VeraRam vs. Vortex vs. Hurricane
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
VeraRam vs. Vortex vs. Hurricane
Which is the best air induction system to install on my 98 LS1?
1. VeraRam
2. Vortex
3. Hurricane (by West Coast Corvette)
4. K & N
5. Blackwing
I need guidance from you experts.
Thanks,
Mike esk200@aol.com
1. VeraRam
2. Vortex
3. Hurricane (by West Coast Corvette)
4. K & N
5. Blackwing
I need guidance from you experts.
Thanks,
Mike esk200@aol.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 2
From: New York NY
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05
Very subjective question. That is going to depend on what you are willing to spend and your performance goals. Vararam is probably the best cold air intake in terms of performance, but it is a little more expensive (330 bucks) than the others and requires a more tedious installation that could cost you up to 150 bucks if you dont do it yourself. The blackwing is not a cold air intake but it is very easy to install and only about 230 bucks. Vortex rammer is a cold air intake but I dont know too much about that system. I have heard good things though. If you are interested in a system that is similar to the blackwing, Corvette Garage is currently having a group purchase for the Haltech Stinger. The price is $210 shipped if they get enough orders. The halltech product also comes with a airbridge that will replace the stock bridge --> the blackwing does not. Also the stinger is very easy to install and can be done in about 20 or 30 minutes for an unskilled person. Have fun and good luck. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 2
From: Honolulu Hawaii
I loved my TRAP from Halltech, but after I went to the Mag, I decided the best route for me was the Hurricane by WCC...Here's a copy of my thread:
Design looks great. Well thought out and well executed. The holes and edges could be finished a little cleaner, but overall it looks good. I like the fact that it should look almost stock when I'm done.
Unfortunately (or not) it's made of fiberglass and I assumed it was injection molded plastic like the stock radiator shroud. So I'm spending another $100 for it to be painted and made show quality. Also, the filter is about 25% smaller than my Halltech Warhead that is currently on the car......I know the Warhead is probably overkill on a stock car, but when boosting, I think it might be very helpful. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the new set-up is a better overall package.
I sent it over to my paint shop and had it matched to my factory paint and it looks killer. Here's a link to the product review along with some of the installation pics.
WCC Hurricane Product Review
Design looks great. Well thought out and well executed. The holes and edges could be finished a little cleaner, but overall it looks good. I like the fact that it should look almost stock when I'm done.
Unfortunately (or not) it's made of fiberglass and I assumed it was injection molded plastic like the stock radiator shroud. So I'm spending another $100 for it to be painted and made show quality. Also, the filter is about 25% smaller than my Halltech Warhead that is currently on the car......I know the Warhead is probably overkill on a stock car, but when boosting, I think it might be very helpful. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the new set-up is a better overall package.
I sent it over to my paint shop and had it matched to my factory paint and it looks killer. Here's a link to the product review along with some of the installation pics.
WCC Hurricane Product Review
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Idabel OK
If using a blackwing, cut a hole or "vents" in the shroud and/or modify the plastic from front bumper and waalaa, you have cool air. Which is the single most important part of any aftermarket induction sys. and this would be THE best bang for the buck.
I have had the Vortex Rammer and now the Vararam. i like the design of the vararam the best, seems to me it would have to work slightly better than the vortex rammer, by design. The vararam is easier to deal with as far as filter removal/reinstall goes. I like the idea that the dead space in the bumper is at least serving a purpose now. It did seem to have a hair less "drop" between gears vs. the rammer. On the other side of the coin, i feel the Rammer is a much better bang for the buck and i personally would not have paid the price for the Vararam, except i got a good deal on a used one here on the forum and ended up selling my Rammer for about the same price.
A side note: My car was hydrolocked with the vortex rammer by the previous owner, but it very well may have with the vararam as well?
I have had the Vortex Rammer and now the Vararam. i like the design of the vararam the best, seems to me it would have to work slightly better than the vortex rammer, by design. The vararam is easier to deal with as far as filter removal/reinstall goes. I like the idea that the dead space in the bumper is at least serving a purpose now. It did seem to have a hair less "drop" between gears vs. the rammer. On the other side of the coin, i feel the Rammer is a much better bang for the buck and i personally would not have paid the price for the Vararam, except i got a good deal on a used one here on the forum and ended up selling my Rammer for about the same price.
