So I picked up a 2001 Corvette last Tuesday and due to work schedules, etc... I haven't had time to dive into it and see what needs work or replacement. I was under the hood tonight poking around and wanted to check out the air filter element to see what's doing. Upon closer inspection the car appears to have some sort of ram air system installed on it. On the two corners of the triangular airbox, there is an inlet under a screen next to the fog lamps. What kind is it? I'm pretty sure this isn't stock...

Also, the air filter element is pretty dirty and dry. It is a foam type, so I'm assuming I can clean and oil it with any filter cleaner/oil product similar to K&N correct?

I have some PJ1 stuff that I used to use on my crotch rockets and dirtbikes, so I'm would guess this is okay too?

Here are some pics of the unit. Other mods on the car that I know of include a Borla exhaust and a hurst short throw shifter.







Thanks in advance for your help! This forum is one of the reasons I felt comfortable buying a used Vette. The amount of knowledge about Corvette mods and fixes around these parts is staggering.

 

ITs a VARARAM VB2...

 

THanks for the reply. If I decide to get another element, what should I get? Will a standard K&N for a Corvette fit?

 

It looks like a vrb1 to me but anyways a standard K&N will not fit you will have to measure the size of the filter and see what K&N offers or contact vararam to get a new element from them.

 

Thanks. I'll do some checking around and see what I can come up with.

 

Call Vararam,,,damn that is filthy!

 

Without a doubt! I'm not driving the car until I get a replacement or get that one clean.

 

That's the old Vararam.

When you call just tell them you have the vrb1 and you want to add the newer green filter.

 

BUT
That old filter is washable. I put about 70K (s)miles on mine before I changed it. spray with a 3:1 solution of Simple Green:water let it sit, then submerge in a laundry tub of water about 4 " deep.... gently compress the foam several times, drain the dirty water, rinse well
place on bath towel (below and above) compress a few times to remove most of the water... let air dry then reinstall.

When it starts falling apart it is time to replace it.
Vararam sells a conversion kit that includes pre cut self adhesive gaskets and a cloth filter ( needs to be oiled just like K&N)

you can contact them via VaraRam.com or just PM VaraRam Industries. They are a Forum member.

 

I will replace the filter this spring but in the meantime, that's what I did... I cleaned it and reoiled it with a K&N kit. The filter was not compromised in anyway so I figured it was okay to keep using it. The car only has 43K miles on it so it can't be that old. The previous owner was probably letting maintenance slide a bit near the end of his time with the car. No problem though, it is in good hands now!