I'd like to share my experience with this new intake system. I installed it over the past weekend. Unfortunately, I will have no real comparison data between it and my previous MTI intake. I know that this is what the majority of those interested are looking for but it has been almost 2 years since I went to the track and I have added an '01 intake manifold since my last dyno test. TBH, any gains I receive will be hard for anyone else to judge because of the mods already done to the car.

I have recorded a noticable increase in manifold pressure via my AutoTap. Also, since this system is not a bottom breather it is getting cleaner air and not stealing from the radiator's supply.

The most noticable SOTP change is power delivery which is much softer during inital tip-in and pulls harder as RPM and more preferably speed is increased. I know I've gained some added acceleration from 3rd gear up.

Here's picture...click for a better look:



For more about the kit and install with additional pics please check out this page:
VaraRam VR-1B Ram Air System

Thanks


[Modified by C5Cemo, 9:49 PM 2/20/2002]

 

Is it worth the money? I already have a vortex. But I am really leaning towards this new intake. Also I have to replace my radiator shroud if I do.

What do you mean power is much softer during tip in? I'd expect the same response compared to a bottom breather. With the biggest bang to be noticed over 30 or 40 mph

 

The only way to say that it is worth the extra money in performance terms is if you're looking for every last bit of performance. Otherwise the Vortex will suffice.

With the combination I have there seems to be a drop in instant torque from a 2nd gear punch scenario. 1st gear is all spin as always so I can't comment properly about that. 3rd gear punch feels as good with a noticeable gain up top and 4th gear feels better the whole way through. It's all about 60-70 MPH and up. Again, this is the results I've seen with these N/A HP mods:
MTI crank pulley, '01 intake manifold, C/R x-pipe, ported stock throttle-body, modified stock MAS, modified stock cat-back, 160º thermostat, Taylor ThunderVolt-50 wires and NGK TR6's.

 

I want dyno #'s and time slips...they claimed 35 rwhp and 4 tenths :crazy:

 

Seems to me if it is "softer" on the initial start, or down on torque, must be restrictive some how at low rpm's? :confused:

Maybe computer hasn't relearned new airflow? :cheers:

Jim

 

Jim-Very ture...that is a consideration I shouldn't forget. I did reset the PCM during the install and only have driven her 4 times since then. The PCM is gonna have to figure out how to read all of the added air compared to what the MTI was feeding it...36 v 38 Lbs/Min.

Also, since there are 2 scoops I'm thinking that they are causing some turbulence before a WOT punch down low because the soft condition is less obvious from a standing start run...it feels almost like a bit of turbo lag.

Thanks

 

When can you take the car to the strip and get some actual numbers? I would like to see true track time differences before I purchase this system. :jester

 

Are you planning to DYNO the result any time soon? I like to see your result instead of them.

Thanks in advance

Mav

 

You should have no turbulence at all. Just a nice even high pressure up at the MAF. That is too long of a plenum to caus turbulence. I bet you just need a MAFT to help add more fuel to those throttle stabs.

 

I'd like to clear up some things...I hope this into too long :D

I got a clutch that's coming apart (a spring from the disc or fragments from the pressure plate are loose in the bellhousing...I can hear trash being knocked around in first gear under certain circumstances...anyone who knows me from previous posts knows this kinda thing happens to me all the time LOL) so I won't be going to the track until it's replaced...but, I got called out today for some dyno runs so that looks like a real possibility very soon. I'm just waiting to hear back from the shop about my clutch concerns and the possiblity of damage to the dyno if it locks-up. I will make some runs if they agree to take responsiblity for any damage that may occur to their equipment.

I truly made this post to allow others to see the unit on my car and to hear my opinion because info is so scarce. I don't think this was a good idea anymore because I know everyone is looking for numbers...screw opinions, pics etc. I would be in the same boat if I were yall, trust me...but please understand that this is the position that I find myself. The clutch does function properly aside from some lack of pedal pressure in some scenarios but there is always the possibility that it could malfunction at anytime.

I know dyno numbers are "The Big Thing" and all but this system is not designed to perform fully under those conditions. Also, to restate, I have installed an '01 manifold since my last tests so that will skew any data comparison. I do plan on supplying every bit of accurate info that I can gather for everyone here...whether the info fits my desires or not.

Chuckster- Hopefully I'm wrong but all I can tell anyone is what I have seen/felt since the install...it really feels like the engine has to overcome a supply hump under 60 MPH. After that I can tell that it pulls harder...another reason a dyno number is not gonna tell anyone the true worth of this system. Maybe you're right...the length of the runners is just impeding the air supply at low speed without any turbulence. They are pretty long. This is definitely a top-end racers air intake system.

Thanks

 

I just don't think that the true numbers will come from the dyno... The best test of this product is at the track where the forced induction will be the key. On a dyno, most aftermarket intakes will perform relatively close in specs with the differences being airflow through the filter or the flow from the physical intake specs itself. I am optimistic about this product performing the way it was intended to do, at motion...

Nick

 

Thanks for the post. Nice job on the web page with the pics. Appreciate you doing this.

 

I wouldn't just assume that it will be better than a Vortex. For one thing, there is not a drop of proff of it. A lot of members have had very good experiences with Vortex... many have ran down in the 12.6-12.7 range with it as the only mod, a .2-.5sec improvement for most. Maybe the Vararam will be proven to be just a good... maybe VERY slighty better, or worse, no one really knows yet.

 

Actually I said I think it will be the same performance as the Votex on a dyno. I think it will be superior to the Vortex at speed however.

 

If all goes well with Patrick at VaraRam, he will be sending a unit out to me to let some cars test at the Cartek Corvette Challenge. This way they can test under real conditions. I have already gotten a few volunteers lined up but if you have a "totally stock" C5 and are willing to test, please let me know.

 

would LOVE to see pre and post runs!!! :cheers:

 

Great news Red98! With this info we can finally have the verified answers to the performance questions that everyone is looking for. I have faith that the system will perform as advertised. There has already been many customers with positive feedback including a 98 A4 Vert that gained .5 and 5 MPH from bonestock to VaraRam equipped only...we just don't have any proof(timeslip etc..) at this time. Best wishes!

Thanks Edgar. I appreciate the support :cheers:

 

Can't wait to see what the results are. Keep us posted! :yesnod:

 

I personally know Cemo. I too would be leary of most posts that are this subjective. But knowing him, his opinions carry a lot of weight. Cemo is one of the hard core perfomance guys.

Buy the way, my track times are very consistent. If someone wants to give me one of these bad boys, I'll take it to the track and dyno :D My car was just dyno'd last weekend, and at the 1/4 two weeks ago. I have a Vortex now.

Any offers?

 

98 a4 car, isn't that the same car as their ad states? Still no time slips??? Wow, how can they not have times slips of a product made by such forward thinking racing minds? Seems suspicious to me. All this time in test and production and no time slips or dyno sheets on stock cars.