Vararam vs Mace 25mm + other brand CAI

[Rickmaff]

So, I am almost sold on the Vararam Ram Air Intake, my old problem is the little beauty of a mod that the Insulator is (especially price of the mod compared to the performance ratio) but it's really almost sad to see that these to fantastic mods don't work together.

Does anyone have any advice as to which one to go for in terms of raw power gain for the price? Should I wait out and see if someone can get the Vararam working with the insulator? Man, so many choices... haha I just need some opinions... What do ya got for me C5

[Blacktip]

Tracey is working on a Heat shield/Isolator ...should be released soon

[Blacktip]

It works with our VR

[mhog]

Originally Posted by Blacktip

It works with our VR

You won't have the runner length of the 25mm insolator, so you may not get the same torque gain.

[Rickmaff]

Originally Posted by mhog

You won't have the runner length of the 25mm insolator, so you may not get the same torque gain.

That's exactly what I was worried about, well, not so much worried but wondering. I'm looking for the most hp out of the combination.

Vararam and no insulator vs CAI and 25mm insulator is my big deal right now

[ParisTNDude]

Originally Posted by Rickmaff

That's exactly what I was worried about, well, not so much worried but wondering. I'm looking for the most hp out of the combination.

Vararam and no insulator vs CAI and 25mm insulator is my big deal right now

I'm not familiar with the "insulator"....can you describe?

[Rickmaff]

Originally Posted by ParisTNDude

I'm not familiar with the "insulator"....can you describe?

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=188097

If you read through the thread the 25mm insulator when installed prevents the Intake Manifold from heating up and increases the runner length giving gains of 15+tq off peak on the bottom of the rpm band. I don't remember HP numbers but this mod was showing excellent power gains for relatively cheap pricing (sub $200).

The problem currently is that the increased height of the intake prevents the Vararam from fitting properly so they (currently) cannot be used together.

[KMPrenger]

As much as I love my Vararam (and unwilling to switch as I am lol) I'd be willing to bet that an Injen + 25mm MACE insulator combo is a tad better...maybe not too much in overall peak HP, or even peak TQ, but I'd say it takes the cake as far as TQ gains in the lower rpms and probably has better "street feel"

That said, RX is supposed to dynoing their insulator + ported intake manifold today. I really hope they do well, as I'm planning on them being my next mods. After that, unless I go with LTs, will probably be my last performance mods for a long while unless someone comes up with something new (which would be sweet). I think I can learn to be happy with a 350HP V6

Originally Posted by ParisTNDude

I'm not familiar with the "insulator"....can you describe?

basically a spacer in between the intake manifold and the heads, accomplishing two things:

1) Proven to decrease the temps of the intake manifold, helping to keep the air rushing into the engine cooler.
2) Increase runner length, there by increasing TQ.

[Agarc]

i want to just get it all together lol and be done cuz i hate staring at my parts sitting there,

[Blacktip]

Cant wait to see the numbers that tracey gets...getting my return this week, that baby needs to go, lol

[Rickmaff]

Originally Posted by KMPrenger

As much as I love my Vararam (and unwilling to switch as I am lol) I'd be willing to bet that an Injen + 25mm MACE insulator combo is a tad better...maybe not too much in overall peak HP, or even peak TQ, but I'd say it takes the cake as far as TQ gains in the lower rpms and probably has better "street feel"

That said, RX is supposed to dynoing their insulator + ported intake manifold today. I really hope they do well, as I'm planning on them being my next mods. After that, unless I go with LTs, will probably be my last performance mods for a long while unless someone comes up with something new (which would be sweet). I think I can learn to be happy with a 350HP V6

I'll probably pull the trigger in the Vararam for the HP/TQ/MPG gains and then wait it out. Just from the tune alone I was really happy with the gains, and supposedly the ram air is almost double the gain! Man I wish I didn't have so many bills/lack of cash!

[Kmorpheus]

I am with you there Rickmaff. I have the Vararam and love it. looking to add the ported TB and Tune this spring. Plus have plans for some cosmetic upgrades just so I can keep things fresh at the local car shows.

Not that I have a Show car, but if you go to car shows to look around anyway you may as well enter and get a better parking place, and maybe a gift bag.

I usually end up voting for other guys Camaros anyway. I have enough to dust around my place the way it is.

[ParisTNDude]

It appears the insulator is made only for the V6?

[usa1camaro1969]

Originally Posted by ParisTNDude

It appears the insulator is made only for the V6?

Our intakes are aluminum and soak up a lot of heat. The Mace insulator is made up of a phenolic material like the old carb spacers and help to block the heat transfer to the intake manifold. The v8 intake is a composite and I would venture to bet they don't have the heat soak our v6 does.