I would like to purchase an aftermarket intake for my 2001 coupe. I was thinking about doing a type of ram intake like the Vararam because I have heard they bring very large gains(40+hp). Any suggestions and should I get a tune after this? Thanks everyone

 

You may have answered your own question. Vararam is a ram style cold air induction (CAI) intake.

For alternatives I would suggest the Callaway Honker. It is a high quality product. It is also one of the true cold air intakes in that it actually brings in cold/cool air from outside the engine bay. Many CAI units use a cone type filter that draws air (which is hot) in from the engine bay. Callaway also requires that you cut the radiator shroud. I've had mine in for a year and a half, no issues. I eventually had a tune but I didn't need one for the intake installation.

BTW, do a search using CAI or intake and you will have more threads on the subject than you can ever read.

 

 

thanks. Would you suggest using the Vararam over something like the SLP Blackwing for more power? I have noticed a difference with the blackwing but I just started reading up on the Ram induction and it seems more powerful.

 

What he said.

 

BPP VORTEX RAMMER COLD AIR SYSTEM -

http://breathlessperformance.com/products/218.asp

 

I like the Vararam but you're not going to gain anywhere close to 40HP.

 

Yes, I went to the vararam from a blackwing on two different cars and there is definitely a difference in performance.
There are a lot of vararam "haters" because of it's questionable construction (read; cheap)
It will come down to personal preference, but there are just too much positivve feedback to back up the vararams performance delivery to ignore. And although it IS cheaply made, at $200-$275 (used-new) it is one of the best bangs for the buck IMO.

 

I not really a fan of the Vararam because of the fitment issues I have heard about them. But I have never installed one. Another reason is the Vararam is not emissions legal in California. I see you don't live in CA. so that is probably not an issue for you. Callaway had a CARB sticker and I liked the construction so I went with that.

 

No air intake or ram air intake will come close to 40 ponies--maybe 10-15 MAX- Lets do some math--Vararam costs 350.00-thats about 35.00 per pony--Ben Cartwright sells good range horses for 25.00 each--

 

After attending two dyno day events and witnessing dozens of different C5s with different intake systems it became apparent to me that most aftermarket intake filter systems produce about the same amount of HP gain (approx. 8-12 RWHP).

The difference among the non cold-air versions and the cold air versions is that with the non-CAI systems, the ECU will retard timing as intake air temps climb past 100F or so. This happens when the car is moving slowly or stopped, primarily during high-traffic conditions. You can easily lose 10 HP as intake air temps sail past 140F. Thus, that 10 RWHP gain from installing a Blackwing could easily be "dialed" away by the ECU.

To avoid this scenario, you can either buy a true CAI system like the Callaway Honker, Vararam, or BPP, buy a Halltech, Blackwing, or twin cone system and then core your fog light panels to allow outside air to flood the engine bay, OR do as I did and install a polycarbonate scoop onto the lower radiator cover to channel cold outside air past the aftermarket intake filter.

The advantage the last two choices gives you is that instead of just cooling down your intake air, they also cool down your engine bay. This is especially helpful if you decide to run headers. A true CAI system + headers = baked engine bay components like belts, hoses, PC boards, batteries, and plastic components. Even without headers, your engine bay can get to be very hot - reducing the life of almost everything under the hood.

 

$350 ???

You might want to shop around before you plop down that much $$$. There's a vendor on here right now selling them for $255 SHIPPED.

(That's right there with Ben Cartwright!!)

 

From everything I have read ,Vararam is the better one.

 

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