for better airflow to the intake, one just costs less (the Black Wing) and is easier to install !
I'm running the "Black Wing" on my 1999 C5 Coupe, 6 Speed and it works great, but that's just me. . . .
Cecil
Geman American Corvette Club
of Baden-Wurttemberg
Heidelberg / Mannheim, Gemrany
Hometown: Bore Alex. Virginia,
call Fort Laurdale, Florida Home these days.
One thing to keep in mind. . . . none of the above (VaraRam or Black Wing) are "RAM AIR" systems. The only "Ram" or "Forced" induction comes with a "Supercharger or Turbo". The "VaraRam" and "Black Wing" do about the same thing. . . . . provide for better airflow to the intake, one just costs less (the Black Wing) and is easier to install !
I'm running the "Black Wing" on my 1999 C5 Coupe, 6 Speed and it works great, but that's just me. . . .
Cecil
Geman American Corvette Club
of Baden-Wurttemberg
Heidelberg / Mannheim, Gemrany
Hometown: Bore Alex. Virginia,
call Fort Laurdale, Florida Home these days.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
I just had my Varaam 2b Installed Last Saturday for $80.00! All I can say is wow! Went on a high speed run on I-95 and it's totlayy different car! This Setup is similar if not better than the same type of Ram air that are on the Pontiac Firebird WS6 and the SS Camaro! And as you all know they pull really hard at WOT. Turning air into fuel really does work. I was skeptical at first but now I am a believer. I'm not sure about the black wing but my neighbor down the street took out his blackwing and installed the Varaam 2B and his comments after his run was one word! (WOW)! To each his own but the Varaam is worth the extra Chetta!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by davisce
Terk,
One thing to keep in mind. . . . none of the above (VaraRam or Black Wing) are "RAM AIR" systems. The only "Ram" or "Forced" induction comes with a "Supercharger or Turbo". The "VaraRam" and "Black Wing" do about the same thing. . . . . provide for better airflow to the intake, one just costs less (the Black Wing) and is easier to install !
I'm running the "Black Wing" on my 1999 C5 Coupe, 6 Speed and it works great, but that's just me. . . .
Cecil
Geman American Corvette Club
of Baden-Wurttemberg
Heidelberg / Mannheim, Gemrany
Hometown: Bore Alex. Virginia,
call Fort Laurdale, Florida Home these days.
One thing to keep in mind. . . . none of the above (VaraRam or Black Wing) are "RAM AIR" systems. The only "Ram" or "Forced" induction comes with a "Supercharger or Turbo". The "VaraRam" and "Black Wing" do about the same thing. . . . . provide for better airflow to the intake, one just costs less (the Black Wing) and is easier to install !
I'm running the "Black Wing" on my 1999 C5 Coupe, 6 Speed and it works great, but that's just me. . . .
Cecil
Geman American Corvette Club
of Baden-Wurttemberg
Heidelberg / Mannheim, Gemrany
Hometown: Bore Alex. Virginia,
call Fort Laurdale, Florida Home these days.
Varaam is a Ram Air system but it is not a forced Ram Air Induction! While theory is the same they are distinctly different. Ram Air is done my motion and free velocity whlie Ram Air Forced Induction is done through Forced Air Velocity.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
vararam replacement filter
Originally Posted by LeMansBlue04
For a long time the VaraRam has had a reputation for using a low quality filter. Someone once posted a picture of their MAF screen full of trash after a few months of using the VaraRam.
For those of you using the latest model what is your take on this. Does the VaraRam filter seal properly and take dirt out of the intake air effectively?
For those of you using the latest model what is your take on this. Does the VaraRam filter seal properly and take dirt out of the intake air effectively?
http://www.performanceintl.com/shop/...522+&submit=Go
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,542
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by yellow viking
Also, since you have a 2004 C5, if you have a warranty issue, MAF, A/F, etc., the dealer may point the finger at the intake system. You will spend a couple of hours pulling it out, and then a few more hours putting it back in, or paying someone $100 to do so. Blackwing to stock, 20 minutes.
I've been to a number of dealers with my Blackwing over the last four and a half years. They all loved it.
Find a dealer who likes Corvettes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
Warrenty
I believe the dealer must prove your mod caused the problem to deny warranty work. My experience with any vehicle is the dealer trys to deny the warranty work anyway reguardless of any mods until you hold firm and let them know you are going to big a much bigger pain in the *** then GM is.
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,542
Likes: 5
Originally Posted by shurite44
I have a vararam and I love it. Dont know much about the blackwing. As far as the install goes I spent at least an hour and a half cussing alone. I think it took my cousin and I about four hours to install.
Ignore the Vararam, get the Blackwing, which is a cinch to install.
I got mine from Richard Griffen (a/k/a as "RG") at Extreme Motor Sports -- he's a great guy, sells both, and you can't go wrong with Extreme's customer service.
The Blackwing is a lot easier to install, and performs the same.
