C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Feral Industries

Vararam Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 12:28 AM
  #1  
miccon's Avatar
miccon
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Port Arthur TX
Default Vararam Question

Ok, I just bought (from marylandspeed ) a vararam intake for my ls3, and I haven't installed it yet.

I know this a deadbeat topic, but I have been reading horror stories of vararam not sealing properly and sucking in dirt, grass, etc. So my question is, do the new vararam for the LS3 have been improved or people are still getting problems with the sealing and the quality of it?
If so, should I return it and get halltech?

My C6 is my daily driver, and I certainly would hate for an intake to ruin it

Thanks in advance for any advise.

Here's a pic of my ride

Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 02:36 AM
  #2  
jpee's Avatar
jpee
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
Default

I also have a Vararam for my 05 and after 6 mos the top 1/2 did warp, I contacted them, & I received a new revised version (much thicker plastic & much stiffer) it fit perfect, & I've never had any problems again..

If you just bought it my guess is you have the newer version and should be fine... its a great product... Stick with it you won't be sorry !!
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 03:02 AM
  #3  
miccon's Avatar
miccon
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Port Arthur TX
Default

Originally Posted by jpee
I also have a Vararam for my 05 and after 6 mos the top 1/2 did warp, I contacted them, & I received a new revised version (much thicker plastic & much stiffer) it fit perfect, & I've never had any problems again..

If you just bought it my guess is you have the newer version and should be fine... its a great product... Stick with it you won't be sorry !!
Thank you for you insight . Anybody else?
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 04:10 AM
  #4  
4SUMERZ's Avatar
4SUMERZ
Race Director
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 11,351
Likes: 2,445
From: Eastern
Default

I have an older model, and the 2 sided tape for the seals deteriorated over time, and the seals shifted, but some shoo glue have them in there to stay now. The seal is perfect. On the filter clean, the seals are easily checked. I think this CAI is a Cat's Meow.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 06:50 AM
  #5  
BlackZ51Vett's Avatar
BlackZ51Vett
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 1
From: Vail, Arizona
Default

I've had mine for a few years and over 40,000 miles. Except for reglueing the seals, mine has been trouble free.......
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 07:48 AM
  #6  
Boomer111's Avatar
Boomer111
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Default

The seals are a joke, deal with them. The upgraded thicker component is better but I still think the fit is sub par. I have one and makes good power but I am not really pleased with the quality of mfg. It is true cold air unlike others.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 01:06 PM
  #7  
okie08vette's Avatar
okie08vette
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,401
Likes: 52
From: Norman OK
Default Watching post

Just watching, I have a new Snake Charmer that I ordered going on this weekend on my 08 so am also intereted in what others have had happen.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 01:43 PM
  #8  
goatts's Avatar
goatts
Safety Car
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Default

Epoxy the seals so they don't move around. Keep an eye on it for warping. If it does, they will send you a new upper half. I had one on my C6 and it performs as advertised.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 02:04 PM
  #9  
rmedina's Avatar
rmedina
Pro
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 551
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio Texas
Default

There are a few (LS3) members here that are having problems with engine surging. It only seems to be with the vararam and vette-air. I believe it's just the LS3 that are reporting this problem.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 02:40 PM
  #10  
Mike Campbell's Avatar
Mike Campbell
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Veteran: Army
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 1,200
From: Ft. Myers FL
Default

I have a really old one...my car is 4 years old now.. however, other than
re-adjusting each time I clean the air filter each winter, it's been just fine. I never ordered or pestered Vararam to get any new parts. Perhaps, in today's climate of getting freebies from everywhere I should,but, I'm not unless I really need replacement.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 04:40 PM
  #11  
mongooseC6's Avatar
mongooseC6
Drifting
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,540
Likes: 4
From: N.E. GA
Default

I've had the Vararam installed for about a year and a half now. So far no problems at all and the Vette runs great.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 05:04 PM
  #12  
Vito.A's Avatar
Vito.A
Melting Slicks
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,307
Likes: 111
From: Tucson AZ
Default

Regardless if it is new or old style, when it sees any heat the seals will come unglued. You must take it apart to check this.
I did see another forum member that used sheet metal screws through the plastic into the filter element to control the warping.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 05:04 PM
  #13  
miccon's Avatar
miccon
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Port Arthur TX
Default

Originally Posted by okie76vette
Just watching, I have a new Snake Charmer that I ordered going on this weekend on my 08 so am also intereted in what others have had happen.
Here's some links with people talking about it:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...e-of-junk.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...aram-help.html
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 05:09 PM
  #14  
miccon's Avatar
miccon
Thread Starter
Intermediate
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Port Arthur TX
Default

Originally Posted by Vito.A
Regardless if it is new or old style, when it sees any heat the seals will come unglued. You must take it apart to check this.
I did see another forum member that used sheet metal screws through the plastic into the filter element to control the warping.
I live here in Texas, and it gets pretty hot. So warping would be my main issue and spending $400+ on an item that still needs to be modified for its poor quality is absurd.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 07:48 PM
  #15  
rmedina's Avatar
rmedina
Pro
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 551
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio Texas
Default

I slapped on a z06 intake and I'm happy with it. I have more of "growl" on WOT. The z06 intake is an exact fit with the LS3.
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2009 | 07:58 PM
  #16  
Boomer111's Avatar
Boomer111
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Default

The License plate interferes with the MAF sensor when it mounted directly in front of the snorkel. At least it did for me. True, at least for me, that Vararam addition caused some very minor surging and I was able to have it tuned out.

08 LS3
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2009 | 12:28 AM
  #17  
Neumonic2002's Avatar
Neumonic2002
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 29
From: STL MO
St. Jude Donor '09-'10
Default

I bought 1 several months ago and it fit together perfect, a friend of mine got one about a month ago and came over so we could both complete the install...I didn't like the way it went together so he contacted Vararam and they sent him another complete unit and it was a perfect fit.

I don't think there is a system out that does what it is supposed to better + I don't feel like the system is overpriced considering it is a true CAI.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2009 | 08:48 AM
  #18  
Boomer111's Avatar
Boomer111
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
Default

Originally Posted by Neumonic2002
I bought 1 several months ago and it fit together perfect, a friend of mine got one about a month ago and came over so we could both complete the install...I didn't like the way it went together so he contacted Vararam and they sent him another complete unit and it was a perfect fit.

I don't think there is a system out that does what it is supposed to better + I don't feel like the system is overpriced considering it is a true CAI.
Yes the customer service is great.
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2009 | 04:20 AM
  #19  
SubSolar's Avatar
SubSolar
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 320
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Default

Nice pic, reflecting like a mirror. Are your inside exhaust tips darker than your outside ones?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Vararam Question





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:24 PM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE