Vararam intake install/impressions (pics/video) - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Infernoo · 07-20-2011, 10:12 PM

Here's my first impressions... I'm not the typical man when it comes to putting things together, I usually read installation material.

... and I'm usually very good at following directions but these install instructions are just out of whack.

Install time: about 2 1/2 beers. (40-50 mins due to fighting with it to get it on)

It seems like the install instructions could use some work but with some common sense you can get the intake installed without a problem. Places that the instructions miss on:

Page 3 just below the pictures of the mounting brackets attached to the radiator it states: "Now you can tighten up the bolts in the radiator brackets, again just tight enough, you do not need to run these all the way down....."

Then you turn the page and page 4 shows you how to install the Wing... Wait, what? Ok, so unscrew the radiator brackets and put the wing in there. Unfortunately, prior to this I could tell the instructions were missing something so I had already attached my Rubber Grommet to my brackets instead of the wing (doh!) No worries, it fits the same, just a pain in the arse to get the wing in without dropping it. Also nowhere in the instructions does it say to remove the seal attached to the top front of the radiator to allow for better air flow. I removed it because it only seemed like it should have been taken out.

Page 5 shows and tells you to place the red hose onto the throttle body housing and then try to shimmy the VR onto it.. well, I tried this unsuccessfully for over 5 mins before I decided to put the hose on the VR FIRST then shimmy it onto the throttle body which was 10 times easier. The instructions also show the entire VR being placed down into the bay and installed. No matter how hard I tried there was no way this thing was going in there without taking it apart first.

Page 6 should have a larger picture and have circled what they're talking about.. I was a little confused here.

Now on to the pictures:

Before I even started on the VR I noticed immediately that the STOCK intake even had a gap before I even touched it. Here's a picture of the stock intake before I even laid one finger on it...

(BTW, if the pictures are too small for you just right click on them and click on View Image for the full size version.)

The instructions also do not warn you about these tabs that need to be broken off of the radiator mounts. Victoryred69 mentioned this in one of his previous posts.

Now comes the scary part... This is as flush as I could get this thing and I hope it doesn't cause issues. Steve, if you're reading this please let me know if I need a replacement or if this will be ok?

Here's a picture of me trying to get it fitted.. I think that's as close/tight as I could get it..

Ahh yes.. almost forgot about this picture. One of the screws to hold in the MAF was bent... I lost the other screw taking this picture (it rolled down the front of the car and landed behind the grill) so I just ended up using one of the stock screws that held the MAF in.

Close up picture of it after I have it tighten down.. is it on? or not?

Driver's side VR has some overhang that looks a little ugly...

Here's the finished? product.....

This is the space my keyfob gave me (before driving it.)

Now, I've only driven the car for about 2 miles and here's what I have to say. I've heard many people on here say they felt a major difference and "WOWOMGBBQSUACE MY CAR IS LOUD!" but I wasn't expecting any of that. For the first 30 miles you shouldn't really "feel" much of a difference. So.... I started her up.. and yup, she sounded the same to me (at first)... then I back up, drove down the road and got to the end of my street. Still sounded exactly the same as stock.... then an opening came up on the street so I could pull out and I had to goose it a little, not much, just enough to make it go over 3k rpm (maybe 4) and holy crap I wasn't expecting that noise! Not bad noise, GREAT noise.. the car sounded like a beast! Then I let off and "la la la" back to stock sounds again. It's pretty impressive to say the least. I was not expecting so much loud rumble to come from just gassing it... now it's going to be hard for me not to floor it down every street.

As far as my "butt dyno", honestly, I don't think I felt much more power... but I wasn't expecting to notice any gains after a short (less than 2 miles) trip.

I got back though and noticed I have the same issue TJ91 had.. My keyfob barely fits now and I almost had to wedge it. :(

Steve (sales@vararam.com), if you're reading this, I know you said to call if we have any issues but for me it was a matter of getting this thing on before it got dark so I had a drivable car to work in the morning.

I'm going to keep an eye on it for a few days to see if it keeps moving or not. But with the picture above showing the big gap is that going to be ok?

If anyone is interested I recorded video of my car sitting in the driveway revving before the intake and after. I can tell a tiny tiny difference but remember, 1) this is sitting still.. you wont hear a major change in the sound unless you're moving and getting on it.. and 2) this is only after 2 miles of driving.

