The Casual Modder's VARARAM Review

[NYJets77]

I'll start off by saying I haven't modded since the last car I owned (not leased), which was 1992. It was a 1988 RX-7 and I had the work done by a shop: body kit and full exhaust system.

I got the goodies about a week ago, did a quick check of the parts, and painted the upper body of the intake. Installation was done yesterday.

1. The online videos here are indispensable because the included paper instructions are somewhat lacking.

2. The rubber mat's holes are still off. I didn't cut it, just laid it down best I could.

3. The rubber grommets have been replaced with hard foam grommets with adhesive backs that you can stick over the holes for the radiator bolts. This is a great change since you don't run the risk of dropping/losing them.

4. Do not put the red rubber sleeve on the TB first; put it on the intake first. It slides easier on polished metal than plastic.

5. As I was putting the rubber sleeve on, I noticed that one side was cut flat, and the other side was not: it was uneven, longer on one side, almost like it was cut this way on purpose based on people here posting that they couldn't get it all the way on on the bottom of the TB. If so, excellent change, Vararam; if not, boo! for quality control.

6. The paper instructions say to put the entire intake on at once; the video's way is much easier.

7. As I'm about to install the MAF sensor, I realize I did not get the 2 screws to hold it in. Crap! So now I have to back this out? Nope - luckily I found 2 screws that fit near perfectly. You know those screws that hold an outlet to the outlet box? Not the short painted screws holding the faceplate on, the ones inside? I used those. But boo! on missing parts.

8. Don't even bother using a screwdriver on the rubber thingy on the MAF sensor. I sprayed some WD40 on a paper towel, wiped a little bit on the rubber, pushed gently, and it was seated.

9. I've only put about 3 miles on it so far (spent time detailing yesterday), but noticed a positive change in acceleration and sound already. Its rumbly, which is good. I'll probably check tonight or tomorrow night whether its moved or not, but the key fob moves freely along the entire width of the intake so far.


As of now, I give it 9 out of 10, only because of the missing screws, misaligned holes on the rubber mat, and not-quite-there-yet paper instructions. These are tolerable given the benefits promised (and delivered). Not sure why some are having problems - maybe its 2011 vs 2010?

Nice work Vararam!


10. Forgot this one: the parts bag should be reinforced since mine had a hole in the bottom. I'm lucky nothing fell out.

[PoorMansCamaro]

Originally Posted by NYJets77

7. As I'm about to install the MAF sensor, I realize I did not get the 2 screws to hold it in. Crap! So now I have to back this out? Nope - luckily I found 2 screws that fit near perfectly. You know those screws that hold an outlet to the outlet box? Not the short painted screws holding the faceplate on, the ones inside? I used those. But boo! on missing parts.

So you couldn't reuse the screws that were on the stock intake for the MAF sensor?

[Eric59]

I must got your screws because mine came with 4 little black screws for the MAF.

[NYJets77]

Originally Posted by PoorMansCamaro

So you couldn't reuse the screws that were on the stock intake for the MAF sensor?

Nope - the stock screws screw into the plastic housing. The VR housing has small metal threaded things in the holes.

[TJ91]

WTF happened to my post?!

Anyways that sucksabout the screws. I couldnt find them at first but then i found them and I also got four.
Let us know how you like the intake as you rack up the miles. I need to call VR and get a new lower housing as mine is off

[CamaroDreams07]

9/10 for a product that came with missing parts and doesn't fit properly. That's grading on a hell of a curve.

Lack of quality like this and in numerous other threads on here should not be "tolerable given the benefits promised." Given how many times they pushed this product back to "not ship a product that wasn't perfect," it's ridiculous what y'all are willing to put up with.

[KMPrenger]

Originally Posted by Eric59

I must got your screws because mine came with 4 little black screws for the MAF.

ditto.

[NYJets77]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

9/10 for a product that came with missing parts and doesn't fit properly. That's grading on a hell of a curve.

Lack of quality like this and in numerous other threads on here should not be "tolerable given the benefits promised." Given how many times they pushed this product back to "not ship a product that wasn't perfect," it's ridiculous what y'all are willing to put up with.

For a brand new product, that I got within 6 weeks of first run? Not a curve, just knowing what to expect with bleeding edge technology, and being an "early adopter".

I got my Palm Pre (1st WebOS smartphone on the market) the first day they came out. It wasn't perfect and I went in knowing that. Maybe 2 months later it was perfect.


