Vararam vs. Blackwing
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
From: Vancleave Ms.
Where can you buy a Varram air intake system and how much do they go for? After purchasing my '02 vette, I don't think I'll have much money left over from the paper route to do too many mods! 
Does LG sell them and if so is this the ram air system that hooks up to the two fog light holes or something like that? James
I just checked the LG website and I did infact see that they sell the Varram ram air system. Does anyone else have documented track times from before and after installation. I am more concerned about increase in MPH than a drop in ET, as the previous refers to HP generated whereas the latter is just a function of hooking up the tires. Thanks, James
Does LG sell them and if so is this the ram air system that hooks up to the two fog light holes or something like that? JamesI just checked the LG website and I did infact see that they sell the Varram ram air system. Does anyone else have documented track times from before and after installation. I am more concerned about increase in MPH than a drop in ET, as the previous refers to HP generated whereas the latter is just a function of hooking up the tires. Thanks, James
Last edited by mean lx; Mar 11, 2006 at 08:34 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 117
take a look to this thread, some info from experience:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...6&page=1&pp=20
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...6&page=1&pp=20
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 3
From: Davie Florida
Originally Posted by JoshVette
If you want a blackwing, just take your stock air box off the filter and tie it down........
The vararam however kicks at all speeds, just a bit more from 55mph +
Vararam is very functional at lower speeds and ecspecially in cooler weather, it's like spraying a small shot of NOS.
My vararam cut me down .2 tenths just in the 1/8 mile.......and that's from 0-85mph not all that much speed, but you can sure feel it in 2nd gear and .2 tenth is the equivilant of around 20RWHP according to 21stMC.
If you want performance, Vararam.
If you just want a better intake, Blackwing.
The vararam however kicks at all speeds, just a bit more from 55mph +
Vararam is very functional at lower speeds and ecspecially in cooler weather, it's like spraying a small shot of NOS.
My vararam cut me down .2 tenths just in the 1/8 mile.......and that's from 0-85mph not all that much speed, but you can sure feel it in 2nd gear and .2 tenth is the equivilant of around 20RWHP according to 21stMC.
If you want performance, Vararam.
If you just want a better intake, Blackwing.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Alpharetta georgia
Actual dyno tuning....testing blackwing,varram,ect.
when i worked at MTI motersports we did actual dyno testing on alot of intakes. the blackwing and all other filters that suck air from under the hood are an upgrade but, any filter that uses hot air from under the hood will see a HP change from 20-40HP with the hood up (cuz of the cooler air). the varram is better because it takes air from outside the engine bay but, have you seen all of the bends in the plastic. A 90 degree bend is the same thing as adding 2 feet to the intake(HP loss cuz the air has to be sucked so far and throw so many bends) by far the BEST intake out there is the CALLOWAY HONKER!!!!!! chek it out green filter with steel mesh, no bends and sucks air from out side, it is also better than those box intakes (air first has to fill the box then gets to the filter) i've seen the numbers they have an in ground dyno and Resee *** is one of the best tuners around. you don't have to trust me go check out the honker you'll see.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Honker
Originally Posted by red98n/a10.77et
when i worked at MTI motersports we did actual dyno testing on alot of intakes. the blackwing and all other filters that suck air from under the hood are an upgrade but, any filter that uses hot air from under the hood will see a HP change from 20-40HP with the hood up (cuz of the cooler air). the varram is better because it takes air from outside the engine bay but, have you seen all of the bends in the plastic. A 90 degree bend is the same thing as adding 2 feet to the intake(HP loss cuz the air has to be sucked so far and throw so many bends) by far the BEST intake out there is the CALLOWAY HONKER!!!!!! chek it out green filter with steel mesh, no bends and sucks air from out side, it is also better than those box intakes (air first has to fill the box then gets to the filter) i've seen the numbers they have an in ground dyno and Resee *** is one of the best tuners around. you don't have to trust me go check out the honker you'll see.
Thanks in advance to your replay.
Karl
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,446
Likes: 0
From: Kailua HI
Originally Posted by George8211
.
If you have the money, and an automatic transmission...
Your first perforance mod should be a high stall torque convertor....
Without a doubt
If you have the money, and an automatic transmission...
Your first perforance mod should be a high stall torque convertor....
Without a doubt
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: ft. Worth tx.
To Iron...
Originally Posted by Iron Maiden Fan
I have the Blackwing and "Ice Box" setup. It's the best of both worlds. The Blackwing has more (and better) filter media, and when you add the cold air component it's got everything. Just stay clear of large standing water or your air dam might scoop water into the filter. I too have driven in pouring rain with no problem. I just use my head, or better yet drive my SUV when the weather is bad!
The Blackwing by itself won't give the gains that a Vararam will, but if you do the "Ice Box" mod, your bound to have an edge over the Vararam due to the larger filter area of the Blackwing.
The Blackwing by itself won't give the gains that a Vararam will, but if you do the "Ice Box" mod, your bound to have an edge over the Vararam due to the larger filter area of the Blackwing.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 2
From: Fountain Inn, South Carolina
Originally Posted by oahuyahoo
Forgive the ignorance but what the hell is that?
