CAI Intake vs. Vararam Intake - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

champ22 · 04-05-2011, 11:16 AM

I have been looking at several different intakes over the last couple of weeks. I originally was looking at the CAI Intake thanks to Janetty Racing's spreadsheet. But recently I have been looking at Vararam due to their projected numbers of 25-30 HP with no tune. Now, I know these numbers tend to be inflated so I was wondering if anyone has done any independent testing on the Vararam Intake. Also, for those who have Vararam, how secure is the radiator when it is installed. I still hesitant about this intake because you have to tilt the radiator back and the intake is what supports the radiator (I think that's how it works). I think I am still leaning towards CAI but any input would be helpful.

BowlingSS · 04-05-2011, 11:20 AM

I can not say much about the Vararam but I know I like my CAI, Inc.

Bill

Jayrcr3 · 04-05-2011, 11:47 AM

The CAI is a very nice intake. I love mine. My CAI typically produces IAT about 3, or 4 degrees above ambient when cruising according to EFI Live.

axis · 04-05-2011, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champ22

I have been looking at several different intakes over the last couple of weeks. I originally was looking at the CAI Intake thanks to Janetty Racing's spreadsheet. But recently I have been looking at Vararam due to their projected numbers of 25-30 HP with no tune. Now, I know these numbers tend to be inflated so I was wondering if anyone has done any independent testing on the Vararam Intake. Also, for those who have Vararam, how secure is the radiator when it is installed. I still hesitant about this intake because you have to tilt the radiator back and the intake is what supports the radiator (I think that's how it works). I think I am still leaning towards CAI but any input would be helpful.

I can promise you, if ANYONE had posted 25-30whp gain with the VR unit, we'd all be running one. As it stands no one has posted numbers as good as the CAI and Halltech. That's not to say it isn't a good unit, just that no one has reproduced anywhere near the advertised numbers.

mikeSS · 04-05-2011, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axis

I can promise you, if ANYONE had posted 25-30whp gain with the VR unit, we'd all be running one. As it stands no one has posted numbers as good as the CAI and Halltech. That's not to say it isn't a good unit, just that no one has reproduced anywhere near the advertised numbers.

30 HP my as.

champ22 · 04-05-2011, 12:31 PM

Yea, I know they were never going to get that much but I was really hoping someone would have done some independent testing so we could see some actual results.

brantley847 · 04-05-2011, 12:39 PM

I know Vararam did not get involved with the last Jannetty testing because of their prior fault system.

30hp is quite a claim for a stock motor, when you are lucky to get that with headers.

I don't think they are lying. Honestly, the design creates a more DIRECT route for the air flow. So I would think the HP numbers will be slightly higher. I don't think it is THAT drastic over CAI.

Personally, If I knew CAI was pulling 10-15 hp without a tune and VR is pulling just 5 hp more..I would probably still go with the CAI because (and I do not mean to offend) but I think the vararam design looks terrible and I am not very comfortable moving around the radiator to install it...again, personal preference only but if two systems are very close in comparision then I am going with the unit that makes sexy for my eyes.

ssmike · 04-05-2011, 01:33 PM

Whenever I see HP claims from any manufacturer I immediatly ignore the claims! The best test is by a 3rd party independent tester such as what Ted Jannetty did. Unfortunatly Vararam was not involved in Ted's testing because their product wasn't ready. I would love to see the VR tested now by Ted or equivelent tester then we would have a real world number for comparison!

Sales @ CAI Inc · 04-05-2011, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by champ22

I have been looking at several different intakes over the last couple of weeks. I originally was looking at the CAI Intake thanks to Janetty Racing's spreadsheet. But recently I have been looking at Vararam due to their projected numbers of 25-30 HP with no tune. Now, I know these numbers tend to be inflated so I was wondering if anyone has done any independent testing on the Vararam Intake. Also, for those who have Vararam, how secure is the radiator when it is installed. I still hesitant about this intake because you have to tilt the radiator back and the intake is what supports the radiator (I think that's how it works). I think I am still leaning towards CAI but any input would be helpful.

Check out this link with a ton of actual testimonials and a really cool video showcasing installed photos taken by our customers. As for the HP #'s, our system is tested and proven, you will not be disappointed!

Check it out: http://www.coldairinductions.com/testimonials

red&white · 04-05-2011, 06:54 PM

CAI is the one you want. I just wish the had a black one when I first bought.

Pollock · 04-05-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red&white

CAI is the one you want. I just wish the had a black one when I first bought.

Sell me your silver one and buy a black one!!

Supercharged SS · 04-05-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red&white

CAI is the one you want. I just wish the had a black one when I first bought.

+1! Since I have the very first unit cai ever made

BackinBlackSS/RS · 04-05-2011, 07:13 PM

To me, an OTR(over the radiator) just makes the most sense. It pulls fresh air from in front of the vehicle right into the intake and into the engine. It provides a very noticeable increase in throttle response, it looks freaking cool and after driving around when you touch the intake, it is cool to the touch. Both are great intakes. I just love my Vararam. The OTR factor sold me.