If you got 4 MAF screws, where were they? 2 in the housing, 2 in the bag? All 4 in the bag? I searched pretty thoroughly....

[BenningJ]

I also got 4 black plastic screws for the MAF, the 4 were in the bag.

[MINI HLK]

Originally Posted by NYJets77

For a brand new product, that I got within 6 weeks of first run? Not a curve, just knowing what to expect with bleeding edge technology, and being an "early adopter".

Why even bother replying?


**** This part is not to the OP*****

It seems as those that dont own the Vararam have alot to say.

I really dont mind being a prodcution tester for Vararam.
Vararam has shown that they are more than willing to help. Even take a return from a non-original owner. Until Vararam starts being not so customer friendly.

Back off and give them a chance.

[PoorMansCamaro]

Originally Posted by MINI HLK

Why even bother replying?


**** This part is not to the OP*****

It seems as those that dont own the Vararam have alot to say.

I really dont mind being a prodcution tester for Vararam.
Vararam has shown that they are more than willing to help. Even take a return from a non-original owner. Until Vararam starts being not so customer friendly.

Back off and give them a chance.

I think what most people are surprised at, is the long wait for a product that they were trying to perfect, to only see all these problems. And I didn't know this was a production test...Actually, i'm pretty sure it's not. That's why the disappointment from some. But you are right, their customer service seems top notch so far.

I hope everyone that wants one, gets it installed and running good. i'd love to start seeing some track times with these!

[NYJets77]

Originally Posted by MINI HLK

Why even bother replying?


**** This part is not to the OP*****

It seems as those that dont own the Vararam have alot to say.

I really dont mind being a prodcution tester for Vararam.
Vararam has shown that they are more than willing to help. Even take a return from a non-original owner. Until Vararam starts being not so customer friendly.

Back off and give them a chance.

Mostly for the people that are on the fence about buying the VR. Mine went in so easily that I can't possibly begin to understand the problems being reported. Only unexpected thing was missing screws. The rubber mat was off by a bit so it didn't lay perfectly flat. Big deal? Not at all. Maybe I'll post some pix later....

[E.T.]

Originally Posted by CamaroDreams07

9/10 for a product that came with missing parts and doesn't fit properly. That's grading on a hell of a curve.

Lack of quality like this and in numerous other threads on here should not be "tolerable given the benefits promised." Given how many times they pushed this product back to "not ship a product that wasn't perfect," it's ridiculous what y'all are willing to put up with.

Also, is it still tolerable if the promised benefits don't pan out? All I've heard so far are butt dyno stories.

[NYJets77]

Originally Posted by NYJets77

These are tolerable given the benefits promised (and delivered).

My full sentence. I've already noticed a positive improvement after 3-4 miles; I expect it will be even better after 100.

I wouldn't get a dyno since I have no interest in racing. But for a daily driver, you can't beat your butt.

[scrming]

Originally Posted by NYJets77

My full sentence. I've already noticed a positive improvement after 3-4 miles; I expect it will be even better after 100.

I wouldn't get a dyno since I have no interest in racing. But for a daily driver, you can't beat your butt.

ummm... your weren't around for the Airaid debacle... lots of people claiming huge gains in performance based on their butt dynos.. until it was shown that the original Airaid made LESS power than stock! So beware trusting anyone's butt dynos... the placebo effect in this car is very strong!

[scrming]

Originally Posted by E.T.

Also, is it still tolerable if the promised benefits don't pan out? All I've heard so far are butt dyno stories.

hope we all learned a lesson about butt dynos!

[KMPrenger]

Member SIXJAK talked about how when he was stock, he could only get up to like mid 80MPH from one point to another point on the same stretch of road...but after all his mods (intake, exhaust, headers) he was hitting 100+ MPH.

I suppose the same could be done to verify that there are gains for those who think there may be no gains. But i guess that wouldn't tell us the actual gains.

I know my car pulls harder than it did with the AirRaid in 3rd gear runs (60 to 80 blasts) for sure...and it feels a bit more responsive down low.

[MINI HLK]

Ok, here is some information for the people who maybe of forgotten...

We have noticed that some have asked about dyno numbers with the new VR system.

Those that have received their units will find this information in the back of their instructions under" Dyno-ing the VR system".
Most of this and much more will be on the V-6 Camaro page when it comes live.

