Vararam
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 202
From: Lyons Il
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Vararam
I am considering installing a Vararam air intake. I have read things like the hood might not close properly or that there are issues with the ducts fitting right. What am I really looking at here? Any advice would be great.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 22
From: Lititz PA
The ducts will fit fine if you install it properly.
I've had no problem with the hood, either. There are tiny little marks on the hoodliner from the crossflags on the duct, but you wouldn't notice them unless I pointed them out.
I have the first version of the Vararam – I'm sure the newest one fits even better.
I've had no problem with the hood, either. There are tiny little marks on the hoodliner from the crossflags on the duct, but you wouldn't notice them unless I pointed them out.
I have the first version of the Vararam – I'm sure the newest one fits even better.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 0
HTH
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 428
Likes: 7
From: San Diego Ca
this should help:
http://www.cajundude.com/vararam.htm
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 202
From: Lyons Il
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Vararam
Thanks for the replys. I have heard of the stock LS-1 with nothing more than a Vararam and some decent slicks putting a C5 in the high 12's. That is what I want. I hope the opinions keep coming. I consider myself mechanically inclined and have tools to do the job. But when it comes to doing something for the first time, especailly on the best car I've ever owned, I seem to lack in confidence. Is there anybody in the Chicago area who would be willing to walk me through it this spring for some $$$? I have heard that it is not that cut and dried per se.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,475
Likes: 1,171
From: Dyer, IN
Thanks for the replys. I have heard of the stock LS-1 with nothing more than a Vararam and some decent slicks putting a C5 in the high 12's. That is what I want. I hope the opinions keep coming. I consider myself mechanically inclined and have tools to do the job. But when it comes to doing something for the first time, especailly on the best car I've ever owned, I seem to lack in confidence. Is there anybody in the Chicago area who would be willing to walk me through it this spring for some $$$? I have heard that it is not that cut and dried per se.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,798
Likes: 8
From: It's true money can't buy happiness, but it is more comfortable crying in a Corvette than on a bicyc
St. Jude Donor '13
Honestly the install of the VR isn't as hard as some are claiming. The work is on the simple side really. The time is about a couple hours because you have a lot to remove and disassemble. The cajundude instructions make it easier. The only part that had me cussing was the foglights bolts from under the car. The passenger side is worse because of the horns. That said, I recommend removing the head light bezels and covers and then the bolts are a breeze. If I was in your area I'd help you install it for free cause it's not difficult. On a scale of 1 to 10 it's a 3 at best.
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 11
From: Newport, RI
I just ordered a Vararam myself. A few years ago, a buddy had a stock '98 C5 Vert and we tested 0-60 times with my G-Tech accelerometer. We did a number of runs at stock configuration and were getting 4.9 to 5.0 seconds each time.
Then we put on Vararam (no other mods) and went back to exact same stretch of road. The 0-60 times were now 4.5 to 4.6. We knocked .3 to .4 seconds off the 0-60 time using the Vararam CAI. That's a pretty dang good bang-for-the-buck return.
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Then we put on Vararam (no other mods) and went back to exact same stretch of road. The 0-60 times were now 4.5 to 4.6. We knocked .3 to .4 seconds off the 0-60 time using the Vararam CAI. That's a pretty dang good bang-for-the-buck return.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,969
Likes: 202
From: Lyons Il
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Vararam
Thanks for the additional input. I have heard that the Vararam really brings something back for the buck and this makes me believe it even more. The offer of help from Lucky was nice. Hopefully I will not have to ask for it three months from now. I am thinking with the forum's advice I can pull it off with a post or two. I am just timid with messing with this car.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,799
Likes: 1
From: Dayton Ohio
Cajundude's instructions are the best. I would change one thing, though. On another member's instructions, I only installed one bolt per side on the fog light surrounds (intake tubes). It helped quite a bit with alignment, and isn't about to go anywhere.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
I did the install with the car on ramps with the guildance of cajundude instructions in the garage with me. It wasnt that hard of an install. Bigest problem for me was the putting the radiator shroud back in. Youll scrape your forearms with the fogs but it was all worth it in the end.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I never saw any of the problems you are concerned with. Install is fairly easy and will help you become familiar with the car. They are actually easy to work on. Seeing what your current local weather is, as long as you have a heated garage you should be able to take your time. Could be harder to install if your teeth are chattering though 
Stay warm
Stay warm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
From: Lexington KY
my vararam fits good. i installed vararams power duct a few months ago also. the powerduct fits great and does not contact the hood liner anywhere. take your time and make sure the duct is flat. if it is lower on one side it will hit the liner (speaking from exp lol). BUT i have been dealing with lean codes since the install of the vararam. i have taken it apart many times and i cant find any air leaks. looks like i have one the vettes that just needs a tune. lg pros and a dyno tune are coming with the tax refund 
so everything should be okay
so everything should be okay