A side note: My car was hydrolocked with the vortex rammer by the previous owner, but it very well may have with the vararam as well?
Last edited by stngh8r; Feb 28, 2005 at 01:48 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I have run the Donaldson up to now on my car. I just broke down and bought the Vararam. I tend to lean towards systems that don't require any cutting on the car, and can easily brought back to stock. The Stinger, Donaldson and Vararam all fall into this category.
PS: I don't like the foam filter that comes with the Vararam and will be changing to a K&N prior to installation.
PS: I don't like the foam filter that comes with the Vararam and will be changing to a K&N prior to installation.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Idabel OK
Originally Posted by vettenuts
PS: I don't like the foam filter that comes with the Vararam and will be changing to a K&N prior to installation.
agreed! My first filter fell apart and they convinced me how much better and more "durable" the "new design" was!? Wish i wouldve saved my hard earned money and bought a cottongauze.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
I have used the Vortex for the past two years and am completly satised that is the best of the two (Varam) I don't think the Hurrican is in the same class as either one of them.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,148
Likes: 1
From: GA
I had my tuner tell me that the Vararam is overrated. Their claim was that at speed, there is a wall-effect of air that pushes up over the nose of the car and isn't directed into the front vents. Reference was made to the new Z06 and the Viper-like hood scoop. Air is brought in from the front grill area (now much larger) and this hood area. Our cars are really bottom breathers; I do know that this shop wanted twice as much for the Vararam with install than the Vortex they sold me. With only intake and headers, my Z dyno'd at 396 rwhp and given this, I can strongly recommend the Vortex. A similar car with the same set-up but Donaldson system was at the shop at the same time. They showed me the dyno with the Donaldson and it actually lost about 7-8 hp once the hood was closed. My .02, worth half as much...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 2
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Originally Posted by Roofless
I have used the Vortex for the past two years and am completly satised that is the best of the two (Varam) I don't think the Hurrican is in the same class as either one of them.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 612
Likes: 0
From: Myakka City Florida
Originally Posted by vettenuts
PS: I don't like the foam filter that comes with the Vararam and will be changing to a K&N prior to installation.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 1
From: San Bruno Ca
I know a vendor who owns a dyno and removed his vararam and runs
a Vortex on his C-6 427 cu in. I won't name anybody
.
I've used a Vortex for over 2 years and I drive in heavy rain with no issues. I'm very satisfied with the Vortex.
a Vortex on his C-6 427 cu in. I won't name anybody
.I've used a Vortex for over 2 years and I drive in heavy rain with no issues. I'm very satisfied with the Vortex.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I e-mailed this to K&N this morning:
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 3:46 AM
To: Tech Support
Subject: Model 33-2011
Hi,
I am trying to fit a K&N filter by size. The 33-2011 seems to be correct, however it is for a Jaguar. I have examined several different paper filters for this car and they all have a metal housing in which the filter material is embedded. The application that I have is for a Vararam system for a 2002 Corvette. This system requires the filter to be slightly arched during installation. Can you tell me if the K&N 33-2011 has a metal housing of any type, or is it like a typical K&N filter, i.e., rubber seal around the edges.
Thanks
Bob T
Here is their reply:
Bob,
It is a typical K&N filter, there is no metal on the edges.
Thanks for writing
K&N Customer Service
------------------------------
So, this filter may actually be a perfect fit. Can anyone find this local to them and try it?
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2005 3:46 AM
To: Tech Support
Subject: Model 33-2011
Hi,
I am trying to fit a K&N filter by size. The 33-2011 seems to be correct, however it is for a Jaguar. I have examined several different paper filters for this car and they all have a metal housing in which the filter material is embedded. The application that I have is for a Vararam system for a 2002 Corvette. This system requires the filter to be slightly arched during installation. Can you tell me if the K&N 33-2011 has a metal housing of any type, or is it like a typical K&N filter, i.e., rubber seal around the edges.
Thanks
Bob T
Here is their reply:
Bob,
It is a typical K&N filter, there is no metal on the edges.
Thanks for writing
K&N Customer Service
------------------------------
So, this filter may actually be a perfect fit. Can anyone find this local to them and try it?
