Vararam Quality
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 57
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Vararam Quality
Hello all,
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 27
From: Southampton NJ
Hello all,
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 16,557
Likes: 2,106
From: Peoria/Phoenix AZ
C6 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
I don't know if there have been quality improvements since I bought mine nearly a year ago. At that time, some were horrible (mine) and some were great. I'm more of a performance person, so I've modified it to make it work with duct tape, wire, screws, etc.
If I were buying again, and my suggestion to anyone desiring quality of fit and finish, I'd physically inspect the product before laying my money on the counter. JMHO
If I were buying again, and my suggestion to anyone desiring quality of fit and finish, I'd physically inspect the product before laying my money on the counter. JMHO
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 12
From: Alpharetta Georgia
I bought my vararam 1 year ago. I have my car apart right now due to a part failure but noticed my intake had warped. Obviously being less than pleased I sent vararam a pm with pics of what happened. They immediately responded and sent me a new cover for free. The new cover is definitely higher quality than my older one. The plastic is more rigid and is finished in a higher quality looking gloss black. I was very pleased with the new design and when you combine that with the customer service, I wouldn't consider any other intake.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 1
I bought my vararam 1 year ago. I have my car apart right now due to a part failure but noticed my intake had warped. Obviously being less than pleased I sent vararam a pm with pics of what happened. They immediately responded and sent me a new cover for free. The new cover is definitely higher quality than my older one. The plastic is more rigid and is finished in a higher quality looking gloss black. I was very pleased with the new design and when you combine that with the customer service, I wouldn't consider any other intake.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,206
Likes: 6
From: Makena, Maui & NM
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
I will say I never saw any negative comments regarding the installation, quality or performance of the Callaway Honker. You decide.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 130
From: Short Hills, NJ
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Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,246
Likes: 130
From: Short Hills, NJ
I bought my vararam 1 year ago. I have my car apart right now due to a part failure but noticed my intake had warped. Obviously being less than pleased I sent vararam a pm with pics of what happened. They immediately responded and sent me a new cover for free. The new cover is definitely higher quality than my older one. The plastic is more rigid and is finished in a higher quality looking gloss black. I was very pleased with the new design and when you combine that with the customer service, I wouldn't consider any other intake.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
Hello all,
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
The C6 Honker:
- Uni-directional airflow, gets cool air from outside of engine compartment.
- Precision, simplified construction and premium quality hardware for trouble-free installation.
- Lowest restriction / highest flow rate of any system tested.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,609
Likes: 1
Since you brought up Callaway -
The C6 Honker:
- Uni-directional airflow, gets cool air from outside of engine compartment.
- Precision, simplified construction and premium quality hardware for trouble-free installation.
- Lowest restriction / highest flow rate of any system tested.
The C6 Honker:
- Uni-directional airflow, gets cool air from outside of engine compartment.
- Precision, simplified construction and premium quality hardware for trouble-free installation.
- Lowest restriction / highest flow rate of any system tested.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 14,080
Likes: 1,591
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Since you brought up Callaway -
The C6 Honker:
- Uni-directional airflow, gets cool air from outside of engine compartment.
- Precision, simplified construction and premium quality hardware for trouble-free installation.
- Lowest restriction / highest flow rate of any system tested.
The C6 Honker:
- Uni-directional airflow, gets cool air from outside of engine compartment.
- Precision, simplified construction and premium quality hardware for trouble-free installation.
- Lowest restriction / highest flow rate of any system tested.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 3
From: Buena Park CA
I have the VaraRam. The instructions for installation were done by a 9-year old, but this is the best CAI you'll ever get....especially when you are cruising on the freeway about 75 MPH and decide to tromp it (when it's time to humiliate a Porsche or whatever), then you'll be glad you have it, feels damn good!
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 7
From: DELRAY BEACH FLORIDA
St. Jude Donor '10-'13
Hello all,
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
I have a street driven 2008 convertible, F55 and MN6. I am considering getting a MGW shifter, tune, CAI, and 4.10 gears this spring from a famous Westchester NY area tuner (guess who?). The car is in storage for the winter and I can't wait! He is recommending a Vararam.
I am reluctant to do the Vararam because I don't want anything on the car that looks second rate because of a lack of quality materials or first class assembly. There are other choices in CAIs out there, such as Callaway. Since the car is street driven only, I do not need the absolute very last HP or LB/FT of TQ from the CAI, just a reasonable improvement from a quality mod.
Has the build/asembly quality of the Vararam unit improved lately to the point where this is no longer a crticism?
Thanks for your help.
jptonks
Last edited by theofel; Jan 23, 2009 at 03:28 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 1
From: Branford Connecticut
Saw your email. I'm still trying to find out where this "fix" rumor started. We haven't identified a problem to fix.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,537
Likes: 1,403
From: Bethesda MD
Vararam looks ok and to me, appears to be the only system that brings in completely cold air even at a stop (usefull if you launch your car hard). If they do a carefull install when they cut, it will look factory.
Try not to drive with the hood open and most of the concerns about looks will fade away and the performance will put a smile on your face.
Try not to drive with the hood open and most of the concerns about looks will fade away and the performance will put a smile on your face.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Chuck just put one in my car last night
want me to snap a pic for you? I can hear a slight whiz from the intake with the top down. Not sure the tune has fully taken but the performance is more than noticeable and the driveability is fantastic. I have an A6 with 273. Bone stock.
