Vararam CAI and Vararam Wedge......HELP - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Broffermoon · 09-27-2012, 05:32 PM

I have had a Vararam CAI installed for several months. Great addition! I have had the wedge for a month. Out of the blue, I get two CELs: PO171 and PO174, lean fuel mixture both banks. I check all the bolts on the throttle body to make sure they are tight. All fine. Clean the MAF (checked, it is a strong sensor)with proper cleaner, clear codes. 30 miles later the same CEL. So, just in case, pick up a new MAF install it. Clear codes. Sitting at a stop light, after 40 miles, CEL again. Same codes. All started when I got some 93 octane from a BP station. Only constant same gasoline. Anyone had this experience? Car runs great, lots of power!

asrautox · 09-27-2012, 05:38 PM

Not to be an ass, but have you tried removing the wedge? It can't be more than a 20 minute job.

Broffermoon · 09-27-2012, 06:07 PM

No offense taken, I would if I had not run it for a month or so. As I consider options, I am focusing more and more on the gasoline. It is the variable that showed up just before the CEL. If not, yes, I will take it out.

Thanks for your response.
EARL

IndeedSS1 · 09-27-2012, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Broffermoon

No offense taken, I would if I had not run it for a month or so. As I consider options, I am focusing more and more on the gasoline. It is the variable that showed up just before the CEL. If not, yes, I will take it out.

Thanks for your response.
EARL

Probably not the gas. Check your VR hose at the red coupler to make sure it is sealed well and the other end of the hose as well. I run mine directly to the fitting behind the oil fill neck. Lastly, there is a very good possibility that, despite the bolts being snug, their is a leak at the wedge. At least pull the wedge and look, paying the most attention to both sides of the bottom portion of the rubber gasket.

E.T. · 09-27-2012, 06:55 PM

If it didn't start until after you put the wedge on, it sounds like the wedge might be the likely culprit.

Smirnoff · 09-27-2012, 06:56 PM

and why are you not fueling with Sunono?????

8/23/12
Contaminated fuel from BP's Whiting, Ind., refinery made its way to some 200 retail outlets in Northwest Indiana, Chicago and the suburbs -- along with 20 stations in the Milwaukee area, the company said Wednesday.
More than 7,000 customer complaints over the bad gas had reached BP as of Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman said.

An additional 21,000 gallons of contaminated premium fuel was delivered to the Milwaukee area and sold at 20 BP-branded stations over a nine-hour period from Monday night until Tuesday morning, affecting both premium and mid-grade levels.
BP has received consumer complaints from Michigan, but believes that in those instances the customers bought the gas in Indiana.

litle88 · 09-27-2012, 07:24 PM

Umm Smirnoff he lives in Kansas you big Dummy! Lmao

Besides, they don't have Sunoco in Illinois either lol

thepirate · 09-27-2012, 10:16 PM

Since it started right when you started to use the higher octane, you could try the fuse pull to see if that helps??

Smirnoff · 09-28-2012, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by litle88

Umm Smirnoff he lives in Kansas you big Dummy! Lmao

Besides, they don't have Sunoco in Illinois either lol

Wow, no wonder the cars w/o Sunoco run slower.....LOL!

Ok, Shell or even Mobil.....but BP (worst oil spill in US history)?

litle88 · 09-28-2012, 10:17 AM

Yup! My Local Shell usually has the lowest prices on the 93 and its American owned ( I know I know) but I don't mind supporting another American even if he just owns the shop.

So I use that place more than the Citgo. I've never had an issue.

Broffermoon · 09-30-2012, 08:32 PM

Update: Took off the wedge and Vararam CAI and did a complete reinstall. Put a light gasket sealer on the wedge and on the gasket between the throttle body and wedge. Checked the PCV input and put a sealant around it to make sure it was sealed and put everything back to together. Left in the JET MAF anyway. With everything sealed up and back together, I hit the road and drove about 80 miles. No problem. Will drive another 80 tomorrow, that should be a good shakedown.
Got a private message from Vararam and indicated that the combination of CAI and wedge may necessitate a tune or handheld to bring the fuel mixture into line. I will keep you posted.
I gotta tell you, the combination is great! Coming on to the interstate, I shake and shimmy through 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Yes, the TC is on. It has my attention. Even my oldest son (36) lit up when he was riding with me.
Kudos to Vararam

litle88 · 09-30-2012, 10:36 PM

Your problem is the garbage JET MAF!!! No need to put sealant on these parts either bud. I'd take out that sealant and clean it all nice and smooth then reinstall it all. Just saying.

2012-2SS · 10-01-2012, 08:21 AM

Never use any kind of sealant or rtv on the throttle body. It should be dry gaskets only!

Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2

Broffermoon · 10-01-2012, 08:29 PM

Thank you all for your help. I tell you, things are going very well and I appreciate all your input, thanks again.

