Thanks to Steven at VaraRam for helping me get proper fit on my intake. Unfortunatly the instructions that came with my system fromWest Coast corvette and Vararam where not identical to the parts I recieved. So I had to do some guessing as to the proper placement of foam gaskets on the K&N filter which resulted in a poor fit of filter and lid. Instructions called for a aluminuim center piece to connect the 2 scoop halves ( the center piece I got was plastic and not at all like the photo in the instructions). and showed the install with the FOAM filter not the K&N. I mistakenly placed a foam gasket on both sides of the filter which resulted in the poor sealing of unit. But now things are fitted properly and all is well. Just a heads up in case someone has the same problem :cheers:


[Modified by sutl-huh, 4:40 PM 9/24/2003]

 

I didn't get the metal plate either. I got the non K&N filter though, but my cover doesn't fit perfectly on the scoops. Patrick said he's sending me 2 solutions,so we'll se. He's been extra helpful so far & returns emails/phone calls personally as well.Great customer service! :yesnod:

 

Sounds like this product needs a little more R&D...

 

Arent you guys worried about sucking up water during rain storms.

 

I have the VARARAM on both my 99's and they fit and work perfect. :cheers:

 

Thanks for the heads up, sutl-huh.

 

The VR is supposed to have some drains to help prevent water ingestion. If you drive thru a puddle deep enough to reach the fog light area, you would risk water ingestion even with a stock C5. In stock form, the C5 must pull most of its air from below the bumper, so there is actually a chance that the VR would make the car less prone to ingestion.

-Pete

 

You run no risk during rain storms ....well maybe if you drove thru a hurricane. What you have to watch out for are deep puddles that will completely submerge both air intakes. :cheers:

 

No rain worries from me! It's not like there is a vacuum sucking into the intake all things outside.

 

I have been intrigued with the design of the VR, and installed the WideMouth version, with the upgrade option, to become the VR-1B. That being said, the VR system, as well as some others is vulnerable to water suction to the intake manifold. And not just from bumper deep puddles. Just look at the front end of your C5. The front spoiler is no more than 4 inches off the ground. What happens when your car approaches a puddle of water say, 6 or 8 inches deep? Well, depending on your speed, the front spoiler scoops water away and will create a wave as your car moves forward. As the speed of the car increases faster than the water moves, the wave builds volume and height and will crest backward over the bumper, into the intake ducts. This illustration simply shows the vulnerability of the design to almostany puddle deep enough to splash from the force of the front end spoiler over the bumper into the intake ducts. That being said, common sense will prevail among the cautious, who won't go driving through puddles. The problem with puddles is, you don't always know how deep they are until you're in the middle of one! :nono:

 

Keep this in mind too, fellow Vette nut(s). As you drive America's number one sports car, one of a kind design, light and hi-performing. What you have here with a Vararam is a product that does what says it will do. That is, inducing more air to that big ole air pump called the LS1. If you want a bullet proof system, no cares/concerns, no worries, keep the OEM or go for more of the NASCAR designed units. As for or me, I absolutley love this piece of equipment. I've had this system installed now for 9 months on my 03 6spd Coupe. Volumes of cooler/cold air being forced in direct and efficient, right where you want it. Not, sucking down ambient/hot air just outside your radiator. :thumbs:


[Modified by WFO, 12:39 AM 10/1/2003]


[Modified by WFO, 12:40 AM 10/1/2003]