Purchased Vararam intake!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 10
From: Texas
Purchased Vararam intake!
I bought a Vararam intake for my 03 Z after reading good things about them! I haven't finished installing but was surprised at over all fit and finish. Direction supplied mention shims and longer screws included to adjust for miss fit, no screws or shims included. After calling Vararam no long ship with shims? Product does not fit flush, why don't send shims? The send a gasket that doesn't match up to parts and isn't mention in the instructions? Vararam individual I talked with was unable to help but said video was available online on the installation, I couldn't find one? There was a link on our forum but looks to have been pulled.. Anyone have any input on inside fit behind front bumper,, I'll figure it out in the morning but would appreciate any input.
Thx
Thx
Safety Car
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 35
From: Garfield Heights (AKA:Garbage Hts.) Ohio USA
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Oldtimer
Here's the link to the online video. Good luck with your install. 
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-video.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-video.html
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
I ran into issues as well. The shims as I recall were simply plastic washers, which you can get at at hardware store. In the end I wasn't happy with the filter fit either and used RTV to glue it in place (I used a K&N filter).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 427
Likes: 10
From: Texas
Here's the link to the online video. Good luck with your install.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-video.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...ion-video.html
Thank
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
they work once you get them to fit but the quality sucks... I second using silicone to seal the filter in the upper housing, that's the only way you are going to keep dirt from getting through... the gasket they supply sucks and will fall off after it has been installed for awhile... I also had to buy 2 small plastic spacers from home depot, I had to use one on each side but I can't remember if I used it on the top or bottom bolt, I assume every car is different... you will just have to mess with it for awhile
1st Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I like the idea of using the K&N filter. I have a C6, are all twine filters the same size. What is the part number for the filter. I just installed my vette last night. Actually the fit was not bad and the filter was snug in the upper section. My concern is the less than perfect fit to the lower section. The only are that did not line up well was the right above the plastic radiator shroud. Vararam is slightly higher than the map. Overall very satisfied.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
St Jude Donor '14
almost bought the vararam bra w/bellows from e-bay .After watching installation thread on you tube I"m glad they didn't accept my offer. Am going w/ different set up ,don't feel like taking half my front bumper apart ,also heard unit is problematic!
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Caddo Mills Texas
I installed the Vram on my 02 Z a couple of months ago. I also
purchased the Power Duct as well. This was supposedly the updated version, which should have elimininated the fitment issues. I did a lot of research and was aware of the possible issues with install. Well the instructions were not useful at all, they just kind of get you pointed in the right direction. Its more of a common sense type of install. My biggest issue was the location of my MAF sensor. The instructions with the Vram advised to mount it next to housing unit in bumper and the instructions with the Power Duct advised to mount next to throttle body. I sent 2 emails and left 3 messages with Vararam and they never replied. I have MAF installed next to TB and to this day,do not know if that is correct. My next issue was with the fitment of the upper lid to the lower housing. I had to use 2 very large zip ties, cris-crossed to keep these together and the dirt out. It seemed to be the only way to completely seal the box together
purchased the Power Duct as well. This was supposedly the updated version, which should have elimininated the fitment issues. I did a lot of research and was aware of the possible issues with install. Well the instructions were not useful at all, they just kind of get you pointed in the right direction. Its more of a common sense type of install. My biggest issue was the location of my MAF sensor. The instructions with the Vram advised to mount it next to housing unit in bumper and the instructions with the Power Duct advised to mount next to throttle body. I sent 2 emails and left 3 messages with Vararam and they never replied. I have MAF installed next to TB and to this day,do not know if that is correct. My next issue was with the fitment of the upper lid to the lower housing. I had to use 2 very large zip ties, cris-crossed to keep these together and the dirt out. It seemed to be the only way to completely seal the box together
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 643
Likes: 40
From: Wauregan CT
It's really hard to establish any meaningful level of product confidence with so many users reporting similar fitment issues over the long term. I understand the end results are generally satisfying, but by now this contraption should have been dramatically improved. Even the latest version is still causing headaches...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
St Jude Donor '14
boy am i glad vavaram did not accept my offer on flea bay,after watching the video on install (removal of half the stuff under the bumper) and the fitment problems I keep hearing about product,I'm ready to try another much simpler product.Simply a dual cone filter short ram tube set up.Im not racing my car anyway
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,517
Likes: 147
From: Jasper Alabama
Sorry all of you have had issues with your vararam. I installed one on my 02 coupe and 02 vert. Although its a little work to install I love the performance it delivers. I feel too that Vararam could improve the bottom sealing surface and gasket. They improved the upper housing with a wider lip that holds the filter element. I used rivets to hold the two air ducts together instead of bolts. Also riveted the fog light intake surrounds to the ducts with stainless wide flanged washers to add strength. Have had no problems once everything was fitted
I guess vararam is not going to address the bottom sealing surface so I am going to fab a sound sealing plate that will put a positive seal on the filter. I will post pics when complete.
I guess vararam is not going to address the bottom sealing surface so I am going to fab a sound sealing plate that will put a positive seal on the filter. I will post pics when complete.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Trussville AL
Mine fit pretty good. Their tech told me not to get the ducts tight to the bumper as this would allow some give when the car flexes. What really holds it all in place is the fan shroud. My maf is in front of the tb. My tuner said it makes little or no difference in either place.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 7
St Jude Donor '14
stealth 02,thanks for reply, i believe in the concept of the vararam but being I was an assembler of custom components and worked closely with machinists for about ten years I have very little tolerance for sh-- that does not fit properly,its not like the thing costs 99$ or less.