10-06-2021, 12:56 PM | #1 |
Drives: 2015 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Columbus, GA
Posts: 230
|
Z/28 CAI vs Vararam DRX
Has anyone compared these two before? I currently have the Z/28 CAI on my 1LE (including the plastic part to seal it against the hood) and it works great. I also have a Vararam DRX that finally came in a few weeks ago that i ordered before i grabbed my Z/28 CAI. Has anyone used these to compare numbers/performance? If i wasnt sk busy withy move i would honestly probably take it to a dyno shop just to test it out but not sure when ill have time.
__________________
2015 1SS 1LE: BTR Stage 5 N/A cam, 1 7/8 Longtube headers, catless connectors, Z/28 Cold Air Intake, Vararam Power Wedge.
Upcoming Mods: GPI Ported heads GPI Ported Rodmod intake ZL1 Injectors DSX E-85 Flex Fuel Kit |
10-06-2021, 03:54 PM | #2 |
Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Spring Hill, FL
Posts: 4,621
|
I would be very interested in a dyno comparison of these two intakes.
I am currently running the over-the-radiator Vararam and have been considering switching it up for the Z28 CAI or the DRX. I prefer the looks of the Z28 setup, but don't want to sacrifice any power over looks alone. The DRX isn't exactly a looker, but I understand that really means little in the big picture. I know they say the OTR Vararam is a top performer, but there are very few if any comparisons on the dyno for it. Not a huge fan of the filter type used for my Vararam, or it's poor overall fitment. Plus, the tail section is cracked and I had to seal it with Flex Seal tape. I have considered buying a 'Tune' version of the tail piece, but then I will need a tune adjustment.
__________________
2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI
|
10-06-2021, 06:41 PM | #3 | |
not afraid of the wall
Drives: Camaros Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 2,148
|
Quote:
For those of us with newer cars, the VRX including the washer bottle relocation and air scoop makes for it likely being the better performer over the Z/28, but honestly, I doubt it’s enough to justify swapping one style for the other.
__________________
2023 1LE 1SS BCD GCF JF5 MN6 SIA SLN UQT
10/13/22: 1100 Past Camaros: 13 1LE|02 SS|01 Z28|00 SS|91 1LE|91 Z28|89 IROC-Z |
|
10-07-2021, 09:23 AM | #4 |
Drives: 2015 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Columbus, GA
Posts: 230
|
Thats my delima but seeing as how I already paid for both and have them both now might test em out at the track one day when its not raining and see how they compare there then try to get a dyno day done and post some videos up with each
__________________
2015 1SS 1LE: BTR Stage 5 N/A cam, 1 7/8 Longtube headers, catless connectors, Z/28 Cold Air Intake, Vararam Power Wedge.
Upcoming Mods: GPI Ported heads GPI Ported Rodmod intake ZL1 Injectors DSX E-85 Flex Fuel Kit |
10-07-2021, 01:33 PM | #5 |
Drives: 2015 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: austin tx
Posts: 54
|
I like the washer bottle design on the DRX, and overall seems efficient and my IATs are the same as outside if I’m moving over 40. I did have an issue with the plastic tube kind of collapsing and shit but I am notorious for overtightening stuff.
__________________
SE 1 7/8 tubes and 3 inch X pipe, Vararam DRX, TSP stage 2 cam, Deatschwerks 50 lb injectors, Motion catch can, E85. More to come.
|
10-07-2021, 01:42 PM | #6 |
not afraid of the wall
Drives: Camaros Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 2,148
|
What do you mean kinda collapsing? What happened exactly?
__________________
2023 1LE 1SS BCD GCF JF5 MN6 SIA SLN UQT
10/13/22: 1100 Past Camaros: 13 1LE|02 SS|01 Z28|00 SS|91 1LE|91 Z28|89 IROC-Z |
10-07-2021, 02:29 PM | #7 |
Drives: 2015 2SS/RS 1LE Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: austin tx
Posts: 54
|
Well it started with their elbow has no actual “flat” spot for the coupler to seat on. It’s kind of tapered the whole way. So i was repositioning the coupler/ clamp every once and a awhile when I would notice it was leaking (IATs went up a ton from air close to engine). I guess one of the times I tightened it, it was hot and soft and just folded in on itself. I replaced it with a 90 degree silicone coupler and a 6 inch section of tube and still cheaper than any other kit and washer relocation
__________________
SE 1 7/8 tubes and 3 inch X pipe, Vararam DRX, TSP stage 2 cam, Deatschwerks 50 lb injectors, Motion catch can, E85. More to come.
|
10-07-2021, 08:50 PM | #8 | |
Drives: 2010 CGM 2SS/RS LS3 Swapped A6 Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Spring Hill, FL
Posts: 4,621
|
Quote:
Anyhow, yeah - the OTR version being superior is what I have heard and read as well. I think I am just getting an itch to mix things up, but as you said, no real justification for swapping to another style.
