Went From CAI to Vararam? Thoughts please

[ArmoSS]

I currently have a CAI intake on my LS3, and although the sound is nice, I'm not sure how much HP / TQ I've gained. I've had it for over 6 months now and I'm not too impressed. The more I read about Vararam, the more I feel that it has the types of gains I'm looking for. Cosmetically, the CAI is much better looking, but just in terms of finish, quality, and most importantly, the true numbers...I'm looking for feedback.

Any thoughts from previous CAI / current Vararam owners is much appreciated.

[axis]

This is going to get interesting.

The main problem I see is that you can't really do a TRUE head to head test because the VR doesn't dyno well at all. NO ONE has been able to reproduce anywhere near the numbers that VR says are dyno numbers. I've heard they extrapolate the HP numbers by the 1/4mile times difference, yet their website plainly says dyno proven. I will say their followers are loyal and really seem to love them. So, unless you are great at drag racing and can duplicate your runs over and over, there's no real way to compare them that doesn't involve a SOP meter. If you're not happy, sell your CAI and get a VR unit.

[ArmoSS]

Originally Posted by axis

This is going to get interesting.

The main problem I see is that you can't really do a TRUE head to head test because the VR doesn't dyno well at all. NO ONE has been able to reproduce anywhere near the numbers that VR says are dyno numbers. I've heard they extrapolate the HP numbers by the 1/4mile times difference, yet their website plainly says dyno proven. I will say their followers are loyal and really seem to love them. So, unless you are great at drag racing and can duplicate your runs over and over, there's no real way to compare them that doesn't involve a SOP meter. If you're not happy, sell your CAI and get a VR unit.

I think you're right that it can get interesting. And, I should have been more careful cause I don't want to start a "loyalty" war. I actually truly want to know which one "feels" more powerful, faster, higher output...without actually the numbers to back it up. I haven't done a dyno on my CAI, so I can't truly say what it has or has not done. But, I do know that the car didn't feel much different...it only sounded different. So I guess I'm wanting a non-statistical answer from people who have "felt" both, because the constant there is the same person, and the intake is the variable (not to get all scientific), so I would assume the answers should be sufficient if you'd had both to compare to first-hand.

[rberns]

Put on the adm scoop for the Cold Air Inductions. Numbers jump up pretty good. Here are some dyno numbers of different cai: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...VE&hl=en#gid=0

This information was provided by Janetty Racing (sp?)

[Toyaholic]

I noticed smoother low speed driving (in traffic or parking lots) with the VaraRam, over stock. Seems more responsive, but the track numbers haven't changed. Haven't tried any others, so maybe they all help drivability.

[ArmoSS]

Originally Posted by rberns

Put on the adm scoop for the Cold Air Inductions. Numbers jump up pretty good. Here are some dyno numbers of different cai: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...VE&hl=en#gid=0

This information was provided by Janetty Racing (sp?)

I actually do have the ADM scoop as well, which is why I was unpleasantly surprised after I installed both the scoop and CAI after having reviewed those JRE numbers.

[dshep214]

Quit worrying about small hp gain from intakes an get a tune and ss
Headers. Then feel the power.
Plus have u done the fuse pulls yet?

[ArmoSS]

Originally Posted by dshep214

Quit worrying about small hp gain from intakes an get a tune and ss
Headers. Then feel the power.
Plus have u done the fuse pulls yet?

I'm not worrying about it, but thanks for your great insight. I'm trying to figure out if the Vararam is a better buy for my money compared to the CAI from people who have experienced both. When the time is right, I'll do those other things, but for now, if I'm gonna spend $400 - $500, I'd rather it be well-spent. And yes, fuse pull done as well, and MAF changed to a "better" one.

[Brolik10]

You will need a tune to get the full impact of the VR... My mass air flow went up two full points once I switched over from the roto-fab.. It's all in the tune..
I can't speak to the drivability because I had mine installed with a cam install. But the data logging showed a huge increase in the air flow...

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by ArmoSS

I currently have a CAI intake on my LS3, and although the sound is nice, I'm not sure how much HP / TQ I've gained. I've had it for over 6 months now and I'm not too impressed. The more I read about Vararam, the more I feel that it has the types of gains I'm looking for. Cosmetically, the CAI is much better looking, but just in terms of finish, quality, and most importantly, the true numbers...I'm looking for feedback.

Any thoughts from previous CAI / current Vararam owners is much appreciated.

Bee there done that. And so has another long time member that I loaned my Vararam too.

I don't care about numbers, since they don't apply to the streets where my car lives. But I like many others, hear the VR doesn't show what it's all about on a dyno, and it's more about getting up to speed at the track that it shines. There is a couple of guys with VR tack numbers, perhaps they will how up.

My WOT LTFTs B1/B2, with the mods shown and no tune, are 0/-0.7 to -1.5

And yeah the question opens a can of worms. Most that will answer will have neither intake you asked about or haven't tried both. Aside from the VR and the feel of it, which I like, I ran a Halltech tube and filter mounted in a Roto-Fab box with an ADM scoop. This combo with the mods below dyno'd 403/401. CAI with scoop may be close.

[sschevybear11]

Originally Posted by Toyaholic

I noticed smoother low speed driving (in traffic or parking lots) with the VaraRam, over stock. Seems more responsive, but the track numbers haven't changed. Haven't tried any others, so maybe they all help drivability.

This is exactly what I experienced! To the T but my track times in cooler air were about a tenth slower with the vararam over stock. I sold it.

[IndeedSS1]

This may help.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...=vararam+track

and this

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showth...hlight=vararam

[Ravener]

I installed the V-ram back in August of last year. I wanted to hate it since I personally think it's a tad on the bland side looks-wise and had wanted to go the flashy route (against my better pure performance mindset...). It was a 95+ degree day (smoke choked due to a burning swamp not too far away no less) and it was evident that improved low rpm response and pull were present (understanding that I expected zero change as the units typically are said to require roughly 100 miles for the 'puter to adjust for). I've used CAI, Volant and Haltech...all terrific units and very good quality. None provide the same pull or response as Vararam. I'm not a fanboi since I'd prefer a more "attractive" piece to dress up the bay but I can not deny the performance gain felt. Did pick up .23 at the track over CAI (average over 4 runs same night with near identical conditions as when I ran with CAI installed). Vararam is lower quality in construction, but simply provides an undeniable performance benfit attributed to the straight shot airflow direct from the cooler air drawn from the front of the car. You'll be pleased with any of them, for me I stuck with what felt and performed best in comparison (street and strip).

[Toyaholic]

[QUOTE=Ravener;4416461]I'm not a fanboi since I'd prefer a more "attractive" piece to dress up the bay but I can not deny the performance gain felt. Did pick up .23 at the track QUOTE]


.23 at the track!! that's great. With the VR, must be some more torque there or at lower R's. I had to drop 2-300 rpms to get get traction.

There are things you can do to the VR to make it look a little better.