Vararam Intake worth it?

[KEEP RT]

I like mine.

[ssmike]

I went to a Vararam, thanks to IndeedSS1 loaning me one to try, after trying 3 others and I have to say for throttle response and best driveability I'm pleased with the VR! Fitment and overall quality leave a little to be desired but not bad overall!

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by Soundplus

I have been doing some research on this item for my new 2012 2SS/RS. I am 99% sure I will be purchasing this intake. I have sent an E-mail to Vararam to get some answers on WHICH model to buy. the tune version or non-tune version. but I am going to go with the VR-SS model.

After a lot of internet time what I have read is that the model that originally came out to fit the 2010+ model camaro's had some issues with rough low end idle. Vararam went back into the shop and worked out the kinks and came out with a model they call (VR-SS) model. This model has supposedly fixed that issue and the reviews for it our top notch. Vararam also found in there shop time that some camaro's came with what they called a weak airflow sensor. so be sure to check your car's sensor to make sure it is not a weak one. There is a page out there that shows you how to check it and what to look for. Sorry I don't have the link for it.

how this was helpful.


HURRY UP VARARAM.. I want my damn answers..

Call them. The guys are friendly and really helpful.

[Soundplus]

I never seem to get home in time to catch any one. I always get the answering machine. My questions stem from their dividing line of which to get. 430 rwhp and under no tune.. 430 and up.. tune.. but because I will be right on the cusp and getting a tune anyways. I am unsure. and not enough of a gear head to know. so I will ask the people that do.

here is what I sent them, My car specs 2012 2ss/rs camaro ls3 M6 with my intended mods. Kooks 1 7/8 headers and custom tune. and my questions.

Here are my questions.

First. Which of the versions should I get? the no tune or tune?

Second. if I get the no tune version do I have it installed before I get the headers and tune installed, at the time the headers and tune are installed, or do I wait until after those are done and then install the no tune version.
The second part of my second question is, If I install the intake before the headers and tune, do I still need to drive it 100 miles like the instructions say then take it to the pro shop[? and does the pro shop need anything to be able to set up and tune the car correctly?
Part three., If I have the intake installed at the same time as the headers and tune, will the car still need to be driven 100 miles as the instructions say? and does the pro shop need anything to be able to set up and tune the car correctly?
part four, if I wait utill after the headers and tune are installed then install the intake. is there anything the pro shop needs to correctly setup and tune the car? Will I still have to drive it 100 miles as the instructions say AND will this adversely effect the tune the pro shop just completed?

Third. If I get the tune version, should this be installed at the same time as the headers and tune? or do I wait till after they are done and then install this and get it re-tuned? Common sense here says it should all be done at the same time. That being said. is there anything the pro shop needs to correctly setup and tune the car with the tune version?

I would love to talk to a tech. got a good number for me to call?
and anyone of you that have info for me that would be greatly appreciated as well

[sneakypete]

Originally Posted by CooG

Better be! I have spent every afternoon this week sanding, priming, painting, and clear coating mine!

Lets see some pics!

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by ssmike

I went to a Vararam, thanks to IndeedSS1 loaning me one to try, after trying 3 others and I have to say for throttle response and best driveability I'm pleased with the VR! Fitment and overall quality leave a little to be desired but not bad overall!

You are welcome. It's something a person really has to compare against others to appreciate.

[IndeedSS1]

The tune version will give you a little more HP, once tuned, than the no tune. However you can still have the no tuned tuned for some additional HP.

Since you are going to tune just get the tune version and have it all done at the same time. Tuning negates the need for the 100 miles drive cycle.

[rolnslo]

Originally Posted by Soundplus

I never seem to get home in time to catch any one. I always get the answering machine. My questions stem from their dividing line of which to get. 430 rwhp and under no tune.. 430 and up.. tune.. but because I will be right on the cusp and getting a tune anyways. I am unsure. and not enough of a gear head to know. so I will ask the people that do.

here is what I sent them, My car specs 2012 2ss/rs camaro ls3 M6 with my intended mods. Kooks 1 7/8 headers and custom tune. and my questions.

Here are my questions.

First. Which of the versions should I get? the no tune or tune?

