Another Vararam post
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 3
From: Franklin indiana
Another Vararam post
I installed a Vararam last week, it went on ok, no problems there. The problem was with the Powerduct. I couldn't get it low enough no matter what combination of couplers, MAF position I tried. It was like the Vararam wasn't low enough. I did install it w/o any screws in ducts. I've been working on my own cars for 30 some years, this was frustrating. So now I have a Powerduct I cant use. I may have been able to cut it, or the filter, but didn't want to, the stock airbridge went on fine. My car is a 98 btw.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 20,030
Likes: 289
From: Wylie TX --> Less is More, except under the hood !
Very strange.
My air bridge is larger than the Vararam PowerDuct, and it fit fine. It makes slight contact against the hood liner but it is still fine. I have since removed my hood liner and no contact to the hood at all.
My air bridge is larger than the Vararam PowerDuct, and it fit fine. It makes slight contact against the hood liner but it is still fine. I have since removed my hood liner and no contact to the hood at all.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 155
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12
I installed a Vararam last week, it went on ok, no problems there. The problem was with the Powerduct. I couldn't get it low enough no matter what combination of couplers, MAF position I tried. It was like the Vararam wasn't low enough. I did install it w/o any screws in ducts. I've been working on my own cars for 30 some years, this was frustrating. So now I have a Powerduct I cant use. I may have been able to cut it, or the filter, but didn't want to, the stock airbridge went on fine. My car is a 98 btw.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,438
Likes: 4
From: Always in my lane.
Same here. It sounds like there are still adjustments to be made. I wouldnt cut that power duct. Its not necessary. You may have to take it back apart and make sure its reinstalled right. It could also be the fact that the silicone coupling isnt seated down enough on the powerduct and/or the throttle body as well.
Last edited by DARRYLZO6; May 31, 2013 at 06:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 3
From: Franklin indiana
I had the MAF directly in the Vararam, even at an angle, still wasn't right angle for duct to sit low enough over radiator. If it wasnt for the hood closing on it, I had it on, but you could put your fingers under it. I'm afraid it might damage hood eventually. No way it would work w/ MAF by TB.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 20
From: Lufkin TX
I just installed mine today. '98 coupe. It took forever to figure out the coupler, power duct, MAF combo. It's super tight in there but finally got the power duct (Vararam model) where it sits snug on top of the radiator shroud. No hood issues. It goes air filter, MAF, power duct, then long smoothie from duct to TB.
Last edited by aasports; May 30, 2013 at 10:06 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 443
Likes: 20
From: Lufkin TX
It fit tight. I actually had to pry the last area w a flat head to get it to go all the way on. Its on the throttle body snug.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I don't have the duct but when I got my car the stock bridge was sitting way above the rad shroud. I had it apart and shoved the end of the MAF into the filter housing and now it fit perfectly and sits down tight over the rad. I think I warmed it with a propane torch but not sure now since it was 5 years ago. Still, maybe you can gain some length there?
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
The seal is another bad spot with these kits. I could see gaps between the gasket in the upper housing and the filter on all 4 sides of the filter. I ripped that gasket out and used some black RTV to seal the filter into the upper housing. Now I don't have to worry if all the air is going through the filter.