Installed Vararam Keep getting Lean Code
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 689
Likes: 4
From: Long Island NY
Installed Vararam Keep getting Lean Code
So I installed my vararam this weekend. Never had a check engine light before Now I can't stop popping a PCM code can't remmber # but its a lean code. I have driven about 120 miles since the install and have had to clear this code about 6 times. I thought it might be my MAF so I changed it and I still getting code. My inspection is up will not pass with code can any member help fig this out.
follow-up. I don't hear any air leak. Let me start from the beginning again
I have a 02 z just bought. I have driven it at 200 miles before the install never I code or check engine light.
Now on Sat I install my vararam everything looks tight and installed well. I take out for a drive about 26 miles I pop a code and check engine light. My brother has a scanner and its a lean code. I reset the code and the next day take it out for a ride. This time about 50 miles check engine light pops and lean code again. Again I reset I must have rest about 6 times I even swapped out my MAF thinking that was the problem but it keeps happening. As I said in my last post I did not write down the # of the code but I do remember it was a PCM 10- and it said 2 codes under the same #. My brothers scanner said it was a lean code.
Now my inspection is up and I cannt fig out what to do please help.....
Thanks Members
follow-up. I don't hear any air leak. Let me start from the beginning again
I have a 02 z just bought. I have driven it at 200 miles before the install never I code or check engine light.
Now on Sat I install my vararam everything looks tight and installed well. I take out for a drive about 26 miles I pop a code and check engine light. My brother has a scanner and its a lean code. I reset the code and the next day take it out for a ride. This time about 50 miles check engine light pops and lean code again. Again I reset I must have rest about 6 times I even swapped out my MAF thinking that was the problem but it keeps happening. As I said in my last post I did not write down the # of the code but I do remember it was a PCM 10- and it said 2 codes under the same #. My brothers scanner said it was a lean code.
Now my inspection is up and I cannt fig out what to do please help.....
Thanks Members
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
This is very common with 02-04 Z06s with aftermarket intake systems. There are a couple of remedies, from what I understand.
1. Have your car tuned for the extra air your engine is now ingesting. Tuning can run $400 or more, but just be sure the tuner is experienced.
2. Install a screened MAF: C5 coupes and verts don't get the lean codes because they have screened MAFs (and possibly because the ECU has wider air/fuel adjustment abilities). The screen smooths out the flow of air and eliminates the massive inrush of turbulent air that your MAF is seeing.
Good luck.
1. Have your car tuned for the extra air your engine is now ingesting. Tuning can run $400 or more, but just be sure the tuner is experienced.
2. Install a screened MAF: C5 coupes and verts don't get the lean codes because they have screened MAFs (and possibly because the ECU has wider air/fuel adjustment abilities). The screen smooths out the flow of air and eliminates the massive inrush of turbulent air that your MAF is seeing.
Good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
This is very common with 02-04 Z06s with aftermarket intake systems. There are a couple of remedies, from what I understand.
1. Have your car tuned for the extra air your engine is now ingesting. Tuning can run $400 or more, but just be sure the tuner is experienced.
2. Install a screened MAF: C5 coupes and verts don't get the lean codes because they have screened MAFs (and possibly because the ECU has wider air/fuel adjustment abilities). The screen smooths out the flow of air and eliminates the massive inrush of turbulent air that your MAF is seeing.
Good luck.
1. Have your car tuned for the extra air your engine is now ingesting. Tuning can run $400 or more, but just be sure the tuner is experienced.
2. Install a screened MAF: C5 coupes and verts don't get the lean codes because they have screened MAFs (and possibly because the ECU has wider air/fuel adjustment abilities). The screen smooths out the flow of air and eliminates the massive inrush of turbulent air that your MAF is seeing.
Good luck.
Get it tuned. My vert would still give me lean codes every so often after installing my halltech stinger. A tune resolved the issue.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 7
From: Sandy Ego Ca.
If you choose to get a tune....check with Chuck at Corvettes Of Westchester....bets 399 I ever spent!
Ossining, N.Y. 10562
Phone 914-332-0049
Ossining, N.Y. 10562
Phone 914-332-0049
Last edited by BitViper; Mar 23, 2009 at 03:33 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Asheboro NC
several of my friends that installed a vararam got lean codes after they installed it. One got it tuned and has no more problems, the other two just ride around with it on. my suggestion would be to get it tuned.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 689
Likes: 4
From: Long Island NY
Thank you members for you input. I was hoping not to get a tune yet until I was able to get the headers installed. Since my car has been idle all winter my inspection has been up and these codes are preventing me from getting the inspection.
I was hoping that I would get no code and get the inspection.
I was hoping that I would get no code and get the inspection.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,867
Likes: 250
From: Hillsboro OR
My $0.02
Many think these cars can re-learn the new lean condition after installing the VaraRam. I can atest to the fact that it cannot. The amount of air added with the VaraRam seems to be just outside of the fuel trims ability to adjust to it. Within a week of installing the V2 I was getting some serious pinging. My tuner said that in some cases the PCM was trying to add 13% - 24% more fuel.
No more problems after the tune.
Many think these cars can re-learn the new lean condition after installing the VaraRam. I can atest to the fact that it cannot. The amount of air added with the VaraRam seems to be just outside of the fuel trims ability to adjust to it. Within a week of installing the V2 I was getting some serious pinging. My tuner said that in some cases the PCM was trying to add 13% - 24% more fuel.
No more problems after the tune.
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
I know this would suck but you could uninstall the VR get the inspection then reinstall. By then you'd be a pro. You can also contact VR and see what they say.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
The problem occurs with the cooler, more dense air that is going into the system. With cooler air you get a more dense charge of air and you have not increased the amount of fuel to compensate. This is the reason for a tune. HTH
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 358
From: Northville, MI
The problem occurs with the cooler, more dense air that is going into the system. With cooler air you get a more dense charge of air and you have not increased the amount of fuel to compensate. This is the reason for a tune. While this is an oversimplification it is the reason for the need of a tune.