Vararam Install tips/suggestions?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,985
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From: Not QUITE the armpit of Southern Maryland, but scary close...
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06
Vararam Install tips/suggestions?
Sometime between now and Carlisle, I will be installing my Vararam intake. I've seen a number of members here say they love the intake, but that the install directions aren't the most comprehensive (however, all I have heard say that have also said their customer service by phone is outstanding!). So, anybody got any tips or suggestions, or better yet, developed a set of nice, clear concise install directions?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Dave
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Dave
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
From: Edmond Ok
Originally Posted by GRAYT VERT
Sometime between now and Carlisle, I will be installing my Vararam intake. I've seen a number of members here say they love the intake, but that the install directions aren't the most comprehensive (however, all I have heard say that have also said their customer service by phone is outstanding!). So, anybody got any tips or suggestions, or better yet, developed a set of nice, clear concise install directions?
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Dave
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Dave
Kap
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 0
From: Just a little outside San Antonio, Texas
Love the Vararam performance but the install is a major PITA. Like KapUSMC said above, use a lift if you can get one. You have to go from the top to the bottom to the top, etc., etc.
Don't be afraid to pull the front brake duct tubing away from the intake and push them out of the way. I found this made removing the fog surrounds much, much easier. Just remember to put them back on!
They are just pressed into place (no clamps).
If you have some sort of powered socket set, you'll want to use that. I realized I'd left mine at home when I got my car up on the lift and had to do the entire install with a metric nut driver set. Thought my arms were going to fall off after the 2nd hour of this project.
I also suggest you have a friend available. There's no heavy lifting involved but when you are initially positioning the intakes to the front facia, you'll need someone to hold them in place for you.
Hope this helps.
Don't be afraid to pull the front brake duct tubing away from the intake and push them out of the way. I found this made removing the fog surrounds much, much easier. Just remember to put them back on!
They are just pressed into place (no clamps).If you have some sort of powered socket set, you'll want to use that. I realized I'd left mine at home when I got my car up on the lift and had to do the entire install with a metric nut driver set. Thought my arms were going to fall off after the 2nd hour of this project.
I also suggest you have a friend available. There's no heavy lifting involved but when you are initially positioning the intakes to the front facia, you'll need someone to hold them in place for you.
Hope this helps.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Windham NH
Yup it's a moderate biotch (depending on your tools/lift so on). I did mine entirely on Rhino ramps so you don't "need" a lift. 
It WOULD have made life easier. Anyhow... good tips so far. I also moved the brake ducts out of the way. Only other tips I can offer is that I used one (1) spacer on the intake ports. (When you remove the foglight shrouds and replace them you put in longer bolts and you have shims to use to get it to line up). I could never quite get it to line up 100% perfect with the foglights. Vararam told me that most 2001+ cars need two spacers instead of 1. I just have not had to heart to tear it all apart again until I do my H/C setup. 
Anyway... try starting with 2 spacers.
--Bill
It WOULD have made life easier. Anyhow... good tips so far. I also moved the brake ducts out of the way. Only other tips I can offer is that I used one (1) spacer on the intake ports. (When you remove the foglight shrouds and replace them you put in longer bolts and you have shims to use to get it to line up). I could never quite get it to line up 100% perfect with the foglights. Vararam told me that most 2001+ cars need two spacers instead of 1. I just have not had to heart to tear it all apart again until I do my H/C setup. Anyway... try starting with 2 spacers.
--Bill
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
From: Houston
Not to say that the install was as easy as changing a stock air filter but i didnt think it was all that hard. I have done 2 now the first one took right at 3hrs and my 04 only took 2. Oh and i did have a friend help both times and both times it didnt it with the car on the ground. Jus suck it up and go do it its not that bad