First, there is no before and after dynoing with any system. The E38 computer must have learn time, or it simply will not bring in full ignition timing. It will not dial in the fuel trims, and the MAF scaling will be off.
The long-term fuel trims must set in at the very least, and that takes 28-32 miles. Driving on the dyno will not do this. We drove 48miles with the V-6 on the dyno.

What if you do a before and after test?
You will probably catch the ECU in the learn process before it has had a chance to fully learn whatever part it is your testing. In which case, your numbers will be off, and you will have worthless data. We test everyone’s products everyday from the flow bench to the road, and we data log everything. We see to it that we know more about our competitor’s products than they do. In this particular case, your dealing with the E38 ECU in the direct injection V-6 combination and how it reacts to changes in airflow.

Here is the most important information: The VR system is designed and set up for the road "NOT THE DYNO”. Specifically it’s optimized for 3rd gear. Third is a high load gear, and the final gear that the car will use at a 1/4 mile drag strip (6sp man) terminal speed is about 105mph.The system was designed to run 22.5-24 deg of timing advance all the way to 6750 RPM and -1-2% fuel trim at WOT in 3rd gear with a specific MAF scaling rate and flow number. It will do this in 100+ deg heat all day long.
The dyno will never be the same as the road. Our tech has worked with racing teams with multi- million dollar facilities, and they still cannot replicate the track perfectly on their dynos.


Here is an example of dyno data vs. on road data taken on the same day. We will look at the stock air box and how it performed in both conditions.
(All testing was conducted on the same day. We made over 10 dyno pulls in 3rd gear, and we data logged using EFI live and a wideband. All information is @ 6750 RPM.

DYNO vs Street 3rd gear pulls

MAF scaling HZ peak 7828-7850 Hz / 7380-7430 Hz

MAF flow rate 28.42 lbs per min / 24.5 lbs per min

Timing advance 21-19.5 deg / 16-14.5 deg (both are pulling timing)

Air fuel 12.10 / 11.5-11.70

Air intake temp 80-82 deg / 80-82 deg

Dyno HP 249- 253hp / OEM street hp? (VR estimate, 239-242hp)

As you can see, if you had designed a system or a tune on the dyno it would be off/wrong.

The VR system is designed to use the ram affect to dial in the MAF for full power when the vehicle is moving. The self inter-cooling allows us to run more timing and a stronger MAF curve without getting out of the ECU's parameters or running into unwanted detonation. On a dyno the airflow is simply not there nor is the road load to replicate this. On a dyno the ECU will bring timing in to quickly (much quicker than the OEM curve) which will cause the ECU to pull timing. Where as on the road it will not It will continue to add timing advance until it reaches the maximum commanded number.

This is one of the reasons we spend so much time in R&D at VR on our systems. They are much more complex than a cone and a pipe style setup. Even our MAF is complex. With features like a reverse venturi aero package. Sound frequency cancellation and A 7 O’clock MAF position with an integrated rear velocity stack for a 20%+ airflow improvement in the throttle body. Big power comes from the details, details come from R&D and stepping outside the "NORM”.
If you just want a dyno number that's easy it's the same unit with a different MAF setup combination and we could do that and it will pull great numbers and then it won’t run as well as the dyno numbers indicate on the street because the MAF will be over-scaled (to much air flow) and it will pull timing.

For VR to achieve our goal of 30+hp in real world conditions, we took our log data from our highest dyno numbers, 276 rear wheel hp@ 1500 DA. We replicated this on the street in 3rd gear in 100 deg heat + 3000ft DA. Then we started to turn up the wick even further. To increase power further we found that we would have to use a more conservative “ static base combination”. We had to do this because of where the MAF scaling, timing and AFR would end up under actual road loads. The end result of all this is what you have all been reading.

“She blazes the tires now “, “it's a different car”, “Smokes the tires through second “and on and on!

There's the real world and the play world, we design our systems for the real world, where our customers win races and set records.

VR Tech

[TJ91]

Im really happy with the CS, hope the revised intakes pump out the same power as the other ones

[scrming]

Originally Posted by MINI HLK

Ok, here is some information for the people who maybe of forgotten...

We have noticed that some have asked about dyno numbers with the new VR system.

Those that have received their units will find this information in the back of their instructions under" Dyno-ing the VR system".
Most of this and much more will be on the V-6 Camaro page when it comes live.

