DarthStimpy

I took my Vararam off to check and clean the filter...
It's a 1 year old install.
this is what I found, the MAF screen was filled with small sticks and leaves:











I called Vararam and they are sending me a new Gasket set, but I still find this completely unacceptable.

AORoads

Didn't I just read that there's some kind of a new and improved big fix just within the last few days?

iridelow

Mine looked the same way!, but when I pulled out the filter, I noticed it was doing the job right!, no dirt or grime got through to the other side. You just have to make sure you clean it well, and fix the gasket when you put the filter back in.

cthusker

Geezzzzzzzzz that's ugly!! Perhaps this is an unfair observation but it just appears to me cheaply made considering the cost. I'm aware that it works well but it's just not built to my standards.... Seems like ait could be made better for the money involved.....

MARSC6

When I had a vararam the same thing happened. The adhesive on the gasket does not hold up. I used a superglue to secure the gasket and that solved the problem.

Hot Rod Todd

The seal that really counts is the one between the filter and the upper section. If you had debris in the MAF screen that would indicate it was not sealing. I am not impressed with the seal system in my Vararam either. Looks like I need to look at it again to make sure it did not move out of place.

6Speeder

Could be worse. Without that seal you probably wouldn't hydrolock the engine, as some have done with this intake.

not08crmanymore

I've had them like that too.Re glue it or in your case install the newe one.

spinedoc77

+1 Been there, done that with the Vararam and my old C5.

JRHAWK9

Before I installed my updated version I did my own modifications to it before I installed it to ASSURE the top and bottom pieces sealed tight and the filter housing wouldn't allow any unfiltered air through. I just wasn't comfortable with how it was attached with just two rubber latches....yeah, I'm a bit **** I took 4 - 3" long thin (#8) machine screws/lock nuts and made studs that went through the upper and lower pieces as well as the filter (the Green filter already has notches through half of it, so I just used a small file and continued those notches through the whole width of the filter). I took some thin 1/8" thick aluminum strips (to disperse the load) with lock nuts to hold the filter in place and then attached the lower unit with aluminum strips (to disperse the load, as the lower piece in made out of thinner plastic than the upper). I then snugged up the nuts which compressed the whole filter box assembly, making it essentially one piece. I applied some silicon grease to the rubber filter seals, which actually seals on two sides of the filter instead of just a single side. The thing is not going anywhere now and is sealed tighter than Fort Knox.

Was it necessary, who knows, but I am sleeping better at night because of it.

USAF-Vette

My advice, DUMP IT and do it NOW!

While the VR intakes are awesome at power, their quality seems to be very poor. From my research on this forum, you are the latest victim of either hydrolock or poor filtering/sealing.

Between power and filtration, I choose filtration. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do a used oil analysis. You can do a search on google for oil analysis or you can go to Blackstone Labs, which is who I use. It'll cost you ~$22 and all the instructions are on their website.
You will be horrfied at the carnage you've likely done to your internals (pistons, bearings, cam, crank, etc.)

I can help you with the analysis. I wouldn't even drive the car. If you need help, just PM.

Rick

USAF-Vette

Yes, the filter may be doing it's job fine, but if it isn't sealed all the way around to the housing, then it defeats the purpose of the filter.

Guys, I can not stress how important it is to have clean air only going into the engine. It is the # 3 engine killer after oil and water.

This is almost too much to stomach.

USAF-Vette

Here are a few samples of used oil analysis. Read through it and learn. It is actually, if interpreted correctly, an excellent engine life indicator AND tuning aid.
Excessive fuel in the oil means among other things, extremely rich mixture or mechanical problems.


http://www.blackstone-labs.com/gas_engines.html

Jimmy G.

Note to self:

Do not install one of those on my 'Vette.

Land_Jet

The VR has had issues since it was introduced. I didn't put one on my C5 and I sure as hell won't put one on my C6. I recommend anyone that cares about their engine do the same.

VET4LES

That's why I removed my CAI. It's not worth it in the long run.

JRHAWK9

it's all about the installation. If you just throw it on without using an ounce of common sense, you will have issues down the road. IMO, these are not something that you can just throw on and expect to just forget about. They do require maintenance. I also believe that if they were all modified with how I modified mine there would be none of the issues we are seeing. I believe the two halves are pivoting at the connection point in some of the installs which is causing some of the issues.

I have also done oil analysis in the past on my Firehawk and know the importance of properly filtered air. If I was at all concerned with how my VR is sealing I wouldn't have installed it. My only concern is how well the Green filters actual filter, as cotton gauze types of filters (K&N, Green, etc) are not known to be the best filter media.

Finster07

I would love to see some pictures of what you did.

Personally, I reinforced my gaskets with RTV and I inspect them every 1500 miles and change the filter. I have 2 filters so I can swap out the dirty with the clean in 20 minutes. 18000 mile later it still seals well. Rain and deep water however are still a concern.

mono

So-ooo... I should NOT install my new VaraRam Gen 2? I ordered the complete kit with shroud and spacer. Was to be installed on a '06 LS2 tomorrow.

USAF-Vette

Have you done a used oil analysis on the Crovette to make sure no dirt is getting past?

These intakes are badly flawed. I just hope our pride doesn't get the better of us. Intakes don't require any maintenance, other than filter replacement. They are pretty much and "set and forget" deal.

BTW, I should have my Airaid system (230-250) home today or tomorrow. Very excited.