intake dilema
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
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intake dilema
i know that the question keeps on getting asked. I am trying to decide between the vararam and the halltech stinger intake systems. which is a better daily driver intake system. which takes more water in. Also which is the better made system. i am reading on other boards that the vararam is a poorly made system, but makes good power. that leads me to the next question. which makes the most power. thank you for the info.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
The Halltech Stinger or Stinger SSM (newer style filter) are virtually impervious to water intrusion. However, they are warm air systems out-of-the-box. Fortunately, you can inject cold air with about $40 in materials and a couple of hours labor. See my procedure at:
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm
The Vararam requires much more labor to install and if you live in California and need to have your car smogged, you would need to remove it every two years - a real pain. It does produce good gains - just don't use the old-style, original filter.
If cost is no object, the Callaway Honker ($500) is an excellent intake, both in construction and in engineering - the MAF is relocated and is far less likely to be satuated with excess filter oil.
Most aftermarket intakes from well-known companies will give you a minimum of 10 RWHP. Cold air ensures that this number doesn't dip during or after stop&go driving.
Dave
http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm
The Vararam requires much more labor to install and if you live in California and need to have your car smogged, you would need to remove it every two years - a real pain. It does produce good gains - just don't use the old-style, original filter.
If cost is no object, the Callaway Honker ($500) is an excellent intake, both in construction and in engineering - the MAF is relocated and is far less likely to be satuated with excess filter oil.
Most aftermarket intakes from well-known companies will give you a minimum of 10 RWHP. Cold air ensures that this number doesn't dip during or after stop&go driving.
Dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 1
From: Gibbstown New Jersey
I just went through this. I have a 99 torch red daily driver. I went with the stinger. New air bridge. Fantastic filter. Impossable for water to get in there. I def felt a throttle response after about 15miles. At 299.95 with free shipping from southern car parts. The honker and the vararam both are more likely to ingest water. Stinger was the way for me it rocks
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Simi Valley CA
Originally Posted by striper
Since you didn't ask, here's my 2 cents. The Callaway Honker is the best made cold air intake. OEM quality and excellent performance.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
I have a vortex rammer on my car... have had it for over 3 years w/o issues. I oil it every 2 oil changes so about every 12-18k... about 1x a year.
My dad and I recently put a Stinger on his '04 w/ the new red air bridge... it work great and is zero maintenance w/ simple install.
My '01 Z w/ BPP (during a re-install after motor work, clamps not tight)
Father's '04 Z w/ Halltech
My dad and I recently put a Stinger on his '04 w/ the new red air bridge... it work great and is zero maintenance w/ simple install.
My '01 Z w/ BPP (during a re-install after motor work, clamps not tight)
Father's '04 Z w/ Halltech
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 23,682
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From: Flagstaff Az.
intake
I went with the Haltech. Included in the price is an enlarged air bridge, and a smooth air coupler. It will not cost you $40 as posted above to get cold air to it. A simple mod to the fog light surrounds will do just as good a job. It is a matter of cutting 4-1 1/4" holes with a template in each surround. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 3
From: Fredericton NB
I also added the Halltech Stinger with air bridge and performed the modification that Dave68 published here on the forum.......as well I attached the Halltech tunnel port where the front plate goes. Huge difference ! I felt the power increase right away......
It was my first modification to my 01 Z....but it was definately the best bang for the buck that I could have pursued...
Thanks Dave for a great article on the "how to" to install the screen on the rad shroud....
Made a huge difference !!
Bubba.
It was my first modification to my 01 Z....but it was definately the best bang for the buck that I could have pursued...
Thanks Dave for a great article on the "how to" to install the screen on the rad shroud....
Made a huge difference !!
Bubba.
Last edited by BUBBAS 01Z06; Oct 25, 2006 at 12:42 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Thanks, Bubba. The difference between my cold air mod and cutting holes in the fog light covers is most evident during very slow and stop&go conditions. Pulling air up from underneath happens at any speed, whereas cold air through the front panels is most effective when your car is moving more than on a slow roll. Having both types of mods can only be a good thing. Either way, engine bay temps will be lower than if neither CAI mod is implemented.
BTW, don't forget to clean your filter every 5000 - 10,000 miles. All that cold air like to transport fine sand with it. The good news is that the Halltech filter protects very well. My filter innards, airbridge and TB were spotless when I cleaned my filter after 10,000 miles.
BTW, don't forget to clean your filter every 5000 - 10,000 miles. All that cold air like to transport fine sand with it. The good news is that the Halltech filter protects very well. My filter innards, airbridge and TB were spotless when I cleaned my filter after 10,000 miles.
Last edited by Dave68; Oct 25, 2006 at 03:37 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 3
From: Fredericton NB
No problem there Dave...
Yeah it was a great install that took only a little while....
It has to be one of the best bang for your buck mods available....
But damned I still want a whiny turbo charger....
Yeah it was a great install that took only a little while....
It has to be one of the best bang for your buck mods available....
But damned I still want a whiny turbo charger....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,219
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Co, NJ
Originally Posted by kosovobandit
i know that the question keeps on getting asked. I am trying to decide between the vararam and the halltech stinger intake systems. which is a better daily driver intake system. which takes more water in. Also which is the better made system. i am reading on other boards that the vararam is a poorly made system, but makes good power. that leads me to the next question. which makes the most power. thank you for the info.
(I know alot of people with the Vararam setup who drive in all types of weather, and not one of them has had a problem.)
I wanted a cold air intake, or why bother,( the Halltech Stinger doesn't pull outside, cold air) so I was deciding between the Vararam 2B or the Callaway Honker. I chose the Honker because of the better quality, and I think the differences in power between the two are negligible. (of course, my 2 cents, research, ask, and decide which one you like!
)
Last edited by C5Jimmy; Oct 25, 2006 at 05:59 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,228
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville Georgia
The Vararam has a water repellent filter and drain holes In the air grabber part In the bumper, so unless your driving In deep water the rain will not effect that system. The problem with the Vararam I keep on hearing Is the quality of the system Itself...Loose, air gaps, too long, too short Ect Ect.... I think they have Improved on this as of late though. I personally like the Vortex Rammer with the clear shield and Air coupler, I also like the Hurricane Carbon Fiber C.A.I system~ I know people who have both & both love them big time. The stinger In red looks amazing, so many choices... Good luck Buddy~~CHRiS~~
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 5
From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
The honker is a little more cash but no doubt worth the $490 when it comes to fit, finish, and performance. In comparison I would expect the VaraRam to cost about $150 considering it's fit,finish, and performance...
Last edited by jbauch357; Nov 3, 2006 at 02:14 PM.