Vararam as first mod
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 1
From: Mt Isle Harbor NC
Vararam as first mod
I'm sure everyone has been reading the posts on the board about the new vararam intake system. Well, I got my Vette about 4 weeks ago and I am looking to buy my first mod. From reading a lot of the posts I decided that intake is definitely the first performance product to buy. Now, Vararam is claiming, make that guaranteeing, .4 sec off and an additional 4 mph on the 1/4 mile. I have already taken my car to the track, and with the numbers stated it would put me into the 12's on EMT's. Which for now, is all I really want. I know its expensive, but one mod and I'm in the 12's, is this the best way to do it? Or does this seem to good to be true?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Vararam as first mod (REDLYNER)
The VaraRam would be a great first mod. I talked with a guy at VaraRam a couple of weeks ago and it sounds like if you are going to do one mod, this is the one! My first mod was an SLP cat-back exhaust but the VaraRam is next on my list as soon as I save up enough money. The performance guarantee makes this intake even better. Hope this helps.
Adam :yesnod:
[Modified by PewterVette, 12:57 PM 5/6/2002]
Adam :yesnod:
[Modified by PewterVette, 12:57 PM 5/6/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 67,942
Likes: 1
St. Jude Donor '12
2012 Election Contest Winner
Re: Vararam as first mod (REDLYNER)
I don't know. Does it really worth the extra money ?
All cold air systems give you about the same gain and you can have vortex or blackwing with cold cover for 100s less.
All cold air systems give you about the same gain and you can have vortex or blackwing with cold cover for 100s less.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 453
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Vararam as first mod (REDLYNER)
I just wanted to add to my earlier post. I think that if someone is planning on just doing 1 mod, the VaraRam would be a great choice because you would be getting a very nice improvement for the money. However, if an intake is just one of many mods, then any intake would be good enough. After reading a recent post, I like the 2002 Z06 air lid with K&N as an alternative to the expensive intakes.
Adam
Adam
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,421
Likes: 3
From: Memphis Tn
Re: Vararam as first mod (REDLYNER)
I'm installing my Vararam next week along with an ARE H/C package. It was expensive, but it is a very impressive design, and has a huge K&N filter. I've been running just a K&N filter in a stock box with the cover cut out. I don't think there is a replacement for good, cold air. It will make feel good knowing you have the best intake...and none of that wondering-"what if...?" :yesnod:
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 0
From: God Bless America
Re: Vararam as first mod (ScreaminDemon)
OK..
not to be rude, but since you fellas are falling over yourselves promoting the excellence of this product, yet do not actually have one on your car, I'd like to ask all of you if you have ever seen it's performance on a car-- or have some other legitimate reason (dyno, track times, etc...) to believe the "enthusiastic" claims of almost a half of a second in 1/4 time...which last time I checked was equivalent to ~40 Horsepower--at the WHEELS...from an air intake...
I've seen a write-up from someone who DOES have one of the pre-production versions from less than 2.5 months ago showing no gain over other cold-air aftermarket systems on the dyno.
Why are you so sure of the advertised gains, and recommending this to others as a good mod to make, when most, if not all, of the claims appear unproven?
I will admit I am skeptical without shame--but guarantee I'd beat my way to the front of the line to buy one if it were true.....
Thanks for the insight-- :cheers:
PS--again, I'd love to be proven wrong, and I don't want this looked at as product-bashing, but the only first-hand testimony I've seen says quite different than the claims, and I don't want any fellow forum members to get false information that could lead to a waste of their money... :)
[Modified by MDL-01C5, 1:53 AM 5/8/2002]
not to be rude, but since you fellas are falling over yourselves promoting the excellence of this product, yet do not actually have one on your car, I'd like to ask all of you if you have ever seen it's performance on a car-- or have some other legitimate reason (dyno, track times, etc...) to believe the "enthusiastic" claims of almost a half of a second in 1/4 time...which last time I checked was equivalent to ~40 Horsepower--at the WHEELS...from an air intake...
I've seen a write-up from someone who DOES have one of the pre-production versions from less than 2.5 months ago showing no gain over other cold-air aftermarket systems on the dyno.
Why are you so sure of the advertised gains, and recommending this to others as a good mod to make, when most, if not all, of the claims appear unproven?
I will admit I am skeptical without shame--but guarantee I'd beat my way to the front of the line to buy one if it were true.....
Thanks for the insight-- :cheers:
PS--again, I'd love to be proven wrong, and I don't want this looked at as product-bashing, but the only first-hand testimony I've seen says quite different than the claims, and I don't want any fellow forum members to get false information that could lead to a waste of their money... :)
[Modified by MDL-01C5, 1:53 AM 5/8/2002]
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 1
From: Mt Isle Harbor NC
Re: Vararam as first mod (MDL-01C5)
MDL - Dude, I never believe advertising claims. Some one posted about 4 days ago their track times with the Vararam. They went from a 13.4 to a 13.0 on a bone stock car with the addition of only the vararam. Have you been to Vararam's website? Every aftermarket product out there claims a certain hp gain, Vararam is GUARANTEEING it. If you don't get the same numbers or higher than they claim, you get your money back. You said it would take 40 extra hp to drop .4 in your 1/4, check out the site man, those are their claims, and they guarantee them!