First, there is no before and after dynoing with any system. The E38 computer must have learn time, or it simply will not bring in full ignition timing. It will not dial in the fuel trims, and the MAF scaling will be off.
The long-term fuel trims must set in at the very least, and that takes 28-32 miles. Driving on the dyno will not do this. We drove 48miles with the V-6 on the dyno.

What if you do a before and after test?
You will probably catch the ECU in the learn process before it has had a chance to fully learn whatever part it is your testing. In which case, your numbers will be off, and you will have worthless data. We test everyone’s products everyday from the flow bench to the road, and we data log everything. We see to it that we know more about our competitor’s products than they do. In this particular case, your dealing with the E38 ECU in the direct injection V-6 combination and how it reacts to changes in airflow.

Here is the most important information: The VR system is designed and set up for the road "NOT THE DYNO”. Specifically it’s optimized for 3rd gear. Third is a high load gear, and the final gear that the car will use at a 1/4 mile drag strip (6sp man) terminal speed is about 105mph.The system was designed to run 22.5-24 deg of timing advance all the way to 6750 RPM and -1-2% fuel trim at WOT in 3rd gear with a specific MAF scaling rate and flow number. It will do this in 100+ deg heat all day long.
The dyno will never be the same as the road. Our tech has worked with racing teams with multi- million dollar facilities, and they still cannot replicate the track perfectly on their dynos.


Here is an example of dyno data vs. on road data taken on the same day. We will look at the stock air box and how it performed in both conditions.
(All testing was conducted on the same day. We made over 10 dyno pulls in 3rd gear, and we data logged using EFI live and a wideband. All information is @ 6750 RPM.

DYNO vs Street 3rd gear pulls

MAF scaling HZ peak 7828-7850 Hz / 7380-7430 Hz

MAF flow rate 28.42 lbs per min / 24.5 lbs per min

Timing advance 21-19.5 deg / 16-14.5 deg (both are pulling timing)

Air fuel 12.10 / 11.5-11.70

Air intake temp 80-82 deg / 80-82 deg

Dyno HP 249- 253hp / OEM street hp? (VR estimate, 239-242hp)

As you can see, if you had designed a system or a tune on the dyno it would be off/wrong.

The VR system is designed to use the ram affect to dial in the MAF for full power when the vehicle is moving. The self inter-cooling allows us to run more timing and a stronger MAF curve without getting out of the ECU's parameters or running into unwanted detonation. On a dyno the airflow is simply not there nor is the road load to replicate this. On a dyno the ECU will bring timing in to quickly (much quicker than the OEM curve) which will cause the ECU to pull timing. Where as on the road it will not It will continue to add timing advance until it reaches the maximum commanded number.

This is one of the reasons we spend so much time in R&D at VR on our systems. They are much more complex than a cone and a pipe style setup. Even our MAF is complex. With features like a reverse venturi aero package. Sound frequency cancellation and A 7 O’clock MAF position with an integrated rear velocity stack for a 20%+ airflow improvement in the throttle body. Big power comes from the details, details come from R&D and stepping outside the "NORM”.
If you just want a dyno number that's easy it's the same unit with a different MAF setup combination and we could do that and it will pull great numbers and then it won’t run as well as the dyno numbers indicate on the street because the MAF will be over-scaled (to much air flow) and it will pull timing.

For VR to achieve our goal of 30+hp in real world conditions, we took our log data from our highest dyno numbers, 276 rear wheel hp@ 1500 DA. We replicated this on the street in 3rd gear in 100 deg heat + 3000ft DA. Then we started to turn up the wick even further. To increase power further we found that we would have to use a more conservative “ static base combination”. We had to do this because of where the MAF scaling, timing and AFR would end up under actual road loads. The end result of all this is what you have all been reading.

“She blazes the tires now “, “it's a different car”, “Smokes the tires through second “and on and on!

There's the real world and the play world, we design our systems for the real world, where our customers win races and set records.

VR Tech

sorry... sounds like an easy out when the dyno's results don't deliver the claimed HP... And I simply don't buy into the "ECU learning"... I certainly never seen it and I was constantly watching a number of PIDs!

We heard people say the same thing when the Airaid was first release, "WOW my car really pulls hard now!!!" And we know hat that turned out! Remember the famous Airaid claim, "If people feel it, that's good enough for us!" In all fairness I actually have an Airaid intake on my new truck! LOL! Anecdotal stories mean nothing.... people that have been in this section long enough should know that...

