Hi All,

Well, I have had my vararam for a few days now.

From day one when I read the instructions that mentioned doing a pressure test I had to chuckle. There is no way this thing will seal completely. It does not fit together that good.

So, I decided to seal mine. I got some black automotive silicone from the hardware store and used a baby wipes box for the extra plastic that I needed.

First, I sealed the V piece that hold the two ram together. I did this just like caulking a bathroom. Second, I sealed the rams on the outer edges where the two halves of each rams are glued together from the factory. If you look close, by the clamps that hold the filter housing in place, you will see a gap where the two halves of each ram did not mate up will from the factory.

Third, when you use the V piece to connect the ram you will notice an one inch gap in the ridge that holds the filter in place. This is where I used the plastic from the baby wipes box. I cut it to fill the gap where the two rams comes together. I used the silicone to glue and seal the plastic piece in place.

I have no dyno numbers, but STOP said difference at top speed. Fourth gear seems to pull well.


Well that's it. Still looking at headers. Not sure which to get. I think I am leaning towards the SuperMaxx.


Take Care,

 

Nice, Rick

I didn't have a gap between the V piece but they did put one of the screw holes too close to the edge and I am going to to drill another hole and place another screw after it warms up a bit, just for my own peace of mind as it is not going anywhere now. They only use 4 screws in the V piece, nowadays. I believe they used to use 6 from what I can tell from the picture in the instructions which actually show the VR 1B..

I know where you are talking about. That small 5mm gap where the 2 halves of the duct are mated I only have it on one side though. The other side the 2 halves mated up perfectly. The airlid covers this area in my case however. Thats why each duct should be a one piece construction as opposed to a 2 piece construction.

I don't have that. Did you put that triangle shaped piece which connects the two ducts soft rubber side down with the widest base of the "triangle" closest to the radiator shroud?

I am contemplating putting some thin weather strip in the inside top of the lid. Mine seals up very well, but it could be better. I can see the tiniest gap at the driver's side edge but the filter should prevent any bad things from getting through. I mean think about the folks who run the zip tie mod. I'll post a pic of this area and ask the forum what they think.

 

When I installed my Vararam it was test fit and then removed. I got the black silicone and sealed every opening and seam, no more gaps and spaces anywhere. Let it dry overnight and then did the final install. Works perfectly.
Bob

 

Yes, The gasket sealed to the plastic part of the vararam. I am talking about the ridge that runs around the top that the filter sits it.

 

I know this has been beaten to death here, but after just installing my VR2B last week, I am left with a few impressions:firstly I had read here that the instructions stink, so I expected that going in. I took that with a grain of salt as really you don't know what level of expertise those reading the instructions/ installing the product have. Well, let me confirm. The instructions are WORSE than bad! They would probably be better off almost without any instructions, that way you would at least KNOW you were on your own here. The instructions should state they are not complete and used as a general guide only. The xeroxed photos in the packet are even worse. The website photos and instructions were not much better. I have assembled too many things to count from instructions ranging from Chinese/Japanese obviously translated to English to "Ikea" furniture. These were worse than ANY of those!
My next impression was the "ease" of installation. Not very easy at all and considering I have restored a rusty old Chevelle from gutting and reupholstering the ratty old interior to rebuilding the suspension and welding on new steel. Which leads to my last impression which was the quality of workmanship. This went hand in hand with "ease" of installation, which is mostly affected by the poor fit. I found the fit and finish to be excellent for a one off prototype. I still can not believe that a unit in production and being sold quite extensively to the Corvette community is still as unrefined and poorly constructed as it is. In fact I am utterly stunned as to how the pieces don't line up, are clearly misfit to one another etc...We all apparently continue to buy these and add them to our cars that normally we would not stand for parts this lousy. I laughed at the sticker on the airbox that says "Symbol of excellence" or something like that. I can't help but wonder if the sticker installers get a chuckle out of that too when they put the stickers on? Any way sorry for the rant, but this has been festering since I put this piece of crap under my hood. I certainly hope it performs better that it looks and fits! I'll know more as the weather and roads improve here in PA. Thanks for listening!

 

Oh, OK I gotcha now. No, mine was flush across the top. No problems there. The only "problem" I have is right at the corner of the driver side near the radiator shroud. About a 1/16" crack, barely visible.

BTW I just drove around to Auto Zone and ordered the K&N filter for mine

K&N filter # 35- 2522. Fits the 1981 Triumph TR 7. $45.00 at Autozone.

I am going to stick with the Baja Filter which came with the Vararam for now.

I have just over 100 miles on it now ( 101 to be exact) and you are right it seems to pull a little harder at speeds above 70 mph. And you can hear it sucking in the air.

Good to hear that you got it sealed up real good. Good luck

 

FORLOOP

I racked my brain trying to figure out what headers to purchase. I also worried about fit finish and quality. My other concern was sound qualities of the system. I did not want a system that was so obnoxis that I could not drive the car without getting a headache!

I have a friend that works at ZIP Products and he convinced me to purchase a Stainlessworks exhaust system. I purchased the LT Stainless Headers, Random Tech Cats, 3" mid section with the X pipe and Stainlessworks Exhaust with the duel outlet tips.

I must admit that I was very much worried that I would not like the sound seing that I did not listen to a Stainlessworks System on another C5 (I broke on of my own rules ).

When I first started up the car I was supprised. It was not too loud but had a nice rumble. The system shines at mid throttle and snarles at WOT.
Best of all they fit fantastic! There is plenty of room for the plugs and wires, they do not hang down below the car, and they look SHARP!
Significant HP/TQ increase!! I will have dyno numbers soon.

I am not one to sound off on a product but, I am impressed with this system! I have ZERO regrets. Well maybe one! I did not do this sooner!

 

I agree with you wholeheartedly Noneck. It is a shame that we have to choose between great build quality as in the Blackwing or great performance potential as in the Vararam.

The thing is, that if you look at the Vararam you can see the advantages to the design and concept. That they did such a poor job of implementing/ building the design is disheartening.

Those ducts should be one piece instead of 2 top and bottom halves. The center V piece and all edges should be better finished and refined.

The instructions should be better printed and the images clearer and up to date.

The filter should be of better quality.

There should be a better fit between the lid and the base of the ducts.

The lid should be redesigned and made to open differently to change the filter.

I agree with you.

But the thing is that everyone who uses it, almost to a man, swears by it's performance advantage. That is the only reason why it is on my car, for the potential performance advantage.

 

Sounds good! I look forward to youy dyno number.