2004 c5z with Vararam intake lean code
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
2004 c5z with Vararam intake lean code
Hello, I installed the Vararam intake awhile back and have been getting lean codes spoke with Vararam customer service and we agreed the flow straightener would solve my issues. Well I'm still getting the code with that installed? Also just installed longtubes and catless x pipe and was looking into getting the rear o2s tuned out so I was talking with a tuner and he was saying the Vararam is going to cook my engine? Any thoughts on this and how to actually fix it or should I scrap the I take and go with something else? Thanks Mike
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Well, the Vararam has been on countless cars for the last 20 years, including my and my brothers C5s without any reports of it "cooking engines" on this forum. So not sure where your tuner is getting his information? None the less there are typically three main culprits of running lean if your tuner is competent. Which his comment above has me questioning his tuning competency from jump. If the tune is good...You likely either have a vacuum leak, your 02s are cooked or your fuel pump is crapping out.
Assuming your tune was done post the install of both the Vararam and the headers being installed? Did you or your tuner inspect or consider the fuel pump as the source of your issue? Are you certain you don't have a vacuum leak and why not just have the 02s tuned out anyway?
The large majority of the "C5 Quick List" running NA use the Vararam with no "cooked engine" issues. So it's just a matter of figuring out what's off about your setup/ install and correcting it or getting a tuner that knows what they are doing.
Assuming your tune was done post the install of both the Vararam and the headers being installed? Did you or your tuner inspect or consider the fuel pump as the source of your issue? Are you certain you don't have a vacuum leak and why not just have the 02s tuned out anyway?
The large majority of the "C5 Quick List" running NA use the Vararam with no "cooked engine" issues. So it's just a matter of figuring out what's off about your setup/ install and correcting it or getting a tuner that knows what they are doing.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Well, the Vararam has been on countless cars for the last 20 years, including my and my brothers C5s without any reports of it "cooking engines" on this forum. So not sure where your tuner is getting his information? None the less there are typically three main culprits of running lean if your tuner is competent. Which his comment above has me questioning his tuning competency from jump. If the tune is good...You likely either have a vacuum leak, your 02s are cooked or your fuel pump is crapping out.
Assuming your tune was done post the install of both the Vararam and the headers being installed? Did you or your tuner inspect or consider the fuel pump as the source of your issue? Are you certain you don't have a vacuum leak and why not just have the 02s tuned out anyway?
The large majority of the "C5 Quick List" running NA use the Vararam with no "cooked engine" issues. So it's just a matter of figuring out what's off about your setup/ install and correcting it or getting a tuner that knows what they are doing.
Assuming your tune was done post the install of both the Vararam and the headers being installed? Did you or your tuner inspect or consider the fuel pump as the source of your issue? Are you certain you don't have a vacuum leak and why not just have the 02s tuned out anyway?
The large majority of the "C5 Quick List" running NA use the Vararam with no "cooked engine" issues. So it's just a matter of figuring out what's off about your setup/ install and correcting it or getting a tuner that knows what they are doing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Start with the tune. If you have a Vararam and longtubes you are running lean and need a tune. The longtubes absolutely require a tune and most times the ECM will adjust for just the Vararam. Sometimes it won’t. So get the tune then see if the issue persists. I’d reconsider the tuner of choice based on the comments he made about the Vararam. That statement isn’t based on any factual information I’ve ever experienced or come across in 21 years on this forum.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Start with the tune. If you have a Vararam and longtubes you are running lean and need a tune. The longtubes absolutely require a tune and most times the ECM will adjust for just the Vararam. Sometimes it won’t. So get the tune then see if the issue persists. I’d reconsider the tuner of choice based on the comments he made about the Vararam. That statement isn’t based on any factual information I’ve ever experienced or come across in 21 years on this forum.
Yeah def not going with that tuner just had a bad attitude the entire conversation also so was a huge turn off for me. Sucks because I've heard good things about the shop. Will call other local places this week and try to get an appointment
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,847
Likes: 1,144
From: Sleepy Hollow- NJ
Good luck! Ask around on here for a recommendation in your area. Unfortunately for every good one there are at least 30 bad ones. Pay more money and go to one that is reputable, has a decent attitude but most importantly won’t blow your stuff up nor have your car limping along like a POS.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
Good luck! Ask around on here for a recommendation in your area. Unfortunately for every good one there are at least 30 bad ones. Pay more money and go to one that is reputable, has a decent attitude but most importantly won’t blow your stuff up nor have your car limping along like a POS.
Found a local tuner will be going in a few weeks. excited to see how she does!
