Which is better?

Is the Zip-Tie mod and Flip-Tie mod the same thing because I have heard both terms used?

I’m about to order my Vararam but don’t want to if I will get the same performance from the zip-tie mod.

Has anyone had both? If so which do you like better?

Also if I order the Vararam is the power duct worth the extra $80-100 or is it jut for looks.

Thanks in advance

 

I love and hate mine. Its a cheap piece of garbage but it works so well!!!!

Edit: I have VaraRam and Power Duct with MAF moved.

 

I have the VARARAM and it works very well and I like it.

The GOAL of a cold air system is to be able to collect cold fresh air. If you do the FLIP TIE MOD and cut the shroud so the filter gets cold fresh air,,, you will gain the benifits. I can not tell you IF,, you will equal /exceed or lose any HP/TQ one way or another between the home made or designed system. Hell,, try the FREE mod and if you dont see any gain,, then get the VARARAM.

Bill

 

Zip tie mod + K&N flat panel filter + modified radiator shroud = free big gulps. Also a hell of a lot cheaper and less frustration over installing an expensive box full of garbage. But to each his own.

 

What year you need the power duct for?
I've got one I never used and won't as I'm going blower in a month...

 

This is the route that I went and I like it.

 

OK I admit it; I wasted a ton of money on a Callaway Honker when I could have achieved the same performance gain with the zip tie mod, but it does look better. (And it moves the MAF).

 

Is there a write up on how to do the zip tie and modify the shroud?

 

There are several "how to" posts on the zip-tie mod. Just do a search.

The bad fit and finish and the general cheapness of a Vararam system far outweighs the perceived benefits IMHO. You would think that after all these years of people complaining, they would have improved it. Guess not.

At least the zip-tie mod is free if you decide to go that route.

 

I modified my shroud a few years ago to make my Blackwing more effective but there is a thread to modify the shroud. In case you can't find it, just draw a line around your air box housing, remove the housing, then remove the shroud, CAREFULLY cut the outline with a sawzall or whatever sharp instrument you're using, reinstall the shroud, attach the housing, it's all good. Sorry I don't have the info for the zip tie mod but you should be able to find the thread here on the forum. Good luck.

 

Think I have a pic.....

 

Adding this to an existing "zip tie" thread because I didn't think it warranted a new thread. Maybe my new DIY Airbox Mod will help the OP or other readers.

Bottom line: I wanted the zip-tie mod on my 2001 C5 Vert but with an OEM look !!! Plus I wanted to recycle those plastic buckles!

I came up with a way to re-engineer the OEM parts to do the Corvette AirFilter "zip-tie" mod but without zip-ties! !!!
OK,OK, I used two small zip ties (as seen in the pics) just to hold the buckles down just in case! - - really not needed!

Not too hard:
1) I shortened and bent new ends on the (2) metal straps. Get one right and copy the bends side-by-side with the other strap.
2) I shaved some of the rib height off the back of the (2) plastic buckles.
3) I unclipped the grab handle from the plastic frame that clamps down on the filter.
4) I removed the floppy AirBox cover from the car (two torx screws) - - mine already had a Z06 snorkle cover (see picture)? Is this a prior owner mod or 2001 OEM?

What do you think? Looks OEM compared to using big zip ties?
Right?

My only remaining issue is how to better connect the modified airbox to the car ??? Right now it's only held in place by hoses - - it can move a little side-side. Ol' zip tie mod would present same issue I think! Ideas???

 

That is not the Z06 box. That is the LS1 box. Starting in 2001 I believe - may have be 2000 so somebody correct me - GM replaced the LS1 "side-feeder" box with what you have. The Z06 box has an opening three times that size with it more towards the straps.

 

They are different. The Zip tie method simply removes the cover and zip ties the air filter in place. The Flip tie method turns it over and cuts a hole in the shroud to get a cold air (possibly forced air) to the filter.

Take a look at the following links for the flip tie.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-write-up.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...a-success.html

The first link also has an attached pdf file that can be downloaded.

Good luck.

 

In the last 10-15 years, this subject has been beaten to death, a quick synopsis and over simplification is the colder the air entering the MAF, TB, etc, the more dense the charge into the cylinder. So the hunt for horsepower has gone through most stages. Early on it was a Donaldson air filter, this led to more area of air intake and slightly cooler Intake Air Temps. Racers were quick to enclose the filter and get even colder air, using an Ice Box method. VeraRam came out shortly after and using the front driving light opening and went through several improvements. Finally Callaway came out with a enclosed system with a relocated MAF placement and then adaptors were available for removing the front license plate cover and using that for incoming air. Base on numerous reports, using a scan tool, the top speed improvements were slight to negligible but the intermediate gains were measurable. For best results on a stock engine, use the stock intake duct, any changes to the amount of turbulence of incoming air into the TB usually requires reprogramming the ECU.

Generally speaking many who drag race like the VeraRam, Open Road Racers like the Callaway type, and road racers like the Open license frame method. For normal street driving they all work. However, if you do change the coolness of incoming air and/or alter the path, I would suggest a good street tune. ECS, COW and numerous other forum vendors can help you there.

 

Vararam !!!!!! ECS and Chuck Cow says they are best !!!!!!!!!!