Vararam vs. Blackwing
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Vararam vs. Blackwing
I'm thinking about upgrading my stock intake to something that will add a little extra kick to my '00 C5. From what I have gathered from my research and doing a search here, it seems that the Vararam, by design (forced cool air) is really only going to "kick in" at the higher MPH margins ... say 100+ MPH when the air flow is really able to be jamming down it's throat. That sounds to me like it's more for say 1/4 mile runs or flat out dragging.
On the other hand, the Blackwing (for less $$) seems to be better suited for the street cruiser that wants better performance and have a little jump off the start. It also seems to be easier to install ... just a perk, not a show stopper as the Vararam doesn't look like that much more effort to install.
Any thoughts on this? Any other intakes that would be worth exploring?
Thanks in advance for the help.
On the other hand, the Blackwing (for less $$) seems to be better suited for the street cruiser that wants better performance and have a little jump off the start. It also seems to be easier to install ... just a perk, not a show stopper as the Vararam doesn't look like that much more effort to install.
Any thoughts on this? Any other intakes that would be worth exploring?
Thanks in advance for the help.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville AR
The way I looked at it is Vararam pulls ALL of its air from outside where it will be cooler so around town you will be pulling cooler air that you would with a regular air intake system so its better in town as well as on the track over non cold air intakes. The "ram air" effect may or may not work depending on who you talk to but the guys that race will tell you out of all intake systems (cold air or under hood with the fog light housing cut out) Vararam is at the top of the list for performance. I have the Vararam and am very pleased with it. I do "feel" like it has more pep from 70 and above for what its worth. And the install is no problem - just print off one of the write-ups floating around here - much better that the Vararam instructions.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 1,926
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From: I hate you and I dont even know you
I've had a filter that's like a blackwing, only smaller, on my '01 since it was new. I'm planning to buy a vararam in a couple of months. May only gain a few HP over my current setup but I like the design and figure I can always pull it off and sell it on the forum later when I buy a new car.
It's all down to personal preference.
It's all down to personal preference.
St. Jude Partner since 89
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 774
Likes: 4
From: Lebanon, TN
St. Jude Donor '09
There will be no "kick in" when comparing the Blackwing to the Vararam if you're implying that the Vararam will pull less air at take off so that is a non-issue. The problem with the Blackwing is that it is sucking engine air at a stop light or at the track in the staging lanes. It takes over a mile for the intake air temp to come back down after that happens. Last Saturday on the way to the track with my Blackwing, the IAT stayed within 5 degrees of the temperature on the A/C readout. While sitting in the staging lanes - it rose 80+ degrees and never came down that much throughout the run. More about this if you care...
Last edited by Nithros; Mar 10, 2006 at 06:22 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 13
From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Improve the Blackwing air flow by cutting out the back of the foglights and install ZO6 screens. My $.02
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,479
Likes: 13
From: Dallas/Grand Prairie Texas
Originally Posted by Ikester
I got Blackwing. No worries when driving in the rain!
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,027
Likes: 6
From: Shiloh Ohio
The two systems are different animals if you will. The black wing is not plumbed to receive ambient air outside of the hood. The vararam is.
The blackwing improves HP by improving airflow over the stock filter. The vararam improves HP by improving airflow and also getting cooler air outside of the engine compartment.
That is the primary difference.
As far as installation neither will take more than an afternoon to install so I would not let that enter into the decision.
The blackwing improves HP by improving airflow over the stock filter. The vararam improves HP by improving airflow and also getting cooler air outside of the engine compartment.
That is the primary difference.
As far as installation neither will take more than an afternoon to install so I would not let that enter into the decision.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 8,004
Likes: 250
From: Tampa Fl
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I have the Vararam. I just came in from a 30 minute ride. Its 70 degrees outside, and my car really loves the cold air. Either is a good system. Some guys say the get more HP from the vararam, and some say they get more from Blackwing.
I dont think a air intake system is going to make it pull like its on a little NO2. Add the bolt ons , and cam, the vararam on a cool night is hard to beat. Add heads, and it's that much more fun.
The rain thing always concerns me. Although I have not heard of anyone hydrolocking with a vararam unless they ran into a pool, It does make me wonder why they changed to design.
If mine was a daily driver, Id do blackwing.
I dont think a air intake system is going to make it pull like its on a little NO2. Add the bolt ons , and cam, the vararam on a cool night is hard to beat. Add heads, and it's that much more fun.
The rain thing always concerns me. Although I have not heard of anyone hydrolocking with a vararam unless they ran into a pool, It does make me wonder why they changed to design.
If mine was a daily driver, Id do blackwing.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,300
Likes: 4
From: Mississauga, Ontario Corvettes were built to be driven...not trailered
St Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
Originally Posted by JEEP/C5
...I do "feel" like it has more pep from 70 and above for what its worth...
That was far and away the biggest difference I felt when I put my on. I had read that before in other threads and it was the single largest factor on why I chose the Vararam. I'm not a 1/4 miler but love to play on the highway. When I installed it and hit it for the first time at 60, boy did I notice a difference...and it just feels like it gets stronger as she goes.
IMHO, Vararam all the way
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Chandler AZ
Great thread,
I have been reading thru all the posts about CAI systems and now I feel confident about the Vararam because I'm all about the cold air source being on the outside of the car.
The Blackwing people (Manufacturer) talk about their special filter media but it would be difficult to consider it CAI or ram air unless you have some serious MPH or one of the shroud mods.
I'm going with the Vararam, Thanks
I have been reading thru all the posts about CAI systems and now I feel confident about the Vararam because I'm all about the cold air source being on the outside of the car.
The Blackwing people (Manufacturer) talk about their special filter media but it would be difficult to consider it CAI or ram air unless you have some serious MPH or one of the shroud mods.
I'm going with the Vararam, Thanks
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 253
Likes: 1
From: Bossier city, Louisiana
Originally Posted by geocor2003
How about the Blackwing with an "Ice Box" cold air kit.Not many have reported on this set up.Have A Blackwing now & am considering the Ice Box or going to the Honker if I can find a deal on one.
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.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 642
Likes: 12
From: West Chester Ohio
I went fron a haaltech stinger to a vararam vr2b, noticeable difference,especially above 60 mph, all around better performance. Also picked it up at eastcoastcorvettes.com, they happened to be one of the cheapest, shipped it with the latest filter also.
scott
scott
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,826
Likes: 39
From: Central NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'08-'10
While the Vararam's quality and fit is borderline "homemade" there is no doubt that it performs incredibly well on the C5. I was amazed at the seat of the pants increase in power. However, you'll always get many opinions here on air intakes. Good luck.