Question about the Vararam intake?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Abilene TX
Question about the Vararam intake?
Does anybody here have it and if so what kind of gains did you get in the 1/4? I am thinking about getting one here in the next couple of days but I kind of want to see how some of you like it. Also, with the openings being right there next to the fog lights how is it in the rain? By saying that I mean has anybody hydro locked their motor or come close? Thanks
Jason
Jason
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (quick98)
I see you made a similar upgrade as me. 00 z28 to C5 here as well.
I got it i may have gained .3 in the 1/4 maybe more. I ran it stock at 13.8, then ran it again after words at 13.4 trapped 2 PMH higher as well. But 60' was even damn near the same on all runs. Weather may have played alittle on it but it ran good. I woke up that for sure. I really do like the thought of driving it in the rain but I have. I try not to.
I got it i may have gained .3 in the 1/4 maybe more. I ran it stock at 13.8, then ran it again after words at 13.4 trapped 2 PMH higher as well. But 60' was even damn near the same on all runs. Weather may have played alittle on it but it ran good. I woke up that for sure. I really do like the thought of driving it in the rain but I have. I try not to.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 206
Likes: 2
From: Primm Springs Tn
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (quick98)
I have vararam. I like it but have no tech data to say what gain it has made. I had mine installed at the Chevy dealership where I bought my new 2002 Vert MN6 . I asked about driving in the rain because I'm a daily driver, except when there is snow and ice. My salesman and Corvette owner, said I would not get water in the intake. So far I have not and I've driven in some pretty heavy downpours. I don't know if a Vararam has differant models or what ,but the info I read in their web site said for track use only. But I went with the advice of my sales person at the dealership. Hemmerman :flag :flag :flag
[Modified by hemmerman, 12:58 AM 12/27/2002]
[Modified by hemmerman, 12:58 AM 12/27/2002]
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (urpow)
If anyone else has them could you please post your results...
This seems like a good system for the one fact that it draws cold air from the front air ducks... But Im new to the Vette world so who knows... hehe
This seems like a good system for the one fact that it draws cold air from the front air ducks... But Im new to the Vette world so who knows... hehe
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: BayArea CA
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (urpow)
I just installed the Vararam and S2's throttle body. I havent had it to the track yet, but it does feel stronger, and the throttle response seems better and smoother. If I could do it all again I dont know if I would still get the Vararam. I have to admit I fell for the hype. I know it works, but I just wonder how much better than the other systems(which I dont think would be much). The install was a total pain the butt. Now people will say it isnt that bad. Maybe 3 to 4 hours. But 3 to 4 hours is a long time to waste if youve got other things to do. It took me about 5 to 6 for the intake and throttle body. And im not totally lost when it comes to wrenching (Ive installed blowers, headers, heads and intakes on various cars.) It was a pain in the butt. And now my shroud is pushed way down in the center. And yes it is shimmed correctly(which was also a total PITA). I did it by myself, so it would be easier with a friend. But I think Id rather have the T1, for fit and finish, and it would probably only take about 30 minutes to install. But thats just my .02's.
:skep:
:skep:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 16
From: Humble tx
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (quick98)
There has been so much debate over this intake that it isn't even funny. I have posted my data citing before and after dyno runs. You can search by my screen name and see what I posted. There have been several before and after stories that have cited actual data, and not conjecture. Check it out. I will say, go for the VR. Hydrolock is not an issue.
Randy Goss :cheers: :cheers:
Randy Goss :cheers: :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (quick98)
i got the vararam when it first came out on the market. I would make sure to get a brand new unit because:
-They have upgraded the size of the filter so it no longer needs 3 gaskets to fit inside the box correctly (POS)
-The removal of the filter now has T-Handels instead of the bolt setup that is totaly a POS.
-New improved foam filter (better hp and tq)
You will need to clean the filter every oil change. It gets really really clogged.(i guess it depends where u live)
You do not need to worry about rain at all. I was driving in bad rain today following people pretty close, and the filter was tottaly dry when i disasembled it to install a mass air sensor.
Overall i know this is the best c5 intake it makes use of the front facsia like GM should have.
If i were to do it over again:
-I would have waited for the improved version.
-I would have replaced the fog lights at the same time.
-I would have instaled nylon maf ends at the same time.
-I would have affixed the z06 screens at the same time.(on non z06 car)
-They have upgraded the size of the filter so it no longer needs 3 gaskets to fit inside the box correctly (POS)
-The removal of the filter now has T-Handels instead of the bolt setup that is totaly a POS.
-New improved foam filter (better hp and tq)
You will need to clean the filter every oil change. It gets really really clogged.(i guess it depends where u live)
You do not need to worry about rain at all. I was driving in bad rain today following people pretty close, and the filter was tottaly dry when i disasembled it to install a mass air sensor.
Overall i know this is the best c5 intake it makes use of the front facsia like GM should have.
If i were to do it over again:
-I would have waited for the improved version.
-I would have replaced the fog lights at the same time.
-I would have instaled nylon maf ends at the same time.
