Vararam Installation????
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: MD
Vararam Installation????
Anybody have pics of their step by step install. I cannot remove the plastic baffle between the radiator/condenser and the OEM intake.
Show me what you can. Many thanks in advance.
Show me what you can. Many thanks in advance.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Okauchee Wisconsin
msh1862,
I installed a Vararam on my 07 A6 last week-end. I used instructions
from a place called Shocker Racing that I thought were pretty good.
http://www.shockerracing.com/forum/v....php?f=11&t=65
I'm not sure what the plastic baffle is that you are referring to. Is it the shroud, which needs to be cut? I used a boxcutter to cut mine out with it left in place. I had the razor out to the first notch only so that it did not reach to the condenser. I did end up cutting out more at the bottom (front) than what it appeared the template showed. It ended up taking me about 2 hours.
I installed a Vararam on my 07 A6 last week-end. I used instructions
from a place called Shocker Racing that I thought were pretty good.
http://www.shockerracing.com/forum/v....php?f=11&t=65
I'm not sure what the plastic baffle is that you are referring to. Is it the shroud, which needs to be cut? I used a boxcutter to cut mine out with it left in place. I had the razor out to the first notch only so that it did not reach to the condenser. I did end up cutting out more at the bottom (front) than what it appeared the template showed. It ended up taking me about 2 hours.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 812
Likes: 20
From: www.shockerracing.com
Sorry that I have not yet updated my pictures since I redid my website but feel free to PM me with any questions! I am always glad to help. You shouldn't need to remove that shroud unless you bought a precut shroud.
Aquaman, thanks for posting up my write-up!
Aquaman, thanks for posting up my write-up!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: MD
Thanx for the site and the tips. I thought it would be more exact to cut the plastic baffle in front of the Condenser/radiator if it were out of the car. Site says no. One site showed a propane torch. Little scary with an aluminum coil.
Will update and asked as needed.
Will update and asked as needed.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
msh1862,
I installed a Vararam on my 07 A6 last week-end. I used instructions
from a place called Shocker Racing that I thought were pretty good.
http://www.shockerracing.com/forum/v....php?f=11&t=65
I'm not sure what the plastic baffle is that you are referring to. Is it the shroud, which needs to be cut? I used a boxcutter to cut mine out with it left in place. I had the razor out to the first notch only so that it did not reach to the condenser. I did end up cutting out more at the bottom (front) than what it appeared the template showed. It ended up taking me about 2 hours.
I installed a Vararam on my 07 A6 last week-end. I used instructions
from a place called Shocker Racing that I thought were pretty good.
http://www.shockerracing.com/forum/v....php?f=11&t=65
I'm not sure what the plastic baffle is that you are referring to. Is it the shroud, which needs to be cut? I used a boxcutter to cut mine out with it left in place. I had the razor out to the first notch only so that it did not reach to the condenser. I did end up cutting out more at the bottom (front) than what it appeared the template showed. It ended up taking me about 2 hours.
I wish I'd seen those instructions before I installed mine. What a fight. I agree the template was incorrect along with real poor photos and incomplete instructions. Be careful to clean everything before installing, so you don't ingest crap.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
I hope your install has gone well, I installed mine two weeks ago - what a pain in the A$$ removing the shroud was. I saw in the instructions that I could have left it in place but opted to fight with it to remove it.
What I really did/do not like about the Vararam is the flimsy rubber connectors that hold the unit together; I caught hell getting them in place the first time, then they kept coming off when on the car. That design definitely needs to be reconsidered.
JR
What I really did/do not like about the Vararam is the flimsy rubber connectors that hold the unit together; I caught hell getting them in place the first time, then they kept coming off when on the car. That design definitely needs to be reconsidered.
JR
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,325
Likes: 0
From: You can't get there from here NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Find Cajundudes install instructions.They are very detailed, and have alot of photos. If you look at them carefully, and take your time, it will work out fine. 