Infernoo · 07-20-2011, 10:14 PM

Oh yeah, almost forgot.. I reserved my new plate today too! w00t!

Infernoo · 07-20-2011, 10:52 PM

BTW, I will have to say that using the dremel on the radiator brackets really sucked. lol.. I love playing with my dremel but that hot plastic flying every where wasn't fun. I have a few burn marks from flying debris.. Maybe include some pre-fab brackets for an extra price?

Ir0nM4n · 07-21-2011, 12:21 AM

I think the brakets could be added. A friend of mine found them for 5 dollars each. I will probably purchase a set just in case.

TJ91 · 07-21-2011, 01:15 AM

hey man glad you got your VR. AS for the GAP, i personally think thats too big. Im sure vararam will send you a better fit belly.
As for the sound, just wait til you get it past 5k rpm, it shocked me and I absolutely love it. Ive intalled foam blocks to stop the intake from closing the gap, seems to be working!
I drove it like a baby for the first 50km and then like I stole it every minute since. It seems to be getting stronger and stronger. Try a highway pull, get the car in third and punch it from 4k up and go all the way to redline if you have a safe place to do it and no cops or people who can be harmed. Its unbelievable. The intake definitly made a difference. i didnt feel it before but I do more and more.

As for the power, I noticed that it does throw you back in your seat more then stock, but the big thing to check is your speedo. It picks up speed soo much quicker. I have to constantly tell myself watch out for cops watch out for cops because I am constantly pushign this thing to hear and feel it. Right now I love my intake. VR with a few adjustments is a great intake.

Ive also noticed that my car pops way more and even louder on decel and it just throws a smile on my face and my passengers. My dad absolutely loves the sound and popping

sales@vararam.com · 07-21-2011, 07:56 AM

As soon as I get to the shop I will get with the tech and show him your pics and we will give you a call!!! Thanks for all the input - it is extremely helpful!!
Steve

Infernoo · 07-21-2011, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJ91

As for the power, I noticed that it does throw you back in your seat more then stock, ......

Ive also noticed that my car pops way more and even louder on decel and it just throws a smile on my face and my passengers. My dad absolutely loves the sound and popping

I tested a little on the xtown on the way to work and there is some def. power there. Not much but it's noticable. And the sound is great, I absolutely love it. Even just barely giving it gas now the car has a growl..

Quote:

Originally Posted by sales@vararam.com

As soon as I get to the shop I will get with the tech and show him your pics and we will give you a call!!! Thanks for all the input - it is extremely helpful!!

I figured the comments on the install instructions would help you guys (as well as anyone else having questions about the instructions.)

BTW, no need to call.. I'm usually so busy during work that I can't answer my cell.

So far I'm happy.. When I get home I will be taking it off to readjust though. After re-watching videos and such I'd like to try a few things to try and close that gap some more.

sales@vararam.com · 07-21-2011, 10:41 AM

Please call us at 866-507-2648 !!!!

The angle is OK, but because your motor is twisted ,we will custom cut a lower for you for a more flush mount.

VR Tech

Angelsilhouette · 07-21-2011, 11:34 AM

I saw a post that concerned me:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mach

Vararam,

Why did you not keep the old prototype design upper hood gasket?

My 4 inch tall foam rubber gasket is sagging and folding quite a bit.. I don't think the seal is as good as your prototype where it was plastic and a good quality automotive gasket.
This just looks cheap.

If this happens to mine, is there any fix or will I need a custom cut gasket?

Maurdib · 07-21-2011, 12:54 PM

Dude you didn't hear a difference, the second rev is way deeper and less raspy then the first

Infernoo · 07-21-2011, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sales@vararam.com

Please call us at 866-507-2648 !!!!

The angle is OK, but because your motor is twisted ,we will custom cut a lower for you for a more flush mount.

VR Tech

How late can I call? I won't be off work and home until 6pm est. What info do you need from me? Maybe I can send you a PM with whatever information you need.

NYJets77 · 07-21-2011, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelsilhouette

I saw a post that concerned me:

If this happens to mine, is there any fix or will I need a custom cut gasket?

Don't you have a circular hole north of the filter, to the right?