This might help..
Torque Convertor
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 2
From: Fountain Inn, South Carolina
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,446
Likes: 0
From: Kailua HI
[QUOTE=George8211]This might help..
Torque Convertor[/QUOTE
Thanks Goerge, I had a feeling that 's what it was. Suppose a guy could put a 6 speed in a 2004 c-5 ls1to replace the automatic?
Torque Convertor[/QUOTE
Thanks Goerge, I had a feeling that 's what it was. Suppose a guy could put a 6 speed in a 2004 c-5 ls1to replace the automatic?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 24
From: Freehold, NJ
Originally Posted by klem
This is the one that MSI recommends [the Calloway Honker]. It looks like it sets on top of the radiator shroud. Where does it pick the cold air up from and if its down low is there any worry of water make it into the intake? I was also told that this is 50 state legal in regards to smog.
Thanks in advance to your replay.
Karl
Thanks in advance to your replay.
Karl
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,145
Likes: 1
From: Bradenton FLORIDA
Originally Posted by Eric Fischer
Here's some info on the Callaway Honker
The team at MTI had done extensive testing and the results were impressive. RevXtreme will begin tests on both C5 & C6 versions shortly and we expect to see similar.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 161
From: Las Vegas Nevada
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by TLewis4095
After talking with the engineers at MTI & Ron at Pro Auto Tech, we at RevXtreme are going to add the Callaway Honker to our line. All comparisons seem to point to the Honker being the best cold air intake for C5 & C6 applications, with the Vararam being a close second.
The team at MTI had done extensive testing and the results were impressive. RevXtreme will begin tests on both C5 & C6 versions shortly and we expect to see similar.
The team at MTI had done extensive testing and the results were impressive. RevXtreme will begin tests on both C5 & C6 versions shortly and we expect to see similar.
Good Luck,
Clayton from Las Vegas
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 132
From: Plano TX
I don't think anyone has mentioned the zip tie mod.. The cost of a K&N filter plus a few zip ties. Fast, easy, cheap... OK.. it won't get any beauty awards but for $45.00 its the best hp value for the buck. My 99 A4 pulled 290rwhp bone stock. My first mod was the zip tie. 299.78rwhp on the dyno.. 9-10 rwhp is a good buy at just $45.00. Heck, if you don't want the K&N filter just use your factory filter and take off that POS restrictive factory air box. 20 minutes and four long zip ties is all it will cost you. You can get a big bag of them for 1.99. At least try this until you decide what exactly you want to do and how much you want to $$$$ spend.
Last edited by David426; Mar 12, 2006 at 02:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,461
Likes: 161
From: Las Vegas Nevada
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by David426
I don't think anyone has mentioned the zip tie mod.. The cost of a K&N filter plus a few zip ties. Fast, easy, cheap... OK.. it won't get any beauty awards but for $45.00 its the best hp value for the buck. My 99 A4 pulled 290rwhp bone stock. My first mod was the zip tie. 299.78rwhp on the dyno.. 9-10 rwhp is a good buy at just $45.00. Heck, if you don't want the K&N filter just use your factory filter and take off that POS restrictive factory air box. 20 minutes and four long zip ties is all it will cost you. You can get a big bag of them for 1.99. At least try this until you decide what exactly you want to do and how much you want to $$$$ spend.
That's the best information on this thread. Good advice David.
Clayton from Las Vegas
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by David426
I don't think anyone has mentioned the zip tie mod.. The cost of a K&N filter plus a few zip ties. Fast, easy, cheap... OK.. it won't get any beauty awards but for $45.00 its the best hp value for the buck. My 99 A4 pulled 290rwhp bone stock. My first mod was the zip tie. 299.78rwhp on the dyno.. 9-10 rwhp is a good buy at just $45.00. Heck, if you don't want the K&N filter just use your factory filter and take off that POS restrictive factory air box. 20 minutes and four long zip ties is all it will cost you. You can get a big bag of them for 1.99. At least try this until you decide what exactly you want to do and how much you want to $$$$ spend.
Seen this, Still engine compartment air (hot). 1st time I've seen any #s though...pretty impressive!Thanks,
Karl
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Hmmm ... good stuff here. I never even thought about the Callaway Honker. I guess it deserves a look too. I have heard about the zip tie thing and but never would have guessed a close to 10 rwhp gain from it 
! Now that is pretty impressive. Not pretty, not dang impressive to what it is.
! Now that is pretty impressive. Not pretty, not dang impressive to what it is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
Zip tie mod is in my opinion the best air box mod you can do if you are not going to plumb in ambient air. I agree. Before I would install a blackwing or a dual cone I would go with the zip tie.People that are afraid of the security of the zip ties could also buy a Z06 air box lid off of the forum for sale threads.
Also if you want to get some ambient air up to the filter you can remove or mod the fog light shroud area.
Last edited by shurite44; Mar 13, 2006 at 12:17 AM.