Vararam Throttle Body Spacer
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Boca raton Florida
I put it on when I did my ported throttle body. I didnt notice any gains with either. It did make a cool whistling sound before I added my exhaust. My dyno tuner said it was good for maybe 1 HP or less but for $50 that aint so bad.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,891
Likes: 1
From: NJ..."the way I saw it, everyone takes a beating sometimes."
I have heard claims of 5-7rwhp from the TBS although I havn't seen any real tests. A dyno run can fluctuate 5-7rwhp from one pull to the next so it's hard to even compare. I don't think it's a bad mod to do if you're already taking the tb/intake off for porting or if adding a CAI. It's not an involved install. With this car you're not going to beat $50-60 for a mod "claiming" 5+rwhp.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Boca raton Florida
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: Louisville Kentucky
Do a search on this. There are a number of threads on it. My recollection is that the responses are about 60% for and 40% against. Very few people have tried this, so very few people know anything about it. Of course, the manufacturer thinks its a good idea and they have mentioned an independent test that got 6 peak HP.
The explanations for its function seem reasonable to me. When I get some time, I'll try to figure out how to make one of these fit with my FAST manifold/Calloway Honker combo. If I can make it fit, I'll put it on. Then I'll duly post here that I put it on and can't tell the difference. I will however, feel better knowing that I gave it a whirl. These little things like spacers, UD pulleys, porting the intake manifold, roller rockers don't add much individually but each one might add a little. Together, they might add a lot.
The explanations for its function seem reasonable to me. When I get some time, I'll try to figure out how to make one of these fit with my FAST manifold/Calloway Honker combo. If I can make it fit, I'll put it on. Then I'll duly post here that I put it on and can't tell the difference. I will however, feel better knowing that I gave it a whirl. These little things like spacers, UD pulleys, porting the intake manifold, roller rockers don't add much individually but each one might add a little. Together, they might add a lot.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 1
From: Vail, Arizona
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
Yes, Vararam will tell you that the spacer will gain 5hp or so on the dyno and it is proven. Although I don't dispute their claims, they will also tell you the theory here is that the spacer increases plenum volume. My experience is that when I try to 'shoehorn' the spacer into the system, the stock accordian coupler is compressed about an equal amount. And if it isn't equal, then there is an upward bend in the middle and it doesn't sit correctly. In my opinion, the increased plenum volume is minimal at best. I considered replacing the accordian with a smooth coupler. But again the overal length of the coupler would be shorter so the setup sits flat with the spacer installed. Since these attempts I have install a FAST intake manifold. I did not use the spacer on this setup either.
Did any of you with a Fast and a Vararam use the throttle body spacer??
Did any of you with a Fast and a Vararam use the throttle body spacer??
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 3
From: Buena Park CA
After I installed a VaraRam, I installed a rubber version of the spacer with no problem. Then, I later installed a FAST and had to remove the spacer because the FAST is more forward than the OEM intake; it essentially already has the spacer molded in the front, if you will. So I now have the rubber spacer used as a paperweight.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 6
From: Alpharetta GA
BEST MOD I HAVE EVER DONE! 
jk!
I have no clue if it really did much or not as i installed it with my vararam at the same time, but i figure if it doesnt hurt anything might as well install it. I doubt you will notice the diff but in the back of your mind you know your getting the most out of that intake.
jk!
I have no clue if it really did much or not as i installed it with my vararam at the same time, but i figure if it doesnt hurt anything might as well install it. I doubt you will notice the diff but in the back of your mind you know your getting the most out of that intake.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Yes, Vararam will tell you that the spacer will gain 5hp or so on the dyno and it is proven. Although I don't dispute their claims, they will also tell you the theory here is that the spacer increases plenum volume. My experience is that when I try to 'shoehorn' the spacer into the system, the stock accordian coupler is compressed about an equal amount. And if it isn't equal, then there is an upward bend in the middle and it doesn't sit correctly. In my opinion, the increased plenum volume is minimal at best. I considered replacing the accordian with a smooth coupler. But again the overal length of the coupler would be shorter so the setup sits flat with the spacer installed. Since these attempts I have install a FAST intake manifold. I did not use the spacer on this setup either.
Did any of you with a Fast and a Vararam use the throttle body spacer??
Did any of you with a Fast and a Vararam use the throttle body spacer??
compressing of the VR SPACER I changed the accordion out to a LGM
coupler. Looks & works great. Now Im getting ready for the fast. Check the pic.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 318
Likes: 6
From: Alpharetta GA
I had the same problem, and I suspect the next time i have to clean the filter its going to be a PIA to get it back on. Could you link me to a place where you got that coupler after the MAF? looks like its great quality
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 27
From: Southampton NJ
i got rid of both couplers and got two smooth black couplers at pep boys 15 bucks each with the clamps
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Maf Couplers.
$11.00. You have to put a hole in it but thats no big deal. Also like Denis said pep boys that will work too.
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Vararam Spacer
This month I installed a Vararam Intake on my 2007 C6 manual. I had the car dynoed with three base runs in the stock configuration and two tune runs with the intake installed. I picked up about 21 HP and 28 ft-lbs of torque.
Days later I received the Vararam spacer. We made another base run for reference and within 20 minutes, a pull with the Vararam Spacer installed. The dyno showed we picked up another 5 HP and 6 ft-lbs of torque. This device does work. And for the $60 or so dollars probably gives you as much as most Cat back muffler systems.
We did find one issue, however. A member of our Corvette Club, who previously had a Vararam Intake and Spacer installed, found that his stock accordion coupler would not fit properly. It was fully compressed and seemed to distort the assembly to the right. The folks at the dyno shop and I suspected my installation would have a similar problem, so we installed of our own set of couplers. With the custom couplers, the assembled Vararam spacer and air intake combination fit like a glove.
Days later I received the Vararam spacer. We made another base run for reference and within 20 minutes, a pull with the Vararam Spacer installed. The dyno showed we picked up another 5 HP and 6 ft-lbs of torque. This device does work. And for the $60 or so dollars probably gives you as much as most Cat back muffler systems.
We did find one issue, however. A member of our Corvette Club, who previously had a Vararam Intake and Spacer installed, found that his stock accordion coupler would not fit properly. It was fully compressed and seemed to distort the assembly to the right. The folks at the dyno shop and I suspected my installation would have a similar problem, so we installed of our own set of couplers. With the custom couplers, the assembled Vararam spacer and air intake combination fit like a glove.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
I installed mine about a week or so after I installed the Vararam CAI, didn't feel like doing it at the time.
I don't know that I gained anything really, I installed it because it was part of the package that I bought from Maryland Speed. I can't explain it and can't really find any other explanation, but my mileage seems to have increased in city driving. I haven't done anything else other than install the spacer and it seems as though I have gained a few mph - I can't explain it, maybe someone else can??
JR
I don't know that I gained anything really, I installed it because it was part of the package that I bought from Maryland Speed. I can't explain it and can't really find any other explanation, but my mileage seems to have increased in city driving. I haven't done anything else other than install the spacer and it seems as though I have gained a few mph - I can't explain it, maybe someone else can??
JR