Second. if I get the no tune version do I have it installed before I get the headers and tune installed, at the time the headers and tune are installed, or do I wait until after those are done and then install the no tune version.
The second part of my second question is, If I install the intake before the headers and tune, do I still need to drive it 100 miles like the instructions say then take it to the pro shop[? and does the pro shop need anything to be able to set up and tune the car correctly?
Part three., If I have the intake installed at the same time as the headers and tune, will the car still need to be driven 100 miles as the instructions say? and does the pro shop need anything to be able to set up and tune the car correctly?
part four, if I wait utill after the headers and tune are installed then install the intake. is there anything the pro shop needs to correctly setup and tune the car? Will I still have to drive it 100 miles as the instructions say AND will this adversely effect the tune the pro shop just completed?

Third. If I get the tune version, should this be installed at the same time as the headers and tune? or do I wait till after they are done and then install this and get it re-tuned? Common sense here says it should all be done at the same time. That being said. is there anything the pro shop needs to correctly setup and tune the car with the tune version?

I would love to talk to a tech. got a good number for me to call?
and anyone of you that have info for me that would be greatly appreciated as well

Best advice I can give you...

1. Get the tune model if you are going to mod and tune anyway. Just wait to install it until you are ready to get it tuned. If you won't be tuning right away, then hold off on getting the intake. No point in buying the no-tune model if you are going to mod and tune anyhow - might as well get the added gains with the tune model.

2. Try to call them between 10am-3pm M-F (Central time zone). Best chance of catching someone near the phone.

3. Double check with them on the fitment for a 2012 Camaro. I seem to remember them mentioning something last time I was there that the radiator cap moved slightly in the 2012's and they needed to make an adjustment in the design/castings to accommodate it.

[redbee03]

I just installed and dyno'ed my Vararam intake on my LS3. It replaced the K&N Typhoon. It made 6 rwhp and 10 ft lb over the K&N. The biggest gain and reason for buying it was to keep the IAT cool, and WOW, it only got 3 degrees over ambient air temp at it's hottest! Love this intake!

[SSGUNNER]

Any dyno #'s for an L99 with the non tune and with tune. Im debating between this and CAI.

[Soundplus]

Well I just got the skinny from VaraRam..

Their Answer to my questions were as follows.
Doesn't fit the 2012 - working on a unit now!
To which I had to make a follow up call. the tech line mail box was full so I left a message on the sales line. I did get a call back and here is what I found out.

Rolnslo is correct, because GM moved the Radiator cap. the VR-SS model does not fit. They are currently working on a version that does. they expect it to be complete in 4 to 6 weeks.
As for my list of questions. he could give me no real answers because they do not know if the new version will react the same way to the 2012 as the old version does to the 2011. He will not speculate but insures me that they will make sure the product works properly before they put it out for sale.
SO being the pain in the ass I am I asked him these questions using the 2010-11 camaro's and the VR-SS.
here is what I got
You can use either version (tune or no tune) Any descent pro shop should be able to set the car up correctly to get the best performance from the intake and any other mods they are putting on. AND he added that if I install the intake after the mods are done .. ANY reputable shop should "touch up" the tune for a small fee if not free. AND that I should ASK the shop about touch ups before I let them work on my car.

I hope this helps someone out there. me.. I guess I am waiting a few weeks

[IndeedSS1]

Originally Posted by Soundplus

Well I just got the skinny from VaraRam..

Their Answer to my questions were as follows.
Doesn't fit the 2012 - working on a unit now!
To which I had to make a follow up call. the tech line mail box was full so I left a message on the sales line. I did get a call back and here is what I found out.

Rolnslo is correct, because GM moved the Radiator cap. the VR-SS model does not fit. They are currently working on a version that does. they expect it to be complete in 4 to 6 weeks.
As for my list of questions. he could give me no real answers because they do not know if the new version will react the same way to the 2012 as the old version does to the 2011. He will not speculate but insures me that they will make sure the product works properly before they put it out for sale.
SO being the pain in the ass I am I asked him these questions using the 2010-11 camaro's and the VR-SS.
here is what I got
You can use either version (tune or no tune) Any descent pro shop should be able to set the car up correctly to get the best performance from the intake and any other mods they are putting on. AND he added that if I install the intake after the mods are done .. ANY reputable shop should "touch up" the tune for a small fee if not free. AND that I should ASK the shop about touch ups before I let them work on my car.

I hope this helps someone out there. me.. I guess I am waiting a few weeks

I didn't know about the 2012 differences, but the information they gave you is solid.

[sschevybear11]

Radiator cap location is changed on '12

[wadew2lt]

Originally Posted by CooG

Better be! I have spent every afternoon this week sanding, priming, painting, and clear coating mine!

Got any pics yet?