Infernoo · 07-21-2011, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maurdib

Dude you didn't hear a difference, the second rev is way deeper and less raspy then the first

Yeah.. When listening to the video again it does sound deeper. Driving around now sounds deeper as well. It's nice.. And when I get on it people around me know it for sure. Lol

Infernoo · 07-21-2011, 08:05 PM

Just popped the hood and checked and it doesn't look like it has moved since I first drove the car for 2 miles yesterday and I drove it kind of hard today for ~30 miles. My key fob only fits between if I cram it but there's still space there. I also haven't taken it off to adjust it like I was going to do today but buddies at work wanted to go out for beers after so I got side tracked, tomorrow is poker night and I work Saturday so maybe Sat afternoon/evening I'll redo it.

Best thing is I don't think it's moving so I must've closed that gap a little more than what the picture shows prior to the red hose going on.

07-20-2011, 10:12 PM	#1
Infernoo Drives: '11 IOM 2LT/RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 236 View My Garage	Vararam intake install/impressions (pics/video) Here's my first impressions... I'm not the typical man when it comes to putting things together, I usually read installation material. ... and I'm usually very good at following directions but these install instructions are just out of whack. Install time: about 2 1/2 beers. (40-50 mins due to fighting with it to get it on) It seems like the install instructions could use some work but with some common sense you can get the intake installed without a problem. Places that the instructions miss on: Page 3 just below the pictures of the mounting brackets attached to the radiator it states: "Now you can tighten up the bolts in the radiator brackets, again just tight enough, you do not need to run these all the way down....." Then you turn the page and page 4 shows you how to install the Wing... Wait, what? Ok, so unscrew the radiator brackets and put the wing in there. Unfortunately, prior to this I could tell the instructions were missing something so I had already attached my Rubber Grommet to my brackets instead of the wing (doh!) No worries, it fits the same, just a pain in the arse to get the wing in without dropping it. Also nowhere in the instructions does it say to remove the seal attached to the top front of the radiator to allow for better air flow. I removed it because it only seemed like it should have been taken out. Page 5 shows and tells you to place the red hose onto the throttle body housing and then try to shimmy the VR onto it.. well, I tried this unsuccessfully for over 5 mins before I decided to put the hose on the VR FIRST then shimmy it onto the throttle body which was 10 times easier. The instructions also show the entire VR being placed down into the bay and installed. No matter how hard I tried there was no way this thing was going in there without taking it apart first. Page 6 should have a larger picture and have circled what they're talking about.. I was a little confused here. Now on to the pictures: Before I even started on the VR I noticed immediately that the STOCK intake even had a gap before I even touched it. Here's a picture of the stock intake before I even laid one finger on it... (BTW, if the pictures are too small for you just right click on them and click on View Image for the full size version.) The instructions also do not warn you about these tabs that need to be broken off of the radiator mounts. Victoryred69 mentioned this in one of his previous posts. Now comes the scary part... This is as flush as I could get this thing and I hope it doesn't cause issues. Steve, if you're reading this please let me know if I need a replacement or if this will be ok? Here's a picture of me trying to get it fitted.. I think that's as close/tight as I could get it.. Ahh yes.. almost forgot about this picture. One of the screws to hold in the MAF was bent... I lost the other screw taking this picture (it rolled down the front of the car and landed behind the grill) so I just ended up using one of the stock screws that held the MAF in. Close up picture of it after I have it tighten down.. is it on? or not? Driver's side VR has some overhang that looks a little ugly... Here's the finished? product..... This is the space my keyfob gave me (before driving it.) Now, I've only driven the car for about 2 miles and here's what I have to say. I've heard many people on here say they felt a major difference and "WOWOMGBBQSUACE MY CAR IS LOUD!" but I wasn't expecting any of that. For the first 30 miles you shouldn't really "feel" much of a difference. So.... I started her up.. and yup, she sounded the same to me (at first)... then I back up, drove down the road and got to the end of my street. Still sounded exactly the same as stock.... then an opening came up on the street so I could pull out and I had to goose it a little, not much, just enough to make it go over 3k rpm (maybe 4) and holy crap I wasn't expecting that noise! Not bad noise, GREAT noise.. the car sounded like a beast! Then I let off and "la la la" back to stock sounds again. It's pretty impressive to say the least. I was not expecting so much loud rumble to come from just gassing it... now it's going to be hard for me not to floor it down every street. As far as my "butt dyno", honestly, I don't think I felt much more power... but I wasn't expecting to notice any gains after a short (less than 2 miles) trip. I got back though and noticed I have the same issue TJ91 had.. My keyfob barely fits now and I almost had to wedge it. :( Steve (sales@vararam.com), if you're reading this, I know you said to call if we have any issues but for me it was a matter of getting this thing on before it got dark so I had a drivable car to work in the morning. I'm going to keep an eye on it for a few days to see if it keeps moving or not. But with the picture above showing the big gap is that going to be ok? If anyone is interested I recorded video of my car sitting in the driveway revving before the intake and after. I can tell a tiny tiny difference but remember, 1) this is sitting still.. you wont hear a major change in the sound unless you're moving and getting on it.. and 2) this is only after 2 miles of driving. Last edited by Infernoo; 07-21-2011 at 08:20 AM. Reason: Thread title change.. :)

