Vararam - Self Install - Help!!!!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Oxford CT
Vararam - Self Install - Help!!!!
I am not an auto mechanic...I am a computer guy 
I have loads of common sense and I can follow directions. I have read all of the posts on how to install the Vararam. I have read all of the pros & cons on cutting the shroud or buying a pre-cut shroud. I have hand tools, nothing fancy like an airgun, but all of the necessary tools for day to day life. I even have a 4-post lift in the garage...for storage.
Now the big questions...
Can I do the install by myself or should I pay someone to do it!?!?!?!
How long should it take???
Do I need any fancy tools?
Do I need special gasket sealers or special clamps or special anything???
Other then a hammer, screw drivers, a sharp knife, wrenches, a socket set and a board to protect the condenser do I need anything else????
I am mostly nervous around the "cutting of the shroud"!!
Any help / suggestions / warnings / watch outs / whatevers would be GREATLY appreciated.
Finally...I live in CT and if anyone wants to come over and help, I'll supply the food and beer...once the install is done
dan
I have loads of common sense and I can follow directions. I have read all of the posts on how to install the Vararam. I have read all of the pros & cons on cutting the shroud or buying a pre-cut shroud. I have hand tools, nothing fancy like an airgun, but all of the necessary tools for day to day life. I even have a 4-post lift in the garage...for storage.
Now the big questions...
Can I do the install by myself or should I pay someone to do it!?!?!?!
How long should it take???
Do I need any fancy tools?
Do I need special gasket sealers or special clamps or special anything???
Other then a hammer, screw drivers, a sharp knife, wrenches, a socket set and a board to protect the condenser do I need anything else????
I am mostly nervous around the "cutting of the shroud"!!
Any help / suggestions / warnings / watch outs / whatevers would be GREATLY appreciated.
Finally...I live in CT and if anyone wants to come over and help, I'll supply the food and beer...once the install is done
dan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 20
From: www.shockerracing.com
Dan, this is not a hard install. It will take some time and some patience though. If you take a look at my install write up it lists the tools you will need and step by step instructions. The number one thing I would warn about is protecting the AC Condensor which is located directly behind the radiator shroud with a piece of plywood or something. Also, start cutting the shroud and the top and finish at the bottom so that if you do slip off you are farther away from the Condensor. If you have any questions feel free to pm me. I have had a lot of people follow my install tips and they have said that it was a big help. Just take your time and be patient. A lot of guys have a tendancy to rush things and that is when problems occur!
http://www.shockerracing.com/phpBB2/...pic.php?t=1380
James
http://www.shockerracing.com/phpBB2/...pic.php?t=1380
James
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 35
From: Turlock CA
You have all the tools you'll need and only basic skills are required for install. However, I found that starting at the bottom with my cut and working up the sides allowed me to reach in behind the plastic and feel my way around as I finished the cut on the top where, as you can see in shocker's photos (e & f), you are closest to the condenser. I also removed a lower piece when cutting as there is no reason that the section come out in only one piece. This will allow you to see what you're doing.
I also found that I needed to move the template down to give more clearance for the hood and to get the mounting bolts to fit without stress. This may be due to my using the 1" throttle-body spacer or the fact that it is the newer model than shown in shocker's photos. I ended up cutting across the transistion line (photo d & e) just below (an inch or so) where the template is marked for cutting. My CAI intake is now flush with the bottom of the grill opening (photo g) and vertically fills to the top. My CAI does not have the external seam seen in photo g. The unit fits under the hood without touching.
--Dan
I also found that I needed to move the template down to give more clearance for the hood and to get the mounting bolts to fit without stress. This may be due to my using the 1" throttle-body spacer or the fact that it is the newer model than shown in shocker's photos. I ended up cutting across the transistion line (photo d & e) just below (an inch or so) where the template is marked for cutting. My CAI intake is now flush with the bottom of the grill opening (photo g) and vertically fills to the top. My CAI does not have the external seam seen in photo g. The unit fits under the hood without touching.
--Dan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Oxford CT
Thanks to everyone for all of your help so far.
As for the 1" throttle body spacer...since it is an optional piece, do I need it? Does it make a difference?
I also have the stock tune on the car but I will be getting a tune later in the year. What should I do in the mean time. I read that the engine will figure out it is getting more air but it takes time. Any hints???
dan
As for the 1" throttle body spacer...since it is an optional piece, do I need it? Does it make a difference?
I also have the stock tune on the car but I will be getting a tune later in the year. What should I do in the mean time. I read that the engine will figure out it is getting more air but it takes time. Any hints???
dan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 20
From: www.shockerracing.com
I ended up cutting across the transistion line (photo d & e) just below (an inch or so) where the template is marked for cutting. My CAI intake is now flush with the bottom of the grill opening (photo g) and vertically fills to the top. My CAI does not have the external seam seen in photo g. The unit fits under the hood without touching.
shocker has the best instructions on how to do the install. i used them for mine and had no problems whatsoever.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 35
From: Turlock CA
--Dan
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 20
From: www.shockerracing.com
No problem, I am always trying to keep the write-up up to date and add anything else in that may help someone! I thought maybe I had missed something, and I always appreciate people helping to make the instructions better. Glad they helped you!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Follow his instructions and you will not have any problems.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,949
Likes: 263
From: St. Louis, MO
St. Jude Donor '08
The key is to cut out the template on the dotted lines and place the template down over the bumps in the shroud as shown on my install thread (I also used Shocker's instructions and they are excellent). Then the template makes a proper hole.
See my pics on post 13 on my thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1434941
See my pics on post 13 on my thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1434941
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 20
From: www.shockerracing.com
Thanks to everyone for all of your help so far.
As for the 1" throttle body spacer...since it is an optional piece, do I need it? Does it make a difference?
I also have the stock tune on the car but I will be getting a tune later in the year. What should I do in the mean time. I read that the engine will figure out it is getting more air but it takes time. Any hints???
dan
As for the 1" throttle body spacer...since it is an optional piece, do I need it? Does it make a difference?
I also have the stock tune on the car but I will be getting a tune later in the year. What should I do in the mean time. I read that the engine will figure out it is getting more air but it takes time. Any hints???
dan
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,745
Likes: 35
From: Turlock CA
I missed this post earlier. The Spacer is not necessary, and I can't say whether it actually makes a difference. I would suggest that you only get it if you find a sale where someone is including it in the price. I personally wouldn't pay for it. As far as the tune goes it is not necessary, you are correct that the computer will straighten itself out with some time driving. Thats it, just bolt it on and give it some time to learn!
One note regarding installing the rubber spacer -- the kit includes four steel sleeves that need to be inserted into the bolt holes of the spacer prior to installation. The instruction sheet I received didn't mention them but newer kits may. These sleeves keep the bolts from tightening the spacer too much and deforming it and possibly causing an air leak. I centered the four sleeves (front to rear) to hopefully prevent uneven compression of the spacer as I tightened it. It has been problem free now for six months.
--Dan
Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,990
Likes: 1
From: Corpus Christi Texas
If you cut the shround in the car, use only a small portion of an exacto knife or box cutter. When you cut it out, keep the blade away from the car.....I dropped my knife onto the a/c condensor after I cut the hole. Ended up costing me quite a bit for my mistake. IMO though, the gains from the VR was well worth it. Night and day between my Halltech and VR. Good luck.