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Blackwing v Vararam
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
From: Kansas City Missouri
Blackwing v Vararam
I know we have had a million debates on what is the best CAI, but I am wanting some advice with this. I currently have a Blackwing intake on my '97 C5. I bought a new Vararam not too long ago and have been thinking about making the switch. Would it be worth it or should I just keep my current setup?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,064
Likes: 38
From: Menifee CA
vararam is the best, period........ when it comes to performance, it may not look good, but who cares, just look at the interior of the C5 its pretty much same quality as the Vararam, but people still drive/love C5s
do it
do it
Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: Plano TX
I have the Vararam and it's great. Specially around this time of year
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Well that depends......
Do you drag your car often (frequently shift at 6000 rpm)
and do not have headers? (which tend to heat-soak the engine bay if foglight area is not open) (Vararam)
Do you drive somewhat aggressively and see slow-moving and stop&go driving here and there? (Blackwing with my CAI mod - see http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm)
Do you typically drive passively and at highway speeds with few high-traffic encounters?
(Blackwing)
This info is based upon my intake air temp data collection (over a span of many days) and a few dyno days.
Do you drag your car often (frequently shift at 6000 rpm)
and do not have headers? (which tend to heat-soak the engine bay if foglight area is not open) (Vararam)
Do you drive somewhat aggressively and see slow-moving and stop&go driving here and there? (Blackwing with my CAI mod - see http://www.conceptualpolymer.com/corvette_c5_corner.htm)
Do you typically drive passively and at highway speeds with few high-traffic encounters?
(Blackwing)
This info is based upon my intake air temp data collection (over a span of many days) and a few dyno days.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
Likes: 0
From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Just do it man, and let us know the results, since you already have it. This has been such an ongoing debate, the more real world evidence we can get the better.By the way, I love my Vararam, but never had anything else in the car aside from stock, so I can't compare any other intakes, and varify any differences.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Madison Wisconsin
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,064
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From: Menifee CA
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Dyer, IN
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I wasn't nuts on the Vararam filter (I used a K&N) since it was so small. Best advice I can give is keep it clean. Mine looked clean but when I dynoed after my head installation the tuner was having a lot of problems, turned out the filter was plugged up. This was after only a few months of driving and I don't live/drive in dusty conditions.
That being said, I found the installation is not that hard (everyone seems to think it is but I didn't think so) and once installed it looked very clean with regards to underhood appeal.
That being said, I found the installation is not that hard (everyone seems to think it is but I didn't think so) and once installed it looked very clean with regards to underhood appeal.
