Bought a Vararam - should I be afraid?
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 69
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From: Jefferson Hills PA
Bought a Vararam - should I be afraid?
I bought a Vararam for my new 2008 LS3/Z51. I was planning on cutting the shroud in place. Should I be afraid?
I'm pretty good mechanically but pretty nervous about the surgery. Tips and advice would be appreciated
I'm pretty good mechanically but pretty nervous about the surgery. Tips and advice would be appreciated
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,083
Likes: 3,869
From: Bonita Springs FL
Hi neighbor! Just noticed that you are in Jefferson. I live there also and just bought an 08 about a week ago. Been wrenching for many years as a hoby and have done just about everything. I'd be glad to give you a hand with the install, got tons of tools. I'm considering a Vararam and a tune myself. PM sent.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 17
From: Walnut Creek, CA
I'm in the same boat...I'm totally fine with doing bolt-ons to cars, but this cutting thing has me worried. That, and the directions for the shroud are quite vague. Is there a good writeup with pics on the net for the ls3 install with cutting??
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: OCEANSIDE CA
ok, learn from me. i made a hole in my condenser and had to pay a lot to get it fixed. but it was 100% my fault. here are the tips:
1. don't get frustrated.
2. take your time cutting the shroud with the blade.
3. control your hand and be focused at all times. don't think about a nice cold beer or a hot girl.
4. read this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&forum_id=101
you will do just fine. its very easy to install. just be careful with your "hand control" as you don't want to mess up the condenser.
1. don't get frustrated.
2. take your time cutting the shroud with the blade.
3. control your hand and be focused at all times. don't think about a nice cold beer or a hot girl.
4. read this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&forum_id=101
you will do just fine. its very easy to install. just be careful with your "hand control" as you don't want to mess up the condenser.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 17,373
Likes: 6
From: Chatsworth California
To help make sure you don't cut the condenser, put something, cardboard, etc between the shroud and the condenser. If you hit anything it won't be the condenser.
Last edited by danl72; May 16, 2008 at 10:19 PM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 357
Likes: 1
From: Sterling VA
ok, learn from me. i made a hole in my condenser and had to pay a lot to get it fixed. but it was 100% my fault. here are the tips:
1. don't get frustrated.
2. take your time cutting the shroud with the blade.
3. control your hand and be focused at all times. don't think about a nice cold beer or a hot girl.
4. read this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&forum_id=101
you will do just fine. its very easy to install. just be careful with your "hand control" as you don't want to mess up the condenser.
1. don't get frustrated.
2. take your time cutting the shroud with the blade.
3. control your hand and be focused at all times. don't think about a nice cold beer or a hot girl.
4. read this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&forum_id=101
you will do just fine. its very easy to install. just be careful with your "hand control" as you don't want to mess up the condenser.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 17
From: Walnut Creek, CA
ok, learn from me. i made a hole in my condenser and had to pay a lot to get it fixed. but it was 100% my fault. here are the tips:
1. don't get frustrated.
2. take your time cutting the shroud with the blade.
3. control your hand and be focused at all times. don't think about a nice cold beer or a hot girl.
4. read this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&forum_id=101
you will do just fine. its very easy to install. just be careful with your "hand control" as you don't want to mess up the condenser.
1. don't get frustrated.
2. take your time cutting the shroud with the blade.
3. control your hand and be focused at all times. don't think about a nice cold beer or a hot girl.
4. read this post http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...8&forum_id=101
you will do just fine. its very easy to install. just be careful with your "hand control" as you don't want to mess up the condenser.
any other links??? 
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
.... something a little more substantial such as a cut up liquor box cardboard, I'd suggest.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 17
From: Walnut Creek, CA
This might be a pita for you, so no worries if you can't, but if you want to click/save target as, and repost them, I know many of us would appreciate it!
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Don't use cardboard! Get something your razor knife won't punch through if you slip. A thin piece of plywood or plexiglass will work. Take your time. You'll need to trim several times. Cut the hole small and trim to fit. I put the whole unit together and kept laying it in the car until the fit was what I wanted.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Shroud is soft. Razor knife works fine. Cookie sheet is good as long as the knife won't punch thru if you slip. Take your time. You read stuff here on the forum by guys bragging how fast they did the install. Don't rush it that's how you screw up.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 17
From: Walnut Creek, CA
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: S. Jersey .............. Low 11sec club
St. Jude Donor '11
I went to Home Depot and bought a piece of large sheet metal for less than $5.00 before installing mine. I simply slipped it down over the condenser and had no issues. Just take your time. Remember check twice cut once. 