Z/28 CAI vs Vararam DRX

[diablo0730]

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.

[InFiD3ViL]

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.

[demonspeed]

Originally Posted by InFiD3ViL

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.

The OTR style is for 10 & 11; VRX is for 12-15. OTR is always superior to any other setups from what I’ve ever seen across various platforms.

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.

[diablo0730]

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

[1LE_ROLL]

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.

[demonspeed]

Originally Posted by 1LE_ROLL

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.

What do you mean kinda collapsing? What happened exactly?

[1LE_ROLL]

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

[InFiD3ViL]

Originally Posted by demonspeed

The OTR style is for 10 & 11; VRX is for 12-15. OTR is always superior to any other setups from what I’ve ever seen across various platforms.

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.

The DRX can also be run on the 10/11 model years, if someone wanted to go that route, maybe to keep things somewhat stock looking. Main reason it was developed was due to the off-center radiator fill neck position on the 12-15 cars not allowing use of the OTR version.

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.

[diablo0730]

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.

[WHAMMO]

Can't run the Z28 with a 102mm, so thats not good for H/C setup. DRX is better.

[diablo0730]

Originally Posted by WHAMMO

Can't run the Z28 with a 102mm, so thats not good for H/C setup. DRX is better.

That i did not know at all lol might stick with the DRX then.

[StingrayblueSS]

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.

[xc_SS/RS]

Originally Posted by WHAMMO

Can't run the Z28 with a 102mm, so thats not good for H/C setup. DRX is better.

Sure you can, just need a little wd40 and it’ll slip right on

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.