First, let me say that after reading the horror stories, I don't see what the fuss is about. This was a VERY simple install, if you've ever worked on cars before. If not for cutting the shroud, I could have done this in half an hour.

My advice for cutting the shroud is to use a brand new, very sharp box cutter, and lock it so that it's only up half an inch or so. Go slow, I did slip once and hit my finger (very minor cut, but it could have been worse).

BTW, I did have my brother around and needed his extra hands a couple times, so if you have a friend who can help, it will make things a bit more simple.


Now to the test drive. Throttle response is DEFINITELY better. This is not in my head. Clear as day that the rpms climb more easily. This also makes the car "feel" a bit faster. I'm sure it is, but it doesnt necessarily throw me back in my seat any harder, it just feels like the car is working more efficiently, as again, I'm sure it is. I didnt have the chance to really pull from 3rd or 4th gear, as there is a lot of traffic out right now, but I did seem to notice a stronger pull at half throttle in 5th gear at about 60mph, which normally is a spot that is not going to blow anyone away.

I'll probably get the car dyno'ed soon before I add exhaust/tune, so we'll see what kinda power the LS3 w/Vararam is making

 

Did you use the TB spacer?

 

That's good news.

 

A dremel tool works good also.

 

Yes, why?

 

My tuner said it makes more power without, but I have a hard time believing that. I told him to use it anyway when it was installed.

 

Whether he did or not, I strongly recommend them, & a lot of people selling the VR will throw them in.

 

Wise move, although I'm very puzzled w/ tuner's recs. What was rationale?

 

Nice write up/report.

Vararam =

 

He really didn't give me an explanation, I was very puzzled, too. No way I was leaving it out!

 

I had the Vararam installed on my 08 and had it tuned and was not very pleased with the results. I could not tell or fell any difference!
I got 10 rwhp and 15 rwtq with the mod and custom tune from LG.

 

Did you do a before and after type test at the drag strip (not just on a dyno) in similar air conditions?
It's also been said that it might be best to drive around with the Vararam on the car for a few hundred miles before testing it as well.

 

Good news!

 

Also, the vararams gains are not shown on a dyno, as it gets it's major gains while the cars in motion.

 

I got on the freeway today, and found myself in a long line of cars in the onramp...looked back and saw NO traffic in the left 3 lanes, so I left it in 2nd, bounced to the outside and got on it...within seconds I was doing 90, so I let out and looked in the rearview, only to see that the civic Si that had been in front of me was now WAYYYYYY back

This car runs like a champ.

 

I'm pro Vararam also.

 

 

That's great, isn't it? I did something similar the other day on the 91 freeway. I was ignoring one of those bug-looking Nissan's with 300HP that was nipping at my *** at about 75 MPH. He passed me on the right and quickly pulled in front of me. Luckily there wasn't much traffic, so I tromped it and went around him on the right also and pulled in front of him. By that time my speedo said about 120 MPH...like you, it was only four or five seconds; yea, stupid I know, but OMG that was fun! He stayed behind me after that even after I slowed back to 75. I'll tell ya, that VaraRam really kicks the engine above 50 MPH, I love that! I also have the spacer installed, and with a FAST manifold.

 

I am very happy with my Vararam. Would like to hear the rationale behind the not using the spacer as well.