Vararam Power Wedge
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 3
From: Sumter SC
Thanks for the data. It looks like you got your .05 you were hoping for.
How were the rest of the runs. Are the gains shown above consistent with the other test runs made?
I don't know your mod list but I'm assuming you're not stock. Have you noticed any issues without retuning for the Power Wedge?
How were the rest of the runs. Are the gains shown above consistent with the other test runs made?
I don't know your mod list but I'm assuming you're not stock. Have you noticed any issues without retuning for the Power Wedge?
Last edited by JohnDaMan; Dec 9, 2012 at 01:11 PM. Reason: Still wont show signature. Oh well!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
Going by the assumption your car is very consistent, it looks like you achieved the gains you were looking for. Even though they were minor, I'm not expecting anything substantial from such an inexpensive spacer, it doesn't look like a bad addition. I'm more concerned about any issues running this untuned. But, I suppose that will vary depending on each car's specific tune and you don't seem to have any complaints.
Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the info.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 3
From: Sumter SC
Yeah it is pretty consistent. Out of the 9 times I have taken it down the track 6 have been 11.3x. The only reason for variance is myself botching the launch. This is a full weight car. I pull nothing off the car nor do I pull or unhook swaybars. Other than swapping tires and rims it is the same as I drive it every time I get in.
The next time I head to the track I will test the Wedge again and see if I get similar results.
The next time I head to the track I will test the Wedge again and see if I get similar results.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 266
Likes: 1
From: Alberta
Is this Power Wedge the same "spacer" that comes with the LS3/LS7 Vararam Gen II Snake Charmer Intakes? These kits i.e. http://www.partstaxi.com/partlocator...catalogid=6984 are advertised as coming complete with a Throttle Body Spacer. If its not the same "spacer" are you meant to install both the TB Spacer & Power Wedge or just one?
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 27,254
Likes: 136
From: Short Hills, NJ
Is this Power Wedge the same "spacer" that comes with the LS3/LS7 Vararam Gen II Snake Charmer Intakes? These kits i.e. http://www.partstaxi.com/partlocator...catalogid=6984 are advertised as coming complete with a Throttle Body Spacer. If its not the same "spacer" are you meant to install both the TB Spacer & Power Wedge or just one?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
Just a note to those with a FAST IM, you will need longer TB bolts than what Vararam supplies. Home Depot has 1/4" x 2 1/2" bolts that work fine. You'll need 4 and don't forget 4 matching 1/4" nuts. (get a few extra) You can reuse the stock washers. Getting the bottom two nuts on is by far the most trouble (I dropped one and still can't find it) but a little magnet work and dexterity and you'll be good.
If you have a FAST and Vararam CAI, it is a PITA to get everything back together but not impossible. Heat up the rubber couplers in the microwave so they are more pliable. My couplers don't sit 100% flush to the MAF or TB but they're covering plenty of material from each and the band clamps are on tight enough to keep everything sealed.
I started the car and let it idle for 5 minutes and there were no codes or misses and stumbling. I wont get a chance to go for a drive until tomorrow but at least the install is done.
I have no 1/4 mile times for my car and haven't been on a road course in a few years so I wont have any empirical data. I doubt I'll be able to feel a power increase, (possibly a better throttle response?) but if I can assume I'll achieve similar gains as what has been posted in this thread, without tuning issues, I'll be satisfied for the price.
If you have a FAST and Vararam CAI, it is a PITA to get everything back together but not impossible. Heat up the rubber couplers in the microwave so they are more pliable. My couplers don't sit 100% flush to the MAF or TB but they're covering plenty of material from each and the band clamps are on tight enough to keep everything sealed.
I started the car and let it idle for 5 minutes and there were no codes or misses and stumbling. I wont get a chance to go for a drive until tomorrow but at least the install is done.
I have no 1/4 mile times for my car and haven't been on a road course in a few years so I wont have any empirical data. I doubt I'll be able to feel a power increase, (possibly a better throttle response?) but if I can assume I'll achieve similar gains as what has been posted in this thread, without tuning issues, I'll be satisfied for the price.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 82
From: Tumwater, WA
Just a note to those with a FAST IM, you will need longer TB bolts than what Vararam supplies. Home Depot has 1/4" x 2 1/2" bolts that work fine. You'll need 4 and don't forget 4 matching 1/4" nuts. (get a few extra) You can reuse the stock washers. Getting the bottom two nuts on is by far the most trouble (I dropped one and still can't find it) but a little magnet work and dexterity and you'll be good.
