I have not studied the two systems in depth, but the scoop on the Vararam appears to be designed incorrectly for true ram air. Any ram air theory I have seen has shown that to increase pressure in the airbox you need a ram air duct that increases volume through its entire length. By having a large scoop that gets smaller in volume you increase velocity and decrease pressure. All of the well designed ram air systems on motorcycles follow these principles, and they show increased pressure and performance gains, but nothing much until you get over 100mph, and most at speeds much greater than that.

That all being said, it appears that both of these systems have comparable performance in the real world.

 

Sorry but read further into his other post that he had tested only the Vortex over a cold air filter kit he had. That being said the Vortex did play a major role in his times, 2 tenths quicker. the next closest I have heard of is a Vararam 08 with same mods only doing 11.55
Quote:

Just came back from Moroso drag strip....Hot muggy night. Just took off my OEM air intake and my Vetteair. My car is a 08 LS3, A6 with melrose headers, SLP cat back and a Mike Norris tune. Just added the the BPP Vortex and beat my best previous time by .2 and ran a higher top speed. New best for my car 11.9 @118mph. Previous best 12.1 @ 116mph. Similiar race conditions (DA 2500). Can't wait for some cooler conditions. Car was not retuned after the Vortex was installed. I think that extra air from the Vortex helped me achieve this improvement.

http://www.breathlessperformance.com...stimonials.asp

Ernie
www.BreathlessPerformance.com

 

check the installation manual.

 

My biased opinion is the Vararam Snake Charmer, I can tell you that you can tell by the seat of your pants that there is a difference in performance.

 

The 2 systems are not that far apart but we do feel that we have the edge.

Ernie
www.BreathlessPerformance.com

 

If they are so simular, which is the best price?

 

Good point - I am considering a Vararam, because it seems like at near equivalent performance and public opinion, it is less expensive... However I have a concern; does the vararam - with its big scoop-like element in front of the radiator - deprive the radiator from air and decrease the cooling efficiency of the all system ?
Has anyone seen data or made measurements?

 

the air comes from under and is deflected up threw the rad i have the vr and an extra trans cooler and notice no extra heat also it comes threw the grill to

 

If you are installing the CAI on a LS3 or a ZO6 the BPP Vortex is less expensive. If you are installing on a LS2 their pretty close in price depending on the dealer selling you the Vararam. The quality of the Vortex system is superior. The carbon fiber Air bridge and the large air box(clear or Carbon fiber) is also (subjective) sexier. Don't just look at the initial price--- look at the cost longterm. By the way, I've owned both. I chose the BPP Vortex even though its not as common or well known as the Vararam. The Vararam is distributed through many dealers who add their mark-up to the price. If you have the chance--- put both of them side by side and compare. I did! By the way, I'm the guy that just turned the 11.44@119mph. I'm not trying to defend these times or compare the LS2 with the LS3. The 11.44 is the fastest LS3 at this time and I'm sure there will be many faster ones in the future. All I can say is it worked for me. Which ever one you choose....I wish you the best.

 

That's funny!

 

i thought it was built for people to race

 

not sure whats funny about it, it has overheated on the racecourse. Vararam apparently wants to ignore that fact. If you just want something to drag race with get the VR. Personally, I don't buy a corvette to drag race.

 

My car will NOT overheat from the Vararam. Not worried in the least!Totally rediclous! That's whats funny!

 

I've driven the **** out of my car in the canyons and duplicated track like conditions. I've had no overheating issues with my VR, and highly recommend it!!

JB

 

hmm, you know that for a fact. Talk to the guy that actually road races and has his car overheating. I'd buy a vararam in a heartbeat but the answer I got from vararam over the overheating was certainly not inspiring.

 

I can tell you that a lot of our customers not only drag race but also road race there cars at local NASA events with no issue with the Vortex system. Actually we started out racing on the world challenge cars.

Thank you for the compliment on the quality of our unit. Again we try to go the extra mile to produce a quality produce at a higher standard. We are not always the cheapest (485.00 for C6) but you do get what you pay for.

Ernie
www.BreathlessPerformance.com
954-925-7725

 

Thanks!

 

Where is the proven fact you are referring to?

I think the problem people have with your allegation is "THE guy". You'd be better off stating a specific individual or thread, otherwise it sounds more like a rumor. I haven't heard of any CAI causing overheating problems, and if there was, with the nature of this board, I think a problem such as that would be so wide spread and reported, there would be multiple instance of such a condition and very easy to find specific references to. If it is a single person with a unique problem, it is not indicative of a product's shortcoming, especially if there are other factors involved that could cause it.

I have a friend that had his rear end casing fail and blow apart. He just happens to have a Vortex. Did the extra HP from the Vortex cause it's failure? No. He also ran too hot after he had the Vortex installed...even with his 160 thermostat. Was it the Vortex? No, his fan settings were wrong due to his tune. Would it be fair to blame Vortex? No.

Ernie and the guys at Breathless are proud of their product (as they should be, it is a great unit), just as Steve and the guys at Vararam are proud of theirs. I think anyone can look at the merits of each and make a great choice from them based on comparisons, their personal preferences and goals, especially if they use facts and not just rumors.

Ask any of the guys out in places like Vegas and Texas running CAIs...I haven't seen many (if any) overheating problems with C6's at all, never mind due to a CAI.

 

Running Vararam here in the Las Vegas heat, best Mod I made especially
now with Chuck COW's AWESOME tune that includes specific fan settings.
No over heating issues so far.

 

OK - that's a great debate; thanks everyone to share their (hopefully unbiased) experience, and it seems like there is an agreement for sure: CAI are worth it. Which one makes more sense to install, still the question remains... A few criteria to consider:

- Price: Vortex $485, Var $399 (or better) for C6 LS2
- Overheating issues: only rumors - no measurements, a few conflicting opinions
- Performance: no true side by side comparison; both seems to shave 0.4 sec or more on the 1/4 miles; pretty good
- Reliability/durability: no concern reported, but little data (still a "yound product" for C6)
- Ease of installation: no comparative data - I would guess pretty close
- Ease of maintenance: no comparative data - I would guess pretty close
- Fuel economy impact ??? anybody knows?

any other criterium(a) to consider?