Noticed they mention the E38 ECU... is that the same as the E69? My camaro had an E69:

[scrming]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

Member SIXJAK talked about how when he was stock, he could only get up to like mid 80MPH from one point to another point on the same stretch of road...but after all his mods (intake, exhaust, headers) he was hitting 100+ MPH.

I suppose the same could be done to verify that there are gains for those who think there may be no gains. But i guess that wouldn't tell us the actual gains.

I know my car pulls harder than it did with the AirRaid in 3rd gear runs (60 to 80 blasts) for sure...and it feels a bit more responsive down low.

Don't doubt you... but you know how unreliable butt dynos are in this car... heck, i was fooled! The question is are you getting the claimed gains, or just a portion?

[CamaroDreams07]

Originally Posted by scrming

sorry... sounds like an easy out when the dyno's results don't deliver the claimed HP... And I simply don't buy into the "ECU learning"... I certainly never seen it and I was constantly watching a number of PIDs!

We heard people say the same thing when the Airaid was first release, "WOW my car really pulls hard now!!!" And we know hat that turned out! Remember the famous Airaid claim, "If people feel it, that's good enough for us!" In all fairness I actually have an Airaid intake on my new truck! LOL! Anecdotal stories mean nothing.... people that have been in this section long enough should know that...

Noticed they mention the E38 ECU... is that the same as the E69? My camaro had an E69:

Exactly what I was thinking. I have never heard any other company making excuses in advance for disappointing dynos. It's like, "No, your dyno is wrong, trust us."

My whole thing on this is that I was in contact with Vararam at the very beginning of them undertaking this. I was told week after week it was coming- then they just stopped responding. Almost a year later I see on here that they are about to come to market. Again, waiting and waiting for this product. I have no problem in waiting for a product to be made right before it ships (remember we did that with the Camaro??). But it clearly wasn't made right. So it was a ton of waiting and song and dance for what ended up being no more than a beta product.

I would be pretty upset if I was all you guys, but if you're happy that's all that matters. It's your money, and I have no dog in this fight, it's just incredible to me how little you expect for your money. Customer service is not a substitute for product.

[TJ91]

I understand what you guys are saying, I still have a few unanswered questions that never get answered. I dont mind having somewhat of a beta product, as longas they keep sending me the updated parts. Such as my new belly intake which will ship out tomorrow.
Their CS is great and it really is assuring. If they had bad CS, I wouldve gotten my full refund and went injen. They have great service and the intake is good. I dont feel 25rwhp in all honesty which I think most would but well see



HERES THE MAIN QUESTION. SOMEONE FOR GOD SAKES PLEASE ANSWER THIS


How is it the prototype intake netted gains of 24rwhp and then 27rwhp when it was static. Thos pulls were done in 3rd. Now if that intake was revised to get better performance, shouldnt the new intakes still be dynoing atleast 24rwhp as opposed to none or few?

[E.T.]

Originally Posted by TJ91

I understand what you guys are saying, I still have a few unanswered questions that never get answered. I dont mind having somewhat of a beta product, as longas they keep sending me the updated parts. Such as my new belly intake which will ship out tomorrow.
Their CS is great and it really is assuring. If they had bad CS, I wouldve gotten my full refund and went injen. They have great service and the intake is good. I dont feel 25rwhp in all honesty which I think most would but well see



HERES THE MAIN QUESTION. SOMEONE FOR GOD SAKES PLEASE ANSWER THIS


How is it the prototype intake netted gains of 24rwhp and then 27rwhp when it was static. Thos pulls were done in 3rd. Now if that intake was revised to get better performance, shouldnt the new intakes still be dynoing atleast 24rwhp as opposed to none or few?

That's a good question. Another thing, and I don't know if it matters much, but I believe the hood was open when these 27 HP dyno pulls were done.

To me, this whole VR thing seems to be like a new religion. We're supposed to just have faith that it's doing what is claimed, but if we try to measure it, we're told not to expect impressive gains on a dyno. Sorry, but I like facts and data

[VR Baron]

Originally Posted by scrming

hope we all learned a lesson about butt dynos!

No lessons needed here.
Airaid V1 definatly worse then stock and V2 was defiantly better. I dont know who would think V1 was better