If you have a FAST and Vararam CAI, it is a PITA to get everything back together but not impossible. Heat up the rubber couplers in the microwave so they are more pliable. My couplers don't sit 100% flush to the MAF or TB but they're covering plenty of material from each and the band clamps are on tight enough to keep everything sealed.
I started the car and let it idle for 5 minutes and there were no codes or misses and stumbling. I wont get a chance to go for a drive until tomorrow but at least the install is done.
I have no 1/4 mile times for my car and haven't been on a road course in a few years so I wont have any empirical data. I doubt I'll be able to feel a power increase, (possibly a better throttle response?) but if I can assume I'll achieve similar gains as what has been posted in this thread, without tuning issues, I'll be satisfied for the price.
If you have a FAST and Vararam CAI, it is a PITA to get everything back together but not impossible. Heat up the rubber couplers in the microwave so they are more pliable. My couplers don't sit 100% flush to the MAF or TB but they're covering plenty of material from each and the band clamps are on tight enough to keep everything sealed.
I started the car and let it idle for 5 minutes and there were no codes or misses and stumbling. I wont get a chance to go for a drive until tomorrow but at least the install is done.
I have no 1/4 mile times for my car and haven't been on a road course in a few years so I wont have any empirical data. I doubt I'll be able to feel a power increase, (possibly a better throttle response?) but if I can assume I'll achieve similar gains as what has been posted in this thread, without tuning issues, I'll be satisfied for the price.
So can I borrow a $100 from someone? LOL.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 33
From: S.D. CA
I drove 350 miles to Bondurant (27.9 mpg)...drove it hard in differrent events for 2 days and drove it back home (25.3 mpg)...no codes...it performed well against the higher HP cars...I'm happy with it!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 82
From: Tumwater, WA
We know we wont get SOTP feeling but did you notice any better or worse throttle response?
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 155
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12
The LS2 and LS3 PowerWedges are on sale now through the end of the year for $99 with free shipping and they are Performanced Guaranteed!!
Only takes 5-10 minutes to install and satisfaction guaranteed or we take it back! Call me at 866-507-2648 so I can send you one!
Steve
Vararam Industries
Only takes 5-10 minutes to install and satisfaction guaranteed or we take it back! Call me at 866-507-2648 so I can send you one!
Steve
Vararam Industries
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
The LS2 and LS3 PowerWedges are on sale now through the end of the year for $99 with free shipping and they are Performanced Guaranteed!!
Only takes 5-10 minutes to install and satisfaction guaranteed or we take it back! Call me at 866-507-2648 so I can send you one!
Steve
Vararam Industries
Only takes 5-10 minutes to install and satisfaction guaranteed or we take it back! Call me at 866-507-2648 so I can send you one!
Steve
Vararam Industries
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 155
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 81
Likes: 3
From: Sumter SC
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,231
Likes: 451
From: Maryland
Honestly? what is a slight difference at the track. If the numbers bounced around between the spacer off and on, i.e. no clear improvement just say so or otherwise?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,626
Likes: 195
From: On the east coast we drive until we die
0.065 60ft, 0.055 1/8th ET, 0.17 1/8th MPH, 0.056 1/4mile, and 0.1 1/4mile MPH.
How much of that can be attributed to the spacer or just better DA and driving, we'll never know.
Yep made it to the track and got some runs in with and without the spacer. Bottom line? I'll post the best runs from each group and let you make your decision. Am I taking it off? No. Why? I can feel a noticeable torque increase and throttle responsiveness in the lower RPMs.
With Wedge - DA 706 - 60' 1.712 - 1/8 ET 7.327 - 1/8 MPH 97.82 - 1/4 ET 11.337 - 1/4 MPH 123.20
No Wedge - DA 832 - 60' 1.777 - 1/8 ET 7.382 - 1/8 MPH 97.99 - 1/4 ET 11.393 - 1/4 MPH 123.10
With Wedge - DA 706 - 60' 1.712 - 1/8 ET 7.327 - 1/8 MPH 97.82 - 1/4 ET 11.337 - 1/4 MPH 123.20
No Wedge - DA 832 - 60' 1.777 - 1/8 ET 7.382 - 1/8 MPH 97.99 - 1/4 ET 11.393 - 1/4 MPH 123.10
I honestly couldn't tell you if I noticed any extra low-end torque or high-end horsepower. With 400+ hp/tq, I doubt 6hp/tq+ would be detectable SOTP. Like I posted earlier though, if I can assume I achieved whatever everyone else has, I'll be satisfied.
Last edited by 5knives; Dec 13, 2012 at 04:00 AM.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,773
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From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '07-'11-'12