I was wondering what you guys think about the filtering ability of the newer Vararam element? While the performance ability is pretty well documented, I don't remember seeing much info on the filteration aspect.

I removed the Vararam in preparation for grill screen install as well as some other intake mods. Casual inspection led to the question posed above.

I live in the Rocky Mountains and we have a lot of Tamarack or Western Larch evergreen type trees here. The unusual thing about them is that they lose their needles in the fall. My last good cruise for the season was through a heavily wooded area and I thought at the time that I would probably need to service the element soon, as those needles are light and were blowing around on the road.

Upon inspection, I found needles not only below the filter, but also above - right to the MAF sensor! I appears the MAF screen was just fine enough to stop further progress ( I hope). I started looking a lot closer at where the upper and lower sections of the air box join and sandwich the element between. Had the CAI in and out many times. Here is what I came up with...

At least on by box, (which is supposed to be the latest) I think the geometry is slightly off. Setting the assembled unit, in one piece, to meet the grill tabs on the scoop, then tightening the mounting bolts, the output end of the CAI addresses the airbridge at an odd angle. Sort of nose up. You can, however, get everything to mate up. But if you watch carefully, most of the "flex" in the system is coming from the joint between the upper and lower sections. Even though they used some pretty thick foam gaskets to try to get a good seal, by flexing the upper housing housing to meet airbridge, it allowed some of the needles to slip under that one edge. The mounting angle iron is slotted to provide some adjustment, but I just run out of travel before I can get square with the airbridge. On mine, the two small holes drilled in the lower section to attach the mounting angle are just set too low. I redrilled about 3/4" up, and that helps.

Another thing I noticed was that the rubber blocks that they use as spacers on the bottom section for the latch attachment were cut a little long on one end. When you mate the upper and latch down on it, the Upper would just butt up to the spacer rather than compress on the filter. By cutting a taper on that spacer block with a razor knife, it allows the sections to center and seal better.

The last thing, as far as geometry goes, was the diameter of the outlet. When you close the hood, at least on my car, there is a slight pressure on the outlet (actually on the silicone coupler) and the hoodliner. It made me wonder if that also was contributing to the mis-alignment below. I removed the plastic trim piece that covers the top of the radiator and couldn't help but notice that now the CAI exit and the throttle body are in almost perfect alignment. I intend to do roughly what Abomination did in his DIY airbridge replacement thread. Now, I won't have to deal with the dog-leg situation that the stock airbridge accounts for. I did re-use the radiator cap piece, but after some careful measuring and marking, cut it so the exit of the Vararam is actually resting right on the top of the rad. Picked up about 1/2".

Getting back to the original title of this thread, I think most of these Larch needles just got by the filter. I'm pretty well satisfied that I've dealt with the alignment problem that caused it. When looking over the filter itself though, it was apparent that may not be the only issue. There were quite a few needles that had speared almost through the element material. It's not possible for me to say how many or even if some actually made it through. It just got me thinking.

The needles are not really my concern. They drop late in the season and are probably avoidable to some extent. What does concern me is if something the size of a needle can get through, how does that speak for the capability of the filter on smaller particulate that you can't see? Has anyone seen data on the effectiveness of this element? I can't help but wonder if we wouldn't be better off with some type of a paper filter. I don't know if any existing elements might possibly physically match up. I think I'll do some digging.

It hasn't been my intention to bash Vararam. I can attest to the SOTP improvement. I do think there are some things that are kind of haphazard about the construction, but the design really does work! I'd sure be interested in what say you about the filteration.

Thanks in advance, Dick

 

Hmm, I don't think any filter would stop those flying little spears. Every been out in a wind storm and get peppered by pine neddles. It hurts and they have no problem penitating clothing.

The alingment issue is a problem but with a little work I think I have it correctly sealed. I would much rather have a positive latching system though that did not allow the flex the current system has.

 

I think thats nice work on your part hayseed 51 and this info should be pasted on directly to vararam. I to live out in the bush so to speak and will be checking my filter for this type of crap in the filter,I removed my maf screen completely as on of the other companies selling induction systems show this procedure in their install,less restiction yet.