I am not trying to plug their company, just trying to get advice from people who know something about it. ;)
I am not trying to plug their company, just trying to get advice from people who know something about it. ;)
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 32,545
Likes: 2
From: Lithia FL
Cruise-In II & IV Veteran
CI VI Drag Champ!
Re: Vararam as first mod (MDL-01C5)
Here is the link http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=293423
I hope to have the unit in another car soon.
Happy to help
I hope to have the unit in another car soon.
Happy to help
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
From: Cropwell AL
Re: Vararam as first mod (REDGAR)
Wellllll....I just gota say....I too want to be proven wrong...and I want some info from someone with more than 21 post. I just switched from a Halltech to a blackwing with air box. I might go with that v ram if there are some hard #s from several testers.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,888
Likes: 0
From: Humble, Tx
Re: Vararam as first mod (DUKE)
Guys,
I think the product is very cool, but in all honesty, I ran a 12.57 on runflats/ 12.43 on Drag Radials (113 best MPH) (stock was 13.04 @ 108)........with nothing more than a K&N filter. I dynoed at 320 RWHP with that mod. I recently switched to a Vortex Rammer and B&B Catback, and now dyno at 331 RWHP.
My point is, I don't think it is any better or worse than the others.......but it is a very cool and slick design.......
see these threads.....
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=288494
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=292439
[Modified by PoBoy Racer, 10:38 PM 5/8/2002]
I think the product is very cool, but in all honesty, I ran a 12.57 on runflats/ 12.43 on Drag Radials (113 best MPH) (stock was 13.04 @ 108)........with nothing more than a K&N filter. I dynoed at 320 RWHP with that mod. I recently switched to a Vortex Rammer and B&B Catback, and now dyno at 331 RWHP.
My point is, I don't think it is any better or worse than the others.......but it is a very cool and slick design.......
see these threads.....
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=288494
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=292439
[Modified by PoBoy Racer, 10:38 PM 5/8/2002]
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
Re: Vararam as first mod (REDLYNER)
This particular air intake system has come under fire from many people and
on several different forums. I know, for I have one on my C-5 and I can feel
a difference. I do not have any time slips yet, not until June 8 anyway. Dyno
testing will not show much improvement(besides cooler air than from under
the hood) because this system was not designed on the Dyno, and performs
best at higher speeds on the road or strip. Vararam indicates that there is a
2:1 Boost Ratio@sea level -.3@above normal humidity. If you do purchase
this system, be advised that the filter needs to be cleaned 1500-2000 miles,
more if you are in a dusty area. If you are not satisfied with the system
Vararam will refund your money. That is a redeeming quality.
Vararam Ram Air
SLP MAF
Coolant Bypass
172-178 deg. T-Stat
Borla Stinger
Everyone has to make his or her own decision about how they feel about
what modifications they make and does it feel good to them. Outside
information from the learned few is a good measuring stick. Good luck.
on several different forums. I know, for I have one on my C-5 and I can feel
a difference. I do not have any time slips yet, not until June 8 anyway. Dyno
testing will not show much improvement(besides cooler air than from under
the hood) because this system was not designed on the Dyno, and performs
best at higher speeds on the road or strip. Vararam indicates that there is a
2:1 Boost Ratio@sea level -.3@above normal humidity. If you do purchase
this system, be advised that the filter needs to be cleaned 1500-2000 miles,
more if you are in a dusty area. If you are not satisfied with the system
Vararam will refund your money. That is a redeeming quality.
Vararam Ram Air
SLP MAF
Coolant Bypass
172-178 deg. T-Stat
Borla Stinger
Everyone has to make his or her own decision about how they feel about
what modifications they make and does it feel good to them. Outside
information from the learned few is a good measuring stick. Good luck.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 0
From: God Bless America
Re: Vararam as first mod (Toyride)
My only comment is this:
these claims sound great-- but I will not believe one ounce of them until I have a good reason to.... I look forward to the track results. :)
these claims sound great-- but I will not believe one ounce of them until I have a good reason to.... I look forward to the track results. :)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 5,005
Likes: 38
From: jackson nj
Re: Vararam as first mod (DanC5)
Guys you've got to believe " Al-B's " post, I saw it and was quite suprised myself. The fact he had previous results to verify this test was fact enough for me. This system seems to take the best of the "forced air" crowd but without the disadvantage of a bottom feeder. It looks good and results seem to verify the claims. Next we will just have to try it on cars with mods to see if it works even better.
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD, USA
Re: Vararam as first mod (Red98C5)
Breathless has long ago stated .3 off in a 1/4mile run with the Rammer. There have been thousands of posts on Cold Air and my humble opinion is that switching from one to another would not be a good use of money. I bought the Vortex because MTI could not deliver a unit after six weeks and many promises.
Dynos have never been able to tell the whole story on cold air due to at speed conditions.
Halltech, Blackwing, and Vortex have many happy customers and I'm sure Vararam will deliver a smile on the face of the purchaser.
Dynos have never been able to tell the whole story on cold air due to at speed conditions.
Halltech, Blackwing, and Vortex have many happy customers and I'm sure Vararam will deliver a smile on the face of the purchaser.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 1
From: Mt Isle Harbor NC
Re: Vararam as first mod (9tee9c5)
I had pretty much made up my mind to buy the blackwing, but after seeing the new numbers posted, I just thought I would try to get you guys opinions! Thanks for all of the help.