Worth switching to Vararam?
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Bel Air MD
Worth switching to Vararam?
Hello all, the 2000 C5 I recently purchased came with a Breathless Performance Vortex CAI on it and the factory air bridge*. I had always liked the way the Vararam system worked but was wondering if I would see any differences going to the vararam? And are any potential gains worth the money/frustration of installing the vararam. Thanks
*EDIT: Actually the vortex power duct, but looks like the older style. I.E. not what is pictured on their website.
*EDIT: Actually the vortex power duct, but looks like the older style. I.E. not what is pictured on their website.
Last edited by MGMTF; Sep 14, 2015 at 10:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Hello all, the 2000 C5 I recently purchased came with a Breathless Performance Vortex CAI on it and the factory air bridge. I had always liked the way the Vararam system worked but was wondering if I would see any differences going to the vararam? And are any potential gains worth the money/frustration of installing the vararam. Thanks
Having said that, we lost about 5 MPG after the install... the Vararam and the exhaust were the only things different...
I DID not use the powerduct and left the MAF in the STOCK position...
It was NOT a hard job, I did it by myself in a few hours and I'm pretty picky...I bought mine from a fellow forum member and had NO instructions on how to do it other than watching what youtube videos I could find...NOT bad at all...
After the tune...OMG what a difference! And we got our mileage back...
So, yes I could tell a slight increase in performance but, to get the optimal advantage it will need a tune.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Hello all, the 2000 C5 I recently purchased came with a Breathless Performance Vortex CAI on it and the factory air bridge. I had always liked the way the Vararam system worked but was wondering if I would see any differences going to the vararam? And are any potential gains worth the money/frustration of installing the vararam. Thanks
Having said that, we lost about 5 MPG after the install... the Vararam and the exhaust were the only things different...
I DID not use the powerduct and left the MAF in the STOCK position...
It was NOT a hard job, I did it by myself in a few hours and I'm pretty picky...I bought mine from a fellow forum member and had NO instructions on how to do it other than watching what youtube videos I could find...NOT bad at all...
After the tune...OMG what a difference! And we got our mileage back...
So, yes I could tell a slight increase in performance but, to get the optimal advantage it will need a tune.
Last edited by 73Corvette; Sep 14, 2015 at 10:25 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 50
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From: Bel Air MD
When I installed the Vararam and the Z06 Ti cat back exhaust... I knew we were going to have the car tuned...
Having said that, we lost about 5 MPG after the install... the Vararam and the exhaust were the only things different...
I DID not use the powerduct and left the MAF in the STOCK position...
It was NOT a hard job, I did it by myself in a few hours and I'm pretty picky...I bought mine from a fellow forum member and had NO instructions on how to do it other than watching what youtube videos I could find...NOT bad at all...
After the tune...OMG what a difference! And we got our mileage back...
So, yes I could tell a slight increase in performance but, to get the optimal advantage it will need a tune.
Having said that, we lost about 5 MPG after the install... the Vararam and the exhaust were the only things different...
I DID not use the powerduct and left the MAF in the STOCK position...
It was NOT a hard job, I did it by myself in a few hours and I'm pretty picky...I bought mine from a fellow forum member and had NO instructions on how to do it other than watching what youtube videos I could find...NOT bad at all...
After the tune...OMG what a difference! And we got our mileage back...
So, yes I could tell a slight increase in performance but, to get the optimal advantage it will need a tune.
No issues with part fitment on yours either? I also realized I have the Vortex power duct also, which rubs on the hood.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
So you think it makes considerably more power then what is currently on the car?
Sorry... I don't think so, the Breathless is a pretty good CAI from what I've read on the forum, I have NO real world experience with the Breathless.
No issues with part fitment on yours either? I wouldn't say NO issues, but it wasn't hard just took a few time outs and a couple of beers...
I also realized I have the Vortex power duct also, which rubs on the hood. It rubs and can cause excessive turbulence for the MAF and throw codes...
Sorry... I don't think so, the Breathless is a pretty good CAI from what I've read on the forum, I have NO real world experience with the Breathless.
No issues with part fitment on yours either? I wouldn't say NO issues, but it wasn't hard just took a few time outs and a couple of beers...
I also realized I have the Vortex power duct also, which rubs on the hood. It rubs and can cause excessive turbulence for the MAF and throw codes...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I just went by the recommendations of my tuner, Chuck CoW... Vararam, Stock position for the MAF and NO power duct...(stock one)
I kinda wish I'd done long tube headers...but, can't now without messing up my tune..., so I'm good.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 50
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From: Bel Air MD
I suppose it depends on what all your doing... it can be a domino effect, you change to a CAI and then add the powerduct and move the MAF... then Polish the throttle body... etc.
I just went by the recommendations of my tuner, Chuck CoW... Vararam, Stock position for the MAF and NO power duct...(stock one)
I kinda wish I'd done long tube headers...but, can't now without messing up my tune..., so I'm good.
I just went by the recommendations of my tuner, Chuck CoW... Vararam, Stock position for the MAF and NO power duct...(stock one)
I kinda wish I'd done long tube headers...but, can't now without messing up my tune..., so I'm good.
The car is currently untuned so I am really open to anything. Not worried about screwing up the tune. Think I am going to get it dyno tuned after I do LTs over the winter.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
Cool... we did a street tune. I didn't care about numbers at all, just wanted to free up any and all horse power that had been left on the table...