 

Anybody know about this type of filter?

 

Can you post some pics?

 

 

Any filter should stop pine needles. I'm betting that the filter is not making a good seal with the body. I would definitely try to fix that. Sounds like a quality issue with Vararam. Do you have the old or the new version?

 

No can do on the pics - sorry. I believe the box is the updated one, so the filter should be the same as everbody else's. Green in color, marked made in EEC, I think p/n is 34169....

 

I had a similar problem with the Halltech filter. I removed it to do some testing and found some trash on the MAF screen. I decided to keep the stock filter on after that.

 

Hmmm. What kind of damage are you looking at if pine needles get sucked into a motor? IMO this is a legit concern to all the folks running Vararam's and why I decided it wasn't worth the risk.

Everyone with the vararam should inspect the MAF area, I'm guessing alot of people don't bother and just expect the filter to catch everything.

 

I've experienced the same problem you describe, the unit is being bent prying open the front seal. When I noticed this I also checked the MAF screen and it was clean. I also found the seal they used was not adhering too well and was shifting out of place. I repositioned it and put some racing tape around the outside to seal it for the time being until I find something better to make a new gasket.

Based on your findings, I think I will disconnect the bracket and see where it wants to align by itself. I'm hoping It'll settle in square on its own and I'll find another way of securing it.

I believe the TBS is making the unit too long and that's causing some of the stress. It may be possible to trim some of the intake opening off and alleviate some pressure (mine pushes against the stock grille).

As for your original question about the filter material itself, I found myself wondering about it too. It's less surface area than stock but expected to breath more... It must be less restrictive, yes? That's why I always liked the Blackwing concept, a larger filter equals less resistance without compromising filtering.

 

Hayseed, you are a life saver. When I installed the Vararam, I noticed that the alignment from the intake to the TB was about .75 inches too high, and the mass airflow sensor was hitting the hood liner when closed. Took your well-written solution and drilled new holes for the mounting bracket and notched the plastic trim piece that covers the radiator. After re-installation, everything lined up much better and there is adequate clearance above the hood liner. I also removed about a quarter of an inch from the rubber blocks on the filter housing and it closed much tighter. Good job!!
One more thing...Like they recommend, make sure you all re-tighten the 10mm bolts on the throttle body spacer. I drove around the block to see if I got any CELs and to warm it up and the bolts were just a little more than finger tight.

 

Yeah, in a way I feel fortunate that I took that drive and sucked up the needles. I don't think any lasting damage was done and it called my attention to the alignment situation. When I initially installed the VR, I took my time and thought I was doing a careful job - I think it took me 3 or 4 hours. I just can't help but think about all who posted that they zipped through install in 45 min. or something. I'm worried that you might be driving around, happy as a clam, unaware of a similar seating problem as I and others have. Granted, most of us don't subject our vettes to very dirty conditions, but it does add up.

C5 Pilot - I think you're right in that the spacer really aggravates the problem length-wise. ON my original install, I didn't even use the spacer, and it was tight. Just recently I replaced the stock airbridge and stuck the spacer in. Current airbridge is shorter than the original, but I think I may still need to trim 1/2" or so off the snorkle.

BC Bob -

Sure wish I could find out more about the filter itself..... Vararam?

 

I want to install the VaraRam, this is very concerning.

 

Here is where the link on VaraRam's web site takes you concerning the filter:

http://www.greenfilterusa.com/

 

BlackZ51 - Thanks an awful lot. I guess it was hidden right in plain sight I did visit the "Green filter" site. A nice infomercial for their product, but lacking in data. The filter does appear to be well made, and I will grant that it flows a lot of air. I think now I'll have a lot better chance of getting some solid info.

 

I purchased the Vararaam. Quality and sealing was questionable.

Sold it and went to the Honker. Excellent quality and sealing.

 

I guess I'll have to go out and inspect my install to see if I have any sealing issues.

 

can you or someone post a picture of this notched on the radiator cover? thanks

 

RH side. You can see the notch just below the red coupling.
LH side.
Alignment
Overall View.

I am still not happy with the alignment, but it is a lot better than before. Mass airflow sensor was interfering with hood closure.