I'm starting to seriously think about a Vararam. But I want to know -- how many of you have true, real-world experience with them, and have there been any problems? I mean, who's driven with them in the rain? had any issues with larger debris getting in there? I'd probably get Z06 screens, too.

I'm not debating the performance benefits -- I'm sure they're real. But are these things OK on a car that's used as, well, a car?

Thanks in advance.

 

one word answer....

yes


two word anser


Do It

 

I had one, no issues in the rain. Installation isn't as bad as they make it out to be (at least I didn't think so). Filter is a little small so keep it clean.

 

I just installed mine last night. I bought it used off the forum. I didn't get home until 8:30 pm. I spent a few minutes washing it up, and then reviewed CajunDude's installation guide. My install took a little over 2 hours. A little tip for you - Don't put your hand into the brake duct opening in the front. I had a hard time getting my hand back out

I drove the car into work this morning, but haven't had much time to observe the performance. I can say that my MPG average on the D.I.C went up from 30.6 to 30.9 on the way in to work. I keep an Excel file on my mileage, so it will be interesting to see if there is a step change after the installation.

I also noticed a small hole drilled into each of the inlets, just behind the screens. This will allow water to drain without being sucked all the way into the filter. You would have to submerge the front nose of the car to get water all the way into the engine.

So what's holding you back. Get one and stick it in.

 

best intake, period.

 

I'm buying this to replace my blackwing. I'd say go ahead and do it.

 

I have the VaraRam and live in Portland Oregon. Last winter I was driving to The Dalles in a MAJOR downpour. There was standing water on the freeway (1" - 2"). I hydroplaned a few times (AH is engaged). When I would pass a semi-truck, my car would get slammed by a tidal wave. I was very freaked out about hydrolock but the car ran great without even a hiccup. I do have the Z06 screens. Buy the VaraRam. You will love it.

 

I have the VB2 on an 02 ZO6. It IS a daily driver that is driven in all seasons rain or shine hot or cold!!! ( If it snows, I drive the JEEP ) I have driven it in torrential down pours that caused standing water (NOT PUDDLES) on the roads without any engine problems. There have been times in those situations where some small water droplets have enter the intake and caused two MAF codes (MAF high freq & MAF low freq errors) but they were able to be cleared on the fly and caused no engine issues. It's a true cold air intake that when properly tuned will give EXCELLENT performance. I have the ZO6 screens and have not seen any thing out of the ordinary in the filter.

The ONLY draw back that i have seen is; unless you get your MAF re-calibrated, (using HP Tuners or EFI Live ect..) you will most likely see a small drop in part throttle cruising fuel economy due to the extra cold air entering the MAF which will upset the part throttle air fuel ratio. If you get the MAF recalibrated using tuning software, that issue shouldn't be a problem.
WOT performance is fantastic. With LT Headers and a VARARAM, 176 deg T stat, and professional tune, I have 390 RWHP and 375 TQ with very strong throttle response. Get the LT SS headers, VARARAM and a tune and you will be very happy!!

If you attend this years Corvettes at Carlsile, I will be there with the ZO6 and you can see for your self how it preforms.


Bill C

 

The VaraRam is simply the best performer out there. I used it. I ran back to back runs at the track with it. It gives everything it promises. Simple as that. No other intake has been track proven and posted about. Lemme know if you would like one.

Jason

 

When my 03 Z was about 1yr. old I installed the vararam and L.G. long tubes and x pipe. Soon thereafter it was on a dyno (Mustang) and was at 405 at the rear wheels. Took it to the strip,(Milan) and turned in the high 11's. You must make sure you keep an eye on the air filter, as it will get all goobered up. Mine is not a daily driver, and if it was I belive I would go for the Callaway Honker. I do think if you are wanting the most H.P. from a cold intake, the Vararam would be the way to go. LOL with your decission. Mod On!!!!

 

My only story is that it shut the car off in an automatic car wash. I guess it just got the maf wet. Scary, but no harm. Started right up.

 

Cool... thanks to all for the input. It all sounds great.

Bill, I'd love to meet you at Carlisle but unfortunately my wife has other plans for us that weekend. And in any case I'll probably have the Vararam installed by then anyway...



Rich

 

does anybody have anything negative to say about the vararam? how does it perform on h/c cars. ive been told that it made less power on a back to back dyno run versus a halltech. id like to buy one if it would benefit me over my granatelli twin cone intake. I was also told the filter has less cross sectional area than even the stock one.

 

You cannot compare this intake on a dyno. Think about it, a dyno is stationary. You are not moving. The soul purpose of the vararam is to RAM air into the intake while the car is moving.

My question to you vararam owners, like I said before, I am buying one to replace my blackwing, what kind of filter does it take? do you replace it or just clean it off?
Not trying to change the subject by any means.

 

The VaraRam uses a K&N style filter. It is washable and never goes bad. It actually out flows the K&N filters.

 

Thanks. Do you sell it? Where can I find your install info?

 

You bet, I will also match any special out there so just let me know. Install instructions here.

 

No issues at all, took me 6 hours to install, a little longer than it should have.
Good preformance.
I do not have the Z06 fog light screens, I didn't want the screens to interfer with my fog lights, so I glued and painted black some 1/4" mesh wire screen right in front of the Vararam air intake, right next to the fog lights, looks clean and helps to keep the big stuff out of the filter.

I have the K&N filter with foam from the stock Vararam filter wrapped around and glued to it, to help seal the K&N inside the Vararam air box.

Do it.

 

Installation was easy following cajundude's website instructions (just make sure all your tools are in the right places)

no issues with rain.

only concern was road debris. purchased custom grille screens to protect the intakes and hide the ugly looking intake inlets.

 

got it for my 03 and my dad's 00 vert. it wants to go after 60 mph and i can't stop grinning after . get the screen..it will prevent you from sucking up dirt, critters and low flying birds!