blackwing or vararam intakes
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: mukilteo WA
blackwing or vararam intakes
Which one would you choose? If you have the blackwing would you chande? The same question goes for the vararam intakes, any other opinions about this are welcomed. thanks
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,292
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From: Hockessin Delaware
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (sjk103098)
Blackwing is almost half the cost and will provide 90% of the gains. IMO, the BW is a better choice unless you are looking for absolute max performance and cost is a secondary factor.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,743
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From: Davie Florida
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (sjk103098)
Which one would you choose? If you have the blackwing would you chande? The same question goes for the vararam intakes, any other opinions about this are welcomed. thanks
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: houston texas
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (LT1LS1)
i'm running the vortex ram air now, but i will install the vararam first of the year, for what i have seen at the track and heard its the best.............. :yesnod: :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,298
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From: Tyler TX
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (MC TORCH RED)
i'm running the vortex ram air now, but i will install the vararam first of the year, for what i have seen at the track and heard its the best.............. :yesnod: :cheers:
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Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (sjk103098)
I've got the Blackwing and am very happy with it. At half the price, I doubt that I would change. However, if I were given the opportunity to try a Vararam free of charge, I would certainly do it just to see if there is a difference.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 872
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From: Tucson AZ
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (JDs00PewterCoupe)
I've got the Blackwing and am very happy with it. At half the price, I doubt that I would change. However, if I were given the opportunity to try a Vararam free of charge, I would certainly do it just to see if there is a difference.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 306
From: Long Island, NY
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (sjk103098)
I have the Vara-ram widemouth and love it. Here is a link to my before and after dyno runs. http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=615791
[Modified by LANZ06, 8:00 AM 12/24/2003]
[Modified by LANZ06, 8:00 AM 12/24/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 23,283
Likes: 906
From: Lake Elsinore, CA
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (DsC5)
Blackwing is almost half the cost and will provide 90% of the gains. IMO, the BW is a better choice unless you are looking for absolute max performance and cost is a secondary factor.
My 2 cents.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,324
Likes: 0
From: central NJ
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (sjk103098)
I wouldnt count out the vortex, the price is right there with the black wing and it is a true cold air intake. As far as this topic goes though :banghead:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,737
Likes: 2
From: California USA
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (sjk103098)
After testing several airboxes (2 of which you listed) and datalogging them, I came to several conclusions.
1. Aftermarket airboxes all flow about the same
2. Aftermarket airboxes increase hp by leaning the engine. The lean condition is not corrected by the pcm.
3. Aftermarket airboxes corrupt airflow through the mass air sensor.
4. All require tuning to work right.
In summary, consider a basic design like the Blackwing or new Halltech shorty and buy one of the editing programs to correct any problems it causes.
:chevy
[Modified by 427CPE, 1:15 PM 12/24/2003]
1. Aftermarket airboxes all flow about the same
2. Aftermarket airboxes increase hp by leaning the engine. The lean condition is not corrected by the pcm.
3. Aftermarket airboxes corrupt airflow through the mass air sensor.
4. All require tuning to work right.
In summary, consider a basic design like the Blackwing or new Halltech shorty and buy one of the editing programs to correct any problems it causes.
:chevy
[Modified by 427CPE, 1:15 PM 12/24/2003]
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
From: ********************* Florida's Space Coast *********************
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (C5JONNY)
I have the BW right now and will be installing the Vararam this weekend. I wanted that little edge in performance, and I NEVER drive in the rain so the "hydro-lock" is not an issue; if this event has ever been documented with the Vararam.
The BW is a Top Quality filter. It looks OEM (which it should have been) and is easy to install. The down side is it is able to draw warm air into it from the engine, just like a Halltech TRAP will. Both of these intakes pull air from under the hood and front scoops.
The Vararam is a "bit" on the cheesey side as far as overall quality goes, but as far as performance goes, it draws "cooler" air from outside the engine compartment giving it a big plus IMHO. I don't believe in ram air at the speeds our cars go, but any help there may be is another plus.
Either way you go is an improvement, it just depends on what you are looking for. If you want a good deal on a BW with 1200 miles on it with a cleaning kit, let me know. I will be listing it Saturday!
Best of luck!
The BW is a Top Quality filter. It looks OEM (which it should have been) and is easy to install. The down side is it is able to draw warm air into it from the engine, just like a Halltech TRAP will. Both of these intakes pull air from under the hood and front scoops.
The Vararam is a "bit" on the cheesey side as far as overall quality goes, but as far as performance goes, it draws "cooler" air from outside the engine compartment giving it a big plus IMHO. I don't believe in ram air at the speeds our cars go, but any help there may be is another plus.
Either way you go is an improvement, it just depends on what you are looking for. If you want a good deal on a BW with 1200 miles on it with a cleaning kit, let me know. I will be listing it Saturday!
Best of luck!
Racer
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: San Angelo Texas
Re: blackwing or vararam intakes (Airwolf)
Nobody I know has had any problems with hydro-lock with the vararam. Not saying that it hasn't happened to anyone...but as long as you avoid rivers in the street you will be OK. :yesnod:
