Vararam, Stinger SSM, or Blackwing?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 576
Likes: 1
From: Newport News Virginia
Vararam, Stinger SSM, or Blackwing?
I am going to do one of the three but not sure which is the best bang for the buck. Any input would be great! Also, for those with the Vararam; have you had any problems with water? This is a daily driver and is driven in all kinds of weather.
Alan
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
halltech stinger,vs ssm no difference, big filter is for show on the ssm,
includes a much better bridge and coupler
vararam smaller filter than both vararam filter not good
K&N replacement , not a good fit, good luck
blackwing, good filter no coupler no bridge
Halltech stinger was my choice with 10 rwhp and 11 rwtq
dyno improvement on my z. Very noticeable
includes a much better bridge and coupler
vararam smaller filter than both vararam filter not good
K&N replacement , not a good fit, good luck
blackwing, good filter no coupler no bridge
Halltech stinger was my choice with 10 rwhp and 11 rwtq
dyno improvement on my z. Very noticeable
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
I too have the haltec stinger on my 97 and like it better then the blackwing I had. I have never tried the vararam but from what I hear- it gives the best performance of all...the haltech provides a smooth coupler, larger airbridge as well as the big filter....the blackwing as mentioned above is just a big filter...the vararam uses a foam type filter that must be maintained regulary to keep functional and the intake clean...I myself don't like foam as my lawnmower has a foam filter on it!!! not something I'd opt for on my 50K MSRP vette!
I think they are perfecting a K&N filter to fit the vararam better- this would make it much more attractive...
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,933
Likes: 905
From: salem OR
Originally Posted by byte_me
I too have the haltec stinger on my 97 and like it better then the blackwing I had. I have never tried the vararam but from what I hear- it gives the best performance of all...the haltech provides a smooth coupler, larger airbridge as well as the big filter....the blackwing as mentioned above is just a big filter...the vararam uses a foam type filter that must be maintained regulary to keep functional and the intake clean...I myself don't like foam as my lawnmower has a foam filter on it!!! not something I'd opt for on my 50K MSRP vette!
I think they are perfecting a K&N filter to fit the vararam better- this would make it much more attractive...Did you see the filter, they come with well haha.
then there is lots of Quality issues,
Plus I think the bridge and coupler and big filter
make the Stinger the deal
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
You should still be able to buy a Halltech Stinger at $240 or less (A&A or Corvette Garage). This is a great bang-for-buck intake system. The SSM costs significantly more (about $400) and the Vararam, closer to the SSM in cost. Any one will increase RWHP by at least 10, with the Vararam the only CAI of the bunch. Fortunately, if you buy or have the Halltech Stinger or Blackwing, you can DIY a cold air setup for less than $40 in hardware. See my sig for the link.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 993
Likes: 0
From: PA
Vararam B2. 3 hour install, fit and finish was just fine, no QC/QA issues with mine. Word on the street is that vararam is coming out with a K%N filter built to the B2 specs. I think it will be a worthwhile investment. I have the oem Vararam filter on mine and I frequently check the filter and the TB / MAF. No issues whatsoever.
As for water intrusion, I was nervous also. Don't be, it may be a lower induction point, but have you seen the C6 Z06 air intake, you know, like the C6r? And those things run in the rain. Life has enough stress, don't worry about the vararam hydrolocking the LS1. Now IF you drive through water that is deep enough to cover the induction ports on the bumper, you will probably have problems, but.....
its not a submarine is it?
Get the vararam. Best bang for the buck, and if you wait for a GP, you can get one for <$300. Wait for it.
As for water intrusion, I was nervous also. Don't be, it may be a lower induction point, but have you seen the C6 Z06 air intake, you know, like the C6r? And those things run in the rain. Life has enough stress, don't worry about the vararam hydrolocking the LS1. Now IF you drive through water that is deep enough to cover the induction ports on the bumper, you will probably have problems, but.....
its not a submarine is it?
Get the vararam. Best bang for the buck, and if you wait for a GP, you can get one for <$300. Wait for it.
Safety Car
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 4,693
Likes: 10
From: Carefree, Arizona
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
The problem with this forum is that you will get 100 different opinions with questions like these..... 
and in the end you might end up being more confused than before.
BTW, my Blackwing works like a charme
and in the end you might end up being more confused than before. BTW, my Blackwing works like a charme