Be sure to jack up the car correctly to gain access to the underside, and if you have a K&N filter that comes with it, be sure to check to see if it must get oiled before it's installed. Also, from my own experience, you should seriously think about getting ZO6 screens to prevent anything from clogging up the intake. IMPO they are required for this intake. Forget the 
about hydrolock, this is just to make sure paper or other stuff doesn't get sucked in because this WILL cause your car to run badly. Also, get a tune with it. Yes, it will work OK without a tune if you just drive it like the instructions say, but a good tune will make a huge difference. Ask me how I know.Enjoy.
Be sure to jack up the car correctly to gain access to the underside, and if you have a K&N filter that comes with it, be sure to check to see if it must get oiled before it's installed. Also, from my own experience, you should seriously think about getting ZO6 screens to prevent anything from clogging up the intake. IMPO they are required for this intake. Forget the about hydrolock, this is just to make sure paper or other stuff doesn't get sucked in because this WILL cause your car to run badly. Also, get a tune with it. Yes, it will work OK without a tune if you just drive it like the instructions say, but a good tune will make a huge difference. Ask me how I know.Enjoy.
Lifetime NCM Member #2497
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,366
Likes: 45
From: Indiana
Cruise-In 9-10-11-12 Veteran
I hope your install has gone well, I installed mine two weeks ago - what a pain in the A$$ removing the shroud was. I saw in the instructions that I could have left it in place but opted to fight with it to remove it.
What I really did/do not like about the Vararam is the flimsy rubber connectors that hold the unit together; I caught hell getting them in place the first time, then they kept coming off when on the car. That design definitely needs to be reconsidered.
JR
What I really did/do not like about the Vararam is the flimsy rubber connectors that hold the unit together; I caught hell getting them in place the first time, then they kept coming off when on the car. That design definitely needs to be reconsidered.
JR
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,108
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I've temporarily duct taped my upper half to the lower. The clamps were attached so far out of line that I couldn't even stretch them far enough to fit. I removed the clamps completely as they would have required the shroud to be cut even larger.
I won't have an opportunity to revise the clamp method soon, but will post photos when it's finished.
I noticed you didn't install the spacer either. It certainly would not have fit on mine. Was that your reason too?
I won't have an opportunity to revise the clamp method soon, but will post photos when it's finished.
I noticed you didn't install the spacer either. It certainly would not have fit on mine. Was that your reason too?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
What a pain in the a** to install. I ordered their pre-cut shroud, so I could save mine, but boy, was that a mistake. 4 hours later, and I finally have the old shroud out, and the new shroud setting in place. Had to trim the new shroud in multiple places to finally get it to fit. It's designed to go in before the front body work goes on, I guess.
Also instructions really suck. You would think they could come up with something better than that. I don't think they've ever installed one of these using their instructions. It might be a good idea for them to do just that.
My hands and arms also look like I've been trying to give the damn cat a bath. I'm bleeding from more places than I care to count. My wife also got a big kick from all the colorful language coming from the garage. She even asked me to tone it down so I wouldn't offend the neighbors.
Anyway, tonight I get to finish what I started yesterday afternoon. Getting all the fasteners in place, and getting the actual intake on and connected to the throttle body, and a quick shake down run.
BTW, this is on a 07 A6. Kinda makes those CAI's that advertise no cutting and 10 minute installs look a lot better.
Also instructions really suck. You would think they could come up with something better than that. I don't think they've ever installed one of these using their instructions. It might be a good idea for them to do just that.
My hands and arms also look like I've been trying to give the damn cat a bath. I'm bleeding from more places than I care to count. My wife also got a big kick from all the colorful language coming from the garage. She even asked me to tone it down so I wouldn't offend the neighbors.
Anyway, tonight I get to finish what I started yesterday afternoon. Getting all the fasteners in place, and getting the actual intake on and connected to the throttle body, and a quick shake down run.
BTW, this is on a 07 A6. Kinda makes those CAI's that advertise no cutting and 10 minute installs look a lot better.
Last edited by Jim Johnson; Apr 15, 2008 at 08:10 AM. Reason: add info.
