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TRAP vs Vararam....

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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 01:52 PM
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Default TRAP vs Vararam....

I'm sure it's been donw before, but I couldn't find any CONCLUSIVE evidence in any threds of a performance difference between these two. Both claim to be cold "ram-air" system giving significantly more HP than the vortex or Blackwing.

So has anybody done a side-by-side dyno and 1/4 test between them? Or should I just buy whichever one looks prettier? :D

How big is the hydrolock issue with the TRAP?

Step 1: Intake
Step 2: Headers
Step 3: Cartek LS6 Stage2-X H/C a'la C5_Pig. :D
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 04:18 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Umrswimr)

... I couldn't find any CONCLUSIVE evidence ...
Nor will you.

Mark
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 04:24 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Umrswimr)

..... I couldn't find any CONCLUSIVE evidence in any threds of a performance difference between these two. Both claim to be cold "ram-air" system giving significantly more HP than the vortex or Blackwing......
Nor could you; you will find very little genuinely scientific information on this subject in my opinion. From my research I was able to conclude that the various air intake systems offer very similar performance gains and vary in price and quality substaintionlly.

Regards,

Mark
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 07:31 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (mdhmi)

In my opinion, the BIG difference is the filtering ability. The TRAP has a good filter attached to it, the Vararam is questionable.
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 08:29 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Umrswimr)

From a technical point of view, I would say that the Trap is the better design. Anytime you can reduce the intake path length and still provide the ram-air effect, you stand to gain, albeit maybe a small amount.

Look at the intake paths of the two designs. The Trap air path is a straight shot. The Vararam air enters from a split and converged into one path, but much further along the "path".

Aestetically, the Vararam wins, primarily because it is extremely difficult to remove the front cover and maintain the beauty of the C5 front end.


[Modified by Dave68, 5:30 PM 11/23/2003]
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 08:40 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Dave68)

Aestetically, the Vararam wins, primarily because it is extremely difficult to remove the front cover and maintain the beauty of the C5 front end.


[Modified by Dave68, 5:30 PM 11/23/2003]
Hmmm The TRAP's 2nd strongest selling point is the apprearance IMO. I think it looks a lot more presentable than the Vararam.
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 08:44 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (EFI-1)

Aestetically, the Vararam wins, primarily because it is extremely difficult to remove the front cover and maintain the beauty of the C5 front end.


[Modified by Dave68, 5:30 PM 11/23/2003]

Hmmm The TRAP's 2nd strongest selling point is the apprearance IMO. I think it looks a lot more presentable than the Vararam.
Have you seen a Trap-equipped C5 with the open plate replacement? I'm not sure how anyone can say that it looks better than a stock-looking C5. (Sorry JimH, I'm just calling em the way I see em.)
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 09:59 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Dave68)

Yeah, I've seen the plate grille thingy. I'm not too impressed by that, but then again I wouldn't be running that on my Z. I went and ordered the Pomegranate FRC's and TRAP and I think (well from the pics I've seen anyways) that these are some of the finest looking engine pieces for the C5...period. I think the VR does look more integrated into the looks of the car, but better looking.....hmmmmm I'll take the Halltech C/F w/o the Tunnel Port. :yesnod:








[Modified by EFI-1, 5:01 PM 11/23/2003]
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 10:15 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (vettenuts)

In my opinion, the BIG difference is the filtering ability. The TRAP has a good filter attached to it, the Vararam is questionable.
Unless you use the K&N filter for the Vararam.... :)
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 10:43 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (vettenuts)

The TRAP has a good filter attached to it, the Vararam is questionable.
I have to wholeheartedly disagree....just because it may look different from the "standard" doesn't mean it's sub-standard.....talk to Patrick about how they developed the filter and it's specs.....then come back and post your non-1st hand opinions :cheers:

I've run both by the way ;)
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 10:49 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (vettenuts)

In my opinion, the BIG difference is the filtering ability. The TRAP has a good filter attached to it, the Vararam is questionable.
:iagree: This may be the biggest reason why I will go with the TRAP. You can do the K&N with Vararam, but I believe that negates some of the hp gain with this system. I also think the TRAP is much better looking aesthetically, but beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder, or something like that ... :cheers:
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 10:54 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (ScottZ)

In my opinion, the BIG difference is the filtering ability. The TRAP has a good filter attached to it, the Vararam is questionable.

:iagree: This may be the biggest reason why I will go with the TRAP. You can do the K&N with Vararam, but I believe that negates some of the hp gain with this system. I also think the TRAP is much better looking aesthetically, but beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder, or something like that ... :cheers:
Once again....either use 1st hand knowledge or talk to Patrick 'cause speaking about something with specific 1st hand experience is like talking out your **** :cheers:
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Old Nov 23, 2003 | 11:17 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Mean Green)

Once again....either use 1st hand knowledge or talk to Patrick 'cause speaking about something with specific 1st hand experience is like talking out your **** :cheers:
With respect, I don't see how you could possibly know from my previous post whether or not I have 1st hand experience with the Vararam?? To be honest, your assumption is correct, but that doesn't make it right. And 1st hand use of something does not necessarily make that person an expert on the subject. I have never smoked crack, but I daresay that my education and research makes me more of an expert on the subject than your average junkie. Point being, I like the Vararam but after researching the system and speaking to a few who have it installed, I became concerned about it's filtering quality. Of course, I would never pass up an opportunity to learn more about the issue. Who knows, maybe Patrick will convince me why the information I have learned from others is wrong? More data points can only result in a more informed decision. :cheers:
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Old Nov 24, 2003 | 01:52 AM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (ScottZ)

I want your business.