-I would have affixed the z06 screens at the same time.(on non z06 car)
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (KEPRGHT)
Can u install a K&N in replace of there filter?
Also why do you say...
-I would have instaled nylon maf ends at the same time.
-I would have affixed the z06 screens at the same time.(on non z06 car)
Any better performance?...
Did you ever dyno this unit over stock, or have track times...
Also why do you say...
-I would have instaled nylon maf ends at the same time.
-I would have affixed the z06 screens at the same time.(on non z06 car)
Any better performance?...
Did you ever dyno this unit over stock, or have track times...
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 14,542
Likes: 5
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (Sean03)
I just installed the Vararam and S2's throttle body. I havent had it to the track yet, but it does feel stronger, and the throttle response seems better and smoother. If I could do it all again I dont know if I would still get the Vararam. I have to admit I fell for the hype. I know it works, but I just wonder how much better than the other systems(which I dont think would be much). The install was a total pain the butt. Now people will say it isnt that bad. Maybe 3 to 4 hours. But 3 to 4 hours is a long time to waste if youve got other things to do. It took me about 5 to 6 for the intake and throttle body. And im not totally lost when it comes to wrenching (Ive installed blowers, headers, heads and intakes on various cars.) It was a pain in the butt. And now my shroud is pushed way down in the center. And yes it is shimmed correctly(which was also a total PITA). I did it by myself, so it would be easier with a friend. But I think Id rather have the T1, for fit and finish, and it would probably only take about 30 minutes to install. But thats just my .02's.
:skep:
:skep:
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 17,710
Likes: 1,219
From: Phila PA, Bonita Springs FL
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (EHS)
It funny to see how all the reported gains with the Vararam, are coming from guys with STOCK intakes.
No one has reported if the Vararam has made any improvements going from another aftermarket system like the Vortex or Halltech.
As far as many are concerned, the Vararam's gains are similar to the others going from the stock system...
I want to see if the Vararam will show improvements when it is switched from someone already using one of the other aftermarket intakes.
No one has reported if the Vararam has made any improvements going from another aftermarket system like the Vortex or Halltech.
As far as many are concerned, the Vararam's gains are similar to the others going from the stock system...
I want to see if the Vararam will show improvements when it is switched from someone already using one of the other aftermarket intakes.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,013
Likes: 80
From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
Cruise-In III Veteran
St. Jude Donor '11
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (indypace78)
From what we all have been hearing, you can get the same gains and save yourself a lot of heartache (install), plus some, like the Halltech just have better craftsmanship. They all work about the same. Are you going to fall for the hype, or not. That is the question. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
From: Winston Salem NC
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (indypace78)
It funny to see how all the reported gains with the Vararam, are coming from guys with STOCK intakes.
That's just not true. Look up rbartick's posts. Be that as it may, it is not odd that many of us don't spend the money on more than one system.
That's just not true. Look up rbartick's posts. Be that as it may, it is not odd that many of us don't spend the money on more than one system.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (Black_C5)
Can u install a K&N in replace of there filter?
Also why do you say...
-I would have instaled nylon maf ends at the same time.
-I would have affixed the z06 screens at the same time.(on non z06 car)
Any better performance?...
Did you ever dyno this unit over stock, or have track times...
Also why do you say...
-I would have instaled nylon maf ends at the same time.
-I would have affixed the z06 screens at the same time.(on non z06 car)
Any better performance?...
Did you ever dyno this unit over stock, or have track times...
The z06 screens keep out the big debris (critters and tire chenks and rocks, also the random flying tissue (got one in there the second day)
the maf ends would be for pure performance reasons
enjoy
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 16
From: Humble tx
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (indypace78)
It funny to see how all the reported gains with the Vararam, are coming from guys with STOCK intakes.
No one has reported if the Vararam has made any improvements going from another aftermarket system like the Vortex or Halltech.
As far as many are concerned, the Vararam's gains are similar to the others going from the stock system...
I want to see if the Vararam will show improvements when it is switched from someone already using one of the other aftermarket intakes.
No one has reported if the Vararam has made any improvements going from another aftermarket system like the Vortex or Halltech.
As far as many are concerned, the Vararam's gains are similar to the others going from the stock system...
I want to see if the Vararam will show improvements when it is switched from someone already using one of the other aftermarket intakes.
:cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 16
From: Humble tx
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (racer44)
Which one is hype? The Halltech, MTI, KN, etc? The VR has proven gains and is definitely superior against a bottom pick up intake when it comes to hydrolock. The real gain for me was in TQ and trap speed. I measured the dyno results but its hard to defend trap speeds with all the variables. I believe there are many good ones, but only one is best. The VR's gains have been documented on numerous occasions. At the end of the day, only the buyer's opinion matters.
Cheers
Randy :cheers: :cheers:
Cheers
Randy :cheers: :cheers:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 16
From: Humble tx
Re: Question about the Vararam intake? (Black_C5)
A cold air intake should always out perform a intake that is under the hook sucking hot air anyway.