Vararam V6 intake installed!

[rolnslo]

May 27, 2011: Updated pictures in this post.

May 31, 2011: Video clip in this post.

June 10, 2011: Installation instructions posted in this post.

June 13, 2011: Installation videos posted in this post.




UPDATE - March 31, 2011: Dyno results are in. Start at page 15.


(Posting as new thread out of this one)

So, I spent about 4 hours over at Vararam today with Steve and Patrick. Thanks for the opportunity to help out here and get this intake into the hands of the V6 crowd.

First off, I've got to applaud Patrick. Dude knows his stuff!

A few different setups were tested out on my car to see if any changes would be needed from the design they've put together based on the auto V6 (which if I remember correctly, has about 28k test miles on it). Patrick was really trying to find that sweet spot where things ran just right, while looking to see if any improvements could be made for the manual V6. At the moment, I've got a unit on my car that he wants to make a few minor tweaks to, both in the design and fit. When I left he was already planning on getting started so we could get the updated unit installed ASAP.

My impressions of the one I've got at the moment...

Definite improvement in throttle response and performance, especially mid-upper RPM range. Can't wait to see what the next unit is like because Patrick said the unit on the car right now is leaving some gains on the table and he should be able to get those as well with the new unit. No check engine lights and engine runs as smooth as stock.

Dyno? Not today. My butt dyno says there are definite gains already and, after 26k+ miles with this car, I'd say my dyno's pretty well calibrated. We'll arrange an official dyno session once the updated unit is in.

Installation? Looks to be super easy. Almost took longer to get the stock unit out than it did to put the new one in.

Design? A bit different than the one used for the SS. As you'll see in the pics below, there are a few basic design elements that are used here. First the filter housing seals against the underside of the hood. Second, there is a lower piece that extends down between the radiator and core support to catch and force incoming air directly into the filter. I like that the filter element is actually exposed when you open the hood so you can easily check the condition of it.

Looking forward to the updated unit and getting some dyno results. One thing I did notice on my drive to the office this afternoon was that my pure freeway mpgs (60-70mph) were up around 32.5-33mpg. Typically for this 15 mile stretch of road at those speeds, I'd be looking at 28.5mpg or so. Definitely plus, especially in light of the performance gains.

[rtcat600man]

Very Nice. Now we just need to see some price and dyno numbers. Thanks for taking the time to get this done and posted.

[CamaroDreams07]

Holy cow it does exist! That side of the engine bay looks so empty now.

I'd be a buyer if the price was right and I could get a taker for my K&N...of course assuming the dyno is favorable

[brandotron]

This is very interesting.

[bmorecam]

Now I feel there's hope! Can't wait to see the dyno numbers.

[E.T.]

Originally Posted by rolnslo

I'll leave that to Steve to comment officially but I know that he really wants to get this out there ASAP but I also know they won't cut corners and ship before its ready. They really do know that people are waiting for this V6 intake and are trying hard to get this wrapped up so units can be shipped.

Good to know. Quality is what really matters, so I'm glad they're making sure they get it nailed

Do you happen to know how the intake air temps compare to stock?

[VR Baron]

Looks like my ls1 setup except not open at top, duct in front of radiator but all the way to the airdam. 10-15 hp worth at the end of the 1/4.

Very interesting

[Bourgui]

[jagan323]

lol, cool. You have room for 2 intakes now >=D

[rolnslo]

Originally Posted by E.T.

...
Do you happen to know how the intake air temps compare to stock?

Should be lower but I don't have a DashHawk or something similar to check. Anyone have one they'd like to give me?

Originally Posted by jagan323

lol, cool. You have room for 2 intakes now >=D

Yeah, not sure what to do with that area now. At least now I can clean up that part of the engine bay.

[efpardo]

Nice! Didn't think I would ever see it but looks good. keep us posted on the dyno numbers.

[John VS]

So did you have to adjust the radiator or not?

[JKLNHYD]

rolnslo,
How big is the opening behind the grill where the airflow enters? From your pictures, it looks to be fairly small but the pics may be deceiving. Also, is this a standard sized filter or is it a custom one only available from them and is it clean and reinstall type?

Thanks for helping out to get this out for the rest of us!

[rolnslo]

Originally Posted by John VS

So did you have to adjust the radiator or not?

Yes. Like the V8 version, the upper radiator bolts have to be unbolted to allow a bit more space between the radiator and the core support. The design of the lower portion of the intake fits up against the radiator and supports it. The lower attachment points for the radiator are not touched.

Originally Posted by JKLNHYD

rolnslo,
How big is the opening behind the grill where the airflow enters? From your pictures, it looks to be fairly small but the pics may be deceiving. Also, is this a standard sized filter or is it a custom one only available from them and is it clean and reinstall type?

Thanks for helping out to get this out for the rest of us!

The space appears to be relatively small but in reality its about an inch and the full width of the filter. Compared to the size of the air inlet on the stock intake, it's definitely big enough.

As for the filter, I believe they have them custom made for the application but it is a clean and re-use type filter. I seem to remember reading somewhere that they are made by Green Filter USA.