IMO, I think that is a vague, almost irresponsible answer on their part. The smog checks are only getting tougher. I have a Blackwing which isn't legal either, and I knew this. But, it is much cheaper and easier to r&r. You should change your sig from sunny to snowy California.

 

Guys,

We have installed countless Vararams and from what we have been reported back from our customers that have them, they have passed CA smog checks with no problems whatsoever. We haven't heard of a single case of a smog test location flag a C5 equipped with a Vararam.

Remember, the only intake system on the market that has a CARB number is the K&N FIPK kit, but the Vararam doesn't seem to throw up a red flag like other intakes because it is a very low key set-up that looks almost like the stock airbox set-up. It is black in color and doesn't display any loud colors like a lot of the other intakes on the market.

I just wanted to clarify some misconceptions that may float around regarding the Vararam and smog checks.

Any questions, please feel free to ask us.

Thanks!

Shawn

 

I think Shawn (LAPD) is probably right - I was asking the tech about the Blackwing at the smog test-only station I was at last month with my '85 (stock airbox) - she said that open-element filters like the BW were not legal. Since the Vararam is an enclosed filter with feeds from outside the car, I suspect they would never notice it on the visual inspection.

 

The big question is: "Are you feeling lucky?" Some members have skipped by with LT headers and some have failed the visual. It's the luck of the draw and in this case, it's how knowledgable the smog tech is about aftermarket intakes. One guy just reported that the smog tech and his associates spent close to an hour studying the Blackwing before deciding that, although it looks somewhat stock, it did not have a C.A.R.B. sticker and therefore was reason enough to fail the visual.

Having a Vararam may represent a smaller risk as compared to a Blackwing, Vortex or Stinger, but it is still a risk, nonetheless. In essence, it is a gamble that only you can choose to take.

Good luck!

 

I'd have to agree with Shawn. The VR looks like OEM equipment to anyone that really does not know every last little nuiance about a Corvette. ie: inspectors. The VR fits so nicely in place where the OEM box was, it is all black, and there are no exposed conical filters as you see on some other intake systems. The system is fully enclosed. It does not jump out at you as and aftermarket part as many intakes do.

PLUS, it has to be the best design on the market.

Also, the VR system is at it's best at speed, like above 55 mph.

 

Give this link a shot!

http://www.vararam.com/vr1b_install01.html

 

...from a recent Dyno Day.....

Year/Model/Mods/RWHP/RWTQ

2000/Vert/Vararam_Corsa Pace/326.3/329.5
2002/Coupe/Blackwing_Borla Stingers/328.1/340.5
2001/Coupe/Halltech Stinger-R_Borla Stingers/328.6/352.2
2002/Z06/Bone Stock/361.7/347.2

Although there was probably insufficient high-velocity cold air to see if the VR's numbers would improve, the Halltech Stinger would've possibly benefitted too, since it was equipped with the cold air mod.

What I'm getting at here is that you should determine if the added power (if any) is worth the risk. If we've presented the facts here clearly, then we have accomplished that goal.

 

I had my VaraRam installed for two weeks and ran into some water which caused some problems. Since I had warranty concerns I spent an evening removing the VaraRam and re-installing the factory system . After realizing how difficult this was (I did not install the VaraRam myself) I decided that the VaraRam was going up for sale to be replaced with something easier to swap out.
Here is a link concerning my saga:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...0&page=1&pp=20

 

Hmmm.. After reading what you all said. I guess it is up to me to decide if I want to risk it or not. My Vette has only 3000 miles (2004 model) with about 30+months worth of warranty. I maybe should stay with OEM or blackwing. Then again, since it is new, I have 6 years of CA emssion exemtion (am I right on this?), so maybe be I should enjoy VR for next few years while becareful around the water. It rarely rains here in CA anyways...lol That's it. I'm calling Shawn in L.A.P.D.

SHAWN!! Please let me know if we can do better then $350 (VR) + $150 Installation. After all, I am driving up from CERRITOS area.

 

Victory Lane Auto
3245 Boulevard
Colonial Heights, VA 23834-1471

 

... pick up some tools and DIY.

 

My son and I installed the Vararam set up on my C5. If you choose this route, it's a lot easier with two people. It was about 4 hrs for us also. The worst part of the install was removing the fog lamps. Very difficult to get your hands up inside. There is a nut directly about that secures the lamp and it is not visable. The rest was pretty straight forward. The difference is amazing. I've got an 01 vert, A4, 3.15, Z51 and if I floor it at about 25 to 30 mph, it fish-tails and burns rubber as it leaps forward. Enjoy the ride!