Well I got the Vararam installed last nite. It went pretty smooth, about 3 hours. If I did it again (don't ask :D ) it would take considerably less time. Anyway I posted to the thread a while back about the Vararam vs the Vortec, and mentioned that my car had the Vortec for the last 3 years and was satisfied with the performance. Since I picked up a Vararam for cheap from Andy ( of A&A...thanks Andy) I felt that a FAIR comparison could be made as I go to the track often, and know what my car is capable of running under various weather conditions.

My first impressions were positive with this intake as the car DEFINITELY feels better at a 40mph kickdown. The front end actually jumps up harder than it used to, and the car reacts immediately as soon as the pedal touches the floor. Another thing that I noticed was the O2's were just under .900 on 6 runs, when previously they ranged between .915-.925. The extra air is definietly using more fuel. Please note this is with the race filter, that is if you can actually call this thing a filter :crazy:

If it doesn't rain I will go to the track this Wednesday and report back the results. Hope the track is prepped :). I plan to make several trips to the track for proper varification, but I should have some data after 1 track day.

Please note that I have NO ties to either company :blueangel: just would like to help you guys out that may be on the fence on which intake would be best for your needs, you know... just because one might perform better, (if in fact one does) that doesnt necessarily mean it would be a better choice, as there are other things to consider, like price, looks etc.

If anyone has any thoughts on this please post here.

Thanks,
Mike :flag

 

I picked up almost 3 mph and reduced my e.t. almost 3/10's going from a Blackwing to Vararam. Let us know. Good Luck :cheers:

 

:cheers: keep us posted

 

I also had the vortex & now have a vararam. My ET in the 1/8th dropped from a best of 8.43 to a best of 8.36. The mph went from just under 86 mph to a best of 88 mph. I like them both, but have to say the car pulls just a little stonger near the redline with the vararam. It's been on for about a month, and I think i may check to see how dirty the filter is. Seems like it will get trash in there fairly quickly. However, I am not impressed with the filter. The quality is just not there, IMO. I also decided to use tie straps to couple the scoops to the filter housing. I did not like the way the nut & bolt fit thru the flanges. Other than that, it's impressive. :steering:

 

Mikie...

I heard there was tuning issues with the Vararam..
The increased air & fuel makes it VERY lean...
And can lead to knock or denotation at the top end..

Patrick told me not to get it unless I would get custom tuning after installation.

Your thoughts?

 

Try the new Widemouth when ready, Ellis. I think you'll like it.:)

As far as tuning, yes, all cars benefit from tuning, no matter what intake is used.

Take them to the track and see wat the results are...then you'll know what's what.

===================

Mikie, Which filter came with that unit? Is it K/N or a VR model?

RG

 

RG...

I will be testing a prototype for Patrick shortly where increased performance & torque can be acheived over other cold air intakes with no tuning necessary. :yesnod:

 

Yep, I know.:) I thought you'd be a very good tester on that product.

RG

 

Ellis

For safety sakes I can imagine that tuning would definitely help. Like mentioned above the O2's went a little lean last nite (.898), but so far only one run did I get a little KR, like 2 degrees. Just got back from a few thrashes and now the O2's have come back to 915-920 and 0 KR. I'll tell you though, the car pulls hard from 40 up, but only the track will tell for sure. :yesnod:

RG

I have the VR filter, it's equivalent to my wifes loose weave pantyhose :crazy: . I will contact VR and get a "real" filter for the street. No complaints on the race filter, just might be a little too open weave for everyday driving.

Mike :steering: