OK, I was all excited as Le UPS dood delivered my newly ordered Vararam today. After waiting all afternoon, I finally get home and promptly proceed to unpack the contents and consume the instructions!

Only I find that it appears the instructions are incomplete. Not just minimal, as many a forum member can attest to.... but seemingly incomplete!

The last step I have is #10 (Installing the Throttle Body Spacer), which ends with "Tighten cross corner and evenly. Install the supplied tapered cut silicone house back to the"

That's it. And when I flip to the next page, the instructions say:

"Congratulations you have completed the installation!"

"Hmmm..." I sez to myself, "I done suspect sumtin' iz missing!"

In response to this (and the instructions in general) I have a few questions:

1) can anyone please post or send me a PM with the missing instructions? If so, you are definitely:

2) The instruction manual on the front says "2006-2007 Corvette Z06 VR-SC1 Intake System". My Vette is an '08 MN6 LS3 (non Z06 and non Z51). I *believe* this is the right kit, but it sure isn't reassuring that the manual lists different years and a different car model... hrrm....

3) Lastly, step 6 (Shroud Cutting) implies that I should first cut out the paper template (kind of an anvil shape) and, after placing it on the shroud, score its outline and then cut out the entire scored section. I would just like to confirm that the scored area (in the rough shape of an anvil) is to be permanently cut from the shroud!!! Please verify this if you can - it isn't self evident that that much material needs to be removed from the shroud and so I'd really appreciate to hear the wise feedback from those who've done this before....

Thanks moocho my Vette-loving friends!

Andork

 

It's been awhile since I installed mine but I taped the template on and then cut the shroud with a box cutter. I set the blade as short as possible to keep from cutting the condenser. Be careful because a lot of guys have ended up with a $1200 bill to replace the condenser.

 

On a separate but related note, unless you want to be chasing a mysterious vacuum leak at some point down the road, I would suggest that you do not install the throttle body spacer.

Here's my post on it from a few weeks ago:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=2039662

 

I have the spacer on mine with no problems.

 

You have the same incomplete instructions that everyone else has.

It seems that the instructions were written for the '06-'07 Z06 and no one bothered to update them for the LS3.

I can't believe that a company that produces such a good performing product and supposedly good customer support, continues to do such a poor job in every other aspect.

Be sure to clean any polishing compound out of the MAF housing and any rubber dust/shavings out of the hoses before final assembly, so you don't suck that crap in the engine.

As far as cutting the shroud, all I can say is cut smaller than the template and then continue to trim to fit. If you match the template exactly, you'll have some gaps and some areas that are too tight and will need trimmed anyway.

I wouldn't even try that spacer. It might work on the LS2 or Z06, but too many people have had problems on the LS3 to take that chance. It also has hose issues and moves the whole assembly too far forward to fit properly without additional modifications.

You might also use some glue on the gaskets that seal off the air filter. After the second or third time you clean the filter, the gaskets start to come loose.

Those are the major problems and advice I can offer. I'm sure you can handle the other stuff yourself.

When you get all done, go for a spirited 50+ mile drive to let the computer learn the new a/f requirements.

The saving grace to all the hassle is the smile you'll have at WOT.
Best of luck.

 

Here is my write up, with pics on how I taped the template on my shroud, marked around it with a silver sharpie, and cut it out.

Like Maui, I set the blade on my box cutter as short as possible to keep from cutting the condensor, it's pretty close to the shroud up top. Some folks put a piece of masonite or something under the shroud to protect the condensor.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1434941

 

Have you tried calling the tech line - 713-899-6456?? Patrick will be glad to help you with any and all questions !!!
Thanks
Steve

 

I have no clue how yours looked like that. I had it on my '07, and now one on my '08 and it's fit was PERFECT the whole time.

 

I didn't mess with the T-Body spacer. Everything aligned pretty tightly without it, so the idea of squeezing another 1/2" in the intake track would have meant cutting one of the couplers. Not worth it for an uncertain gain, if any.

Put a cookie sheet, old car floormat, or a piece of plywood in front of the condensor before cutting the shroud. Just remember to remove it when done.

 

Just installed mine yersterday. cutting the shroud was the easy part, i had the most trouble with the alignment and getting it to fit right but after some trimming and moving it around i finally got it. Only thing is that i could not get the 2 allen bolts to srew in so the red bracket is not bolted down to anything for now, but it was such a tight fit it isnt going anywhere, Took about a 80 mile trip after and all feels good and it was worth the extra time getting it to fit.

 

This new Airaid will eliminate all your problems and cost hundreds less. Excellent instructions so don't even need tech support! IAT reads ambient after just a short cruise. .343 seconds improvement from 50-100 mph.

 

which one is that? SLP?

 

Looks like Z06 intake ....

 

Sorry, it's the new Airaid that you can get for less than $250 delivered. Their part number 250-230.

 

Take a look at this:

http://www.vetteweb.com/tech/vemp_07...kit/index.html

Also, protect your condensor with a thin piece of plywood etc while you're cutting otherwise you'll have a bad day.

 

Here's why the vararam works...

note the difference in IAT on my vararam equipped car and my buddy's C6Z with the halltech filter in the staging lanes...and note the amount of timing being pulled at 150 IAT (C6 and C6Z are similar with factory tunes).

You cut your commanded timing in half and you're losing a lot of HP...plain and simple. The vararam lowers the IAT at the line and thereafter and gives you the timing your car needs for full power.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1645916

 

Wouldn't it be easier just to relocate the IAT? How about switching out the thermistor for something that updates a little quicker than our stock unit?

 

But that doesn't change the fact that the engine is sucking in hot less dense air.

 

looks nice and would be a easy install, however most people here prefer a CAI over a WAI

 

plus I love how quiet mine is,