__________________
2010 CGM Camaro 2SS LS3 Swapped A6 - GPI LS3 SS1 .647/.638, (224/237, 112 +4, 7º overlap) on CamMotion 8620 core, BTR Platinum .660" Dual Spring kit w/titanium retainers, CHE bronze trunnion upgrade, stock heads milled @ .015, Melling HV 10296 oil pump, TSP 1-7/8" long tube headers (W/Catless Off-road Pipes), Corsa Xtreme 3" Catback, GPI Ported/Rod Mod Intake, Stage 2 Ported Throttle Body, Vararam OTR CAI, Mike Norris Gen 2 catch can + GM 1LE clean side separator, 160º thermostat - Megan Racing adjustable coilovers (lowered 1.75"), MRR M017 10/11" wheels-Tuned by Ryan @ GPI
|
|
10-07-2021, 09:06 PM | #9 |
Drives: 2015 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Columbus, GA
Posts: 230
|
Got the Z/28 swapped out with the DRX today havnt driven it yet. The design is pretty neat with the water bottle. The Z/28 one is sitting in my trunk for now. I will do a few drives and small pulls tomorrow just to see howil it reacts.
__________________
2015 1SS 1LE: BTR Stage 5 N/A cam, 1 7/8 Longtube headers, catless connectors, Z/28 Cold Air Intake, Vararam Power Wedge.
Upcoming Mods: GPI Ported heads GPI Ported Rodmod intake ZL1 Injectors DSX E-85 Flex Fuel Kit |
10-07-2021, 11:33 PM | #10 |
Drives: 13' 1LE Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 2,646
|
Can't run the Z28 with a 102mm, so thats not good for H/C setup. DRX is better.
__________________
13' 1LE
Old setup: TSP 231-236/Tick 660/.105 PR, UDP, SW LT 2'' & HFC, stock NPP & H pipe, VR-DRX CAI, air scoop, Goertz1 manifold, 102mm BBK, 26" Toyo DRs, Forgestars R17x10 & F18x8, rear seat delete, remote Pat G tune Autocal, 7400 limiter, Spec Mini Twin. 91oct. 11.90@122.3, 0-60ft 2.0 / 11.99@123.6, 0-60ft 2.1 DA+819 ...519RWHP SAE Solid roller SBE LS3, FED, LLSR, 91oct, 605rwhp N/A. Tuned by Pat G. Build by me. |
10-08-2021, 07:38 AM | #11 |
Drives: 2015 Camaro 1LE Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Columbus, GA
Posts: 230
|
That i did not know at all lol might stick with the DRX then.
__________________
2015 1SS 1LE: BTR Stage 5 N/A cam, 1 7/8 Longtube headers, catless connectors, Z/28 Cold Air Intake, Vararam Power Wedge.
Upcoming Mods: GPI Ported heads GPI Ported Rodmod intake ZL1 Injectors DSX E-85 Flex Fuel Kit |
10-10-2021, 12:00 AM | #12 |
Drives: 2013 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Indiana
Posts: 901
|
In 2019 I swapped my airaid cai for the DRX and I gained 3/10s in my 1/8th mile and 4/10s in the quarter. I'm not saying it was all from the swap but it exceeded Vararams marketing claims.
__________________
2013 Camaro SS
Kooks Headers Vararam DRX 1le Differential 3.91 Bo White throttle body Magnaflow Competition Exhaust 12.391 112 MPH 10/05/19 |
10-20-2021, 02:26 PM | #13 | |
Drives: 2010 Camaro SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: somewhere in MD
Posts: 4,883
|
Quote:
I think the DRX is the better intake. I had one but i could not deal with the same intake tube issues listed above so i returned it and put the Z/28 back on. If they could update the intake tube to be round and to also include a metal ring on the inside to give it more strength i would buy another in a heartbeat.
__________________
2010 2SS/RS
Z/28 intake, NW, FAST 102, speed engineering LT's, some exhaust, ATI -10% pulley, GM flex fuel injectors, DSX flex fuel sensor, MGW shifter, HP Tuners, some suspension work, stickers and a little weight loss. 12.63 @113.53 |
|
|
|
Tags |
cai, intake, performance, vararam, z/28 |
|
|