Here are what the forum members think of our product:
http://www.corvettec5.com/store/?page=shop/tricpics

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Old Nov 24, 2003 | 02:13 AM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Jim Hall)

I want your business.

Here are what the forum members think of our product:
http://www.corvettec5.com/store/?page=shop/tricpics
Great reviews. BTW Jim, I placed my order through Nate at the Corvette Garage for Pomegranate TRAP & FRC's. Any idea when I might be able to expect those? I am going to be participating in one of the biggest car shows in Hawaii in December (15th I think) and I wanted to be able to pimp the underhood accessories. Please let me know.

Aloha, Dave
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Old Nov 24, 2003 | 06:25 AM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (EFI-1)

My 2cents Go Trap. I think it is a safer system by far JMO
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Old Nov 24, 2003 | 06:40 AM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (ScottZ)

And 1st hand use of something does not necessarily make that person an expert on the subject. I have never smoked crack, but I daresay that my education and research makes me more of an expert on the subject than your average junkie. Point being, I like the Vararam but after researching the system and speaking to a few who have it installed, I became concerned about it's filtering quality. Of course, I would never pass up an opportunity to learn more about the issue. Who knows, maybe Patrick will convince me why the information I have learned from others is wrong? More data points can only result in a more informed decision. :cheers:
I have to agree. I have read enough posts on this and other forums about the poor quality of the Vararam filter (non- K&N) and those who I personally know who have the Vararam setup have complained a lot about the filter and the sealing quality of the setup. With these types of reports everywhere on the internet, and during discussions with owners the same issue is highlighted, I have decided to go with the TRAP when I upgrade this winter. I would love to be proved wrong, but a simple search on this forum will find numerous instances of people complaining about the filter not sealing properly. I have asked someone in my club who has the Vararam to conduct an oil analysis next change, this will help better understand how good the filter is working. Even though you state I don't have "first hand knowledge", I also don't see anyone posting any hard data to prove otherwise.


[Modified by vettenuts, 6:42 AM 11/24/2003]
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Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:29 AM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (EFI-1)

Yeah, I've seen the plate grille thingy. I'm not too impressed by that, but then again I wouldn't be running that on my Z. I went and ordered the Pomegranate FRC's and TRAP and I think (well from the pics I've seen anyways) that these are some of the finest looking engine pieces for the C5...period. I think the VR does look more integrated into the looks of the car, but better looking.....hmmmmm I'll take the Halltech C/F w/o the Tunnel Port. :yesnod:





[Modified by EFI-1, 5:01 PM 11/23/2003]
And here I thought that you were saying that from the outside the Tunnel Port looks better! I agree that under the hood, the Trap wins easily. :cheers:
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Old Nov 24, 2003 | 10:40 AM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (Dave68)

Does it bother you that Chevy has designed fake front and side scoops into our cars? It sure makes me mad. Trans Am's and Mustangs have non-functional ducts too. On imports non-functional body work is called rice. To me it was worth getting a Vararam just to get rid of some poser body work...now about the side vents...
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Old Nov 24, 2003 | 01:39 PM
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Default Re: TRAP vs Vararam.... (vettenuts)

And 1st hand use of something does not necessarily make that person an expert on the subject. I have never smoked crack, but I daresay that my education and research makes me more of an expert on the subject than your average junkie. Point being, I like the Vararam but after researching the system and speaking to a few who have it installed, I became concerned about it's filtering quality. Of course, I would never pass up an opportunity to learn more about the issue. Who knows, maybe Patrick will convince me why the information I have learned from others is wrong? More data points can only result in a more informed decision. :cheers:

I have to agree. I have read enough posts on this and other forums about the poor quality of the Vararam filter (non- K&N) and those who I personally know who have the Vararam setup have complained a lot about the filter and the sealing quality of the setup. With these types of reports everywhere on the internet, and during discussions with owners the same issue is highlighted, I have decided to go with the TRAP when I upgrade this winter. I would love to be proved wrong, but a simple search on this forum will find numerous instances of people complaining about the filter not sealing properly. I have asked someone in my club who has the Vararam to conduct an oil analysis next change, this will help better understand how good the filter is working. Even though you state I don't have "first hand knowledge", I also don't see anyone posting any hard data to prove otherwise.
Well, all I'll say is this...everyone has their opinion and way too many people make their decisions based on that and that alone with independent research....I agree that negative reports will sway people and I've been just as guilty as the next person in that regards but to simply dismiss a product due to what others have said is silly!

I don't have any connections with HallTech or Vararam or any other vendor and I currently have both intakes sitting in my garage as we speak and if I had a vette to install one of 'em on, I'd be putting the Vararam right back on there, without even thinking twice about it.

There are issues and concerns with BOTH systems and having installed both personally, I can attest to that at length!

Vararam did have some issues with their filter and sealing that have been LONG corrected....the reason people "dismiss" the Vararam filter is because it doesn't look like everything else out there on the market. And after talking to Patrick about the design and their previous 1st hand work in the field, I trust that filter....now, if anyone comes to a different conclusion after talking to Patrick and seeing the filter, then so be it. But considering Vararam's level of customer service and experience in the business actually producing filters and intake systems, I know where I'm spending my money and making my recommendations :cheers:
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