EARL

09-27-2012, 05:32 PM	#1
Broffermoon Drives: 2010 Camaro SS RS Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 163	Vararam CAI and Vararam Wedge......HELP I have had a Vararam CAI installed for several months. Great addition! I have had the wedge for a month. Out of the blue, I get two CELs: PO171 and PO174, lean fuel mixture both banks. I check all the bolts on the throttle body to make sure they are tight. All fine. Clean the MAF (checked, it is a strong sensor)with proper cleaner, clear codes. 30 miles later the same CEL. So, just in case, pick up a new MAF install it. Clear codes. Sitting at a stop light, after 40 miles, CEL again. Same codes. All started when I got some 93 octane from a BP station. Only constant same gasoline. Anyone had this experience? Car runs great, lots of power! __________________ Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. --T.S. Eliot Last edited by Broffermoon; 09-27-2012 at 05:34 PM. Reason: More info

09-27-2012, 06:07 PM	#3
Broffermoon Drives: 2010 Camaro SS RS Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 163	No offense taken, I would if I had not run it for a month or so. As I consider options, I am focusing more and more on the gasoline. It is the variable that showed up just before the CEL. If not, yes, I will take it out. Thanks for your response. EARL __________________ Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. --T.S. Eliot

09-27-2012, 06:55 PM	#5
E.T. Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 3,267	If it didn't start until after you put the wedge on, it sounds like the wedge might be the likely culprit. __________________

09-27-2012, 06:56 PM	#6
Smirnoff Drives: Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Motorcity Dragway Posts: 978	and why are you not fueling with Sunono????? 8/23/12 Contaminated fuel from BP's Whiting, Ind., refinery made its way to some 200 retail outlets in Northwest Indiana, Chicago and the suburbs -- along with 20 stations in the Milwaukee area, the company said Wednesday. More than 7,000 customer complaints over the bad gas had reached BP as of Wednesday afternoon, a spokesman said. An additional 21,000 gallons of contaminated premium fuel was delivered to the Milwaukee area and sold at 20 BP-branded stations over a nine-hour period from Monday night until Tuesday morning, affecting both premium and mid-grade levels. BP has received consumer complaints from Michigan, but believes that in those instances the customers bought the gas in Indiana. __________________ 11.90's w/headers, CAI, custom tune, slicks/skinnys, shifter & 100+ Ethyl.

09-27-2012, 07:24 PM	#7
litle88 V8 Lounge member #2 Drives: 2001 Ws6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank,IL Posts: 6,373	Umm Smirnoff he lives in Kansas you big Dummy! Lmao Besides, they don't have Sunoco in Illinois either lol __________________ 2001 ws6, 40k miles, Ls3 416 stroker, short block built by PER the rest by me. LPE Ls3 heads milled to 12-1 comp, FAST 102, NW 102, kooks 2", dual DMH cutouts, Magnaflow C/B, BTR cam + springs. Full UMI suspension.

09-27-2012, 05:38 PM	#2
asrautox Drives: 2017 SS 1LE Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 154	Not to be an ass, but have you tried removing the wedge? It can't be more than a 20 minute job.

09-27-2012, 10:16 PM	#8
thepirate Drives: 2013 2SS Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, UT Posts: 372	Since it started right when you started to use the higher octane, you could try the fuse pull to see if that helps?? __________________

09-28-2012, 10:17 AM	#10
litle88 V8 Lounge member #2 Drives: 2001 Ws6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank,IL Posts: 6,373	Yup! My Local Shell usually has the lowest prices on the 93 and its American owned ( I know I know) but I don't mind supporting another American even if he just owns the shop. So I use that place more than the Citgo. I've never had an issue. __________________ 2001 ws6, 40k miles, Ls3 416 stroker, short block built by PER the rest by me. LPE Ls3 heads milled to 12-1 comp, FAST 102, NW 102, kooks 2", dual DMH cutouts, Magnaflow C/B, BTR cam + springs. Full UMI suspension.

09-30-2012, 08:32 PM	#11
Broffermoon Drives: 2010 Camaro SS RS Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 163	Update: Took off the wedge and Vararam CAI and did a complete reinstall. Put a light gasket sealer on the wedge and on the gasket between the throttle body and wedge. Checked the PCV input and put a sealant around it to make sure it was sealed and put everything back to together. Left in the JET MAF anyway. With everything sealed up and back together, I hit the road and drove about 80 miles. No problem. Will drive another 80 tomorrow, that should be a good shakedown. Got a private message from Vararam and indicated that the combination of CAI and wedge may necessitate a tune or handheld to bring the fuel mixture into line. I will keep you posted. I gotta tell you, the combination is great! Coming on to the interstate, I shake and shimmy through 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. Yes, the TC is on. It has my attention. Even my oldest son (36) lit up when he was riding with me. Kudos to Vararam __________________ Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. --T.S. Eliot

09-30-2012, 10:36 PM	#12
litle88 V8 Lounge member #2 Drives: 2001 Ws6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Burbank,IL Posts: 6,373	Your problem is the garbage JET MAF!!! No need to put sealant on these parts either bud. I'd take out that sealant and clean it all nice and smooth then reinstall it all. Just saying. __________________ 2001 ws6, 40k miles, Ls3 416 stroker, short block built by PER the rest by me. LPE Ls3 heads milled to 12-1 comp, FAST 102, NW 102, kooks 2", dual DMH cutouts, Magnaflow C/B, BTR cam + springs. Full UMI suspension.

10-01-2012, 08:21 AM	#13
2012-2SS Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Dover, NH Posts: 678	Never use any kind of sealant or rtv on the throttle body. It should be dry gaskets only! Sent from my Nexus S 4G using Tapatalk 2 __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS/RS, Hurst Short Throw, IdealG M/C, Pypes Pipe Bomb, LSR Cold Air Intake, LSR Toe Links/Lower Control Arms Clear Image headers, high flows, Slowhawk tune 1974 Chevy K10 Built 355, FAST EZ EFI, 5speed 2000 Chevy Tahoe LT 5.3L, Slowhawk tune

10-01-2012, 08:29 PM	#14
Broffermoon Drives: 2010 Camaro SS RS Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 163	Thank you all for your help. I tell you, things are going very well and I appreciate all your input, thanks again. EARL __________________ Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. --T.S. Eliot