07-21-2011, 12:21 AM	#4
Ir0nM4n Love me some Tacos Drives: 14 1LE Join Date: May 2011 Location: Washington Posts: 2,728 View My Garage	I think the brakets could be added. A friend of mine found them for 5 dollars each. I will probably purchase a set just in case. __________________

07-21-2011, 01:15 AM	#5
TJ91 :chevy: Drives: 2LT/RS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 13,035	hey man glad you got your VR. AS for the GAP, i personally think thats too big. Im sure vararam will send you a better fit belly. As for the sound, just wait til you get it past 5k rpm, it shocked me and I absolutely love it. Ive intalled foam blocks to stop the intake from closing the gap, seems to be working! I drove it like a baby for the first 50km and then like I stole it every minute since. It seems to be getting stronger and stronger. Try a highway pull, get the car in third and punch it from 4k up and go all the way to redline if you have a safe place to do it and no cops or people who can be harmed. Its unbelievable. The intake definitly made a difference. i didnt feel it before but I do more and more. As for the power, I noticed that it does throw you back in your seat more then stock, but the big thing to check is your speedo. It picks up speed soo much quicker. I have to constantly tell myself watch out for cops watch out for cops because I am constantly pushign this thing to hear and feel it. Right now I love my intake. VR with a few adjustments is a great intake. Ive also noticed that my car pops way more and even louder on decel and it just throws a smile on my face and my passengers. My dad absolutely loves the sound and popping __________________ CAMARO Consult your doctor before taking Camaro Side effects include Sudden increase in Heart Rate, Insomnia and occasional hallucinations If you experience Permagrin exceeding 4 hours after taking Camaro, seek immediate Camaro5 Help CAMARO Bringing excitment back into the Garage

07-21-2011, 12:54 PM	#10
Maurdib Drives: 2010 Black Camaro 2LT/RS Auto Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: San Fernando Valley Posts: 751 View My Garage	Dude you didn't hear a difference, the second rev is way deeper and less raspy then the first __________________ BackInBlack Performance:Vararam cold air intake

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07-20-2011, 10:14 PM	#2
Infernoo Drives: '11 IOM 2LT/RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 236 View My Garage	Oh yeah, almost forgot.. I reserved my new plate today too! w00t!

07-20-2011, 10:52 PM	#3
Infernoo Drives: '11 IOM 2LT/RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 236 View My Garage	BTW, I will have to say that using the dremel on the radiator brackets really sucked. lol.. I love playing with my dremel but that hot plastic flying every where wasn't fun. I have a few burn marks from flying debris.. Maybe include some pre-fab brackets for an extra price?

07-21-2011, 07:56 AM	#6
sales@vararam.com Drives: 2010 camaro Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 562	As soon as I get to the shop I will get with the tech and show him your pics and we will give you a call!!! Thanks for all the input - it is extremely helpful!! Steve

07-21-2011, 10:41 AM	#8
sales@vararam.com Drives: 2010 camaro Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 562	Please call us at 866-507-2648 !!!! The angle is OK, but because your motor is twisted ,we will custom cut a lower for you for a more flush mount. VR Tech

07-21-2011, 08:05 PM	#14
Infernoo Drives: '11 IOM 2LT/RS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Tampa, Fl Posts: 236 View My Garage	Just popped the hood and checked and it doesn't look like it has moved since I first drove the car for 2 miles yesterday and I drove it kind of hard today for ~30 miles. My key fob only fits between if I cram it but there's still space there. I also haven't taken it off to adjust it like I was going to do today but buddies at work wanted to go out for beers after so I got side tracked, tomorrow is poker night and I work Saturday so maybe Sat afternoon/evening I'll redo it. Best thing is I don't think it's moving so I must've closed that gap a little more than what the picture shows prior to the red hose going on.