Ucantctchme · 04-05-2011, 07:22 PM

I have the vararam, while my car was being tuned I was logging temps that were 10 degrees under ambient. I attribute this to humidity and air speed combined with the location of intake opening. My tuner has tuned many camaros and found this to be remarkable. I noticed an immediate difference. I would imagine a C.a.I. Combined with a scoop would be a better comparison. My washer res. Is still intact if that counts.

04-05-2011, 11:16 AM	#1
champ22 Drives: 2014 Chevy Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 84 View My Garage	CAI Intake vs. Vararam Intake I have been looking at several different intakes over the last couple of weeks. I originally was looking at the CAI Intake thanks to Janetty Racing's spreadsheet. But recently I have been looking at Vararam due to their projected numbers of 25-30 HP with no tune. Now, I know these numbers tend to be inflated so I was wondering if anyone has done any independent testing on the Vararam Intake. Also, for those who have Vararam, how secure is the radiator when it is installed. I still hesitant about this intake because you have to tilt the radiator back and the intake is what supports the radiator (I think that's how it works). I think I am still leaning towards CAI but any input would be helpful.

04-05-2011, 11:47 AM	#3
Jayrcr3 Drives: 2011 IOM 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chatham, Illinois Posts: 756	The CAI is a very nice intake. I love mine. My CAI typically produces IAT about 3, or 4 degrees above ambient when cruising according to EFI Live. __________________ American Racing 1 7/8" Headers and Hi-Flow Cats, CAI cold air intake, Flowmaster AT exhaust, Vengeance Racing Stage 2 cam, VMax ported throttle body, TEA valve springs and titanium retainers, Trick Flow hardened pushrods, 180* T-stat, Comp Trunion kit, ZL1 Fuel Pump, ADM Fuel Pump Control Module, 20% window tint, Whipple Supercharger. Tuned by Mike Norris Motorsports. 656rwhp/584rwtq @10 PSI.

04-05-2011, 12:39 PM	#7
brantley847 v It bites. Drives: 2011 IBM 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2008 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 3,580	I know Vararam did not get involved with the last Jannetty testing because of their prior fault system. 30hp is quite a claim for a stock motor, when you are lucky to get that with headers. I don't think they are lying. Honestly, the design creates a more DIRECT route for the air flow. So I would think the HP numbers will be slightly higher. I don't think it is THAT drastic over CAI. Personally, If I knew CAI was pulling 10-15 hp without a tune and VR is pulling just 5 hp more..I would probably still go with the CAI because (and I do not mean to offend) but I think the vararam design looks terrible and I am not very comfortable moving around the radiator to install it...again, personal preference only but if two systems are very close in comparision then I am going with the unit that makes sexy for my eyes. __________________ 2011 2SS/RS Performance: 439 RWHP: 226/236 Comp Cam, Kooks 1-7/8, CAInc, Borla S type, Vmax TB, Rx Catch Can, Trans cooler, SLP 160 termo, Melling high volume, Eibach Springs/Sways 1" drop, Whiteline complete bushing kit.

04-05-2011, 06:54 PM	#10
red&white Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburg, CA Posts: 162	CAI is the one you want. I just wish the had a black one when I first bought. __________________ Red&White LS3,CAI Intake by Cold Air Inductions, Kooks 1 7/8 Long Tube Headers, Flow Master Exhaust, Comp Cam Tune 231/236-112, Under Drive Pulley, VMAX Ported Throttle Body @ Synergy Motorsports & Newtech Performance 463RWHP 419TQ

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04-05-2011, 11:20 AM	#2
BowlingSS Camaro Owner Since 1987 Drives: 2011 2SS/RS L99 RJT Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lawrenceville, GA Posts: 2,185	I can not say much about the Vararam but I know I like my CAI, Inc. Bill

04-05-2011, 12:31 PM	#6
champ22 Drives: 2014 Chevy Camaro 1SS 1LE Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 84 View My Garage	Yea, I know they were never going to get that much but I was really hoping someone would have done some independent testing so we could see some actual results.

04-05-2011, 01:33 PM	#8
ssmike BL1ZZRD Drives: '16 Camaro 2SS, '20 Equinox Redline Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 7,841	Whenever I see HP claims from any manufacturer I immediatly ignore the claims! The best test is by a 3rd party independent tester such as what Ted Jannetty did. Unfortunatly Vararam was not involved in Ted's testing because their product wasn't ready. I would love to see the VR tested now by Ted or equivelent tester then we would have a real world number for comparison!

04-05-2011, 07:13 PM	#13
BackinBlackSS/RS Go Blue!!!!! Drives: 2012 Cruze LT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 23,290	To me, an OTR(over the radiator) just makes the most sense. It pulls fresh air from in front of the vehicle right into the intake and into the engine. It provides a very noticeable increase in throttle response, it looks freaking cool and after driving around when you touch the intake, it is cool to the touch. Both are great intakes. I just love my Vararam. The OTR factor sold me.

04-05-2011, 07:22 PM	#14
Ucantctchme Drives: 2010 ss. 1990 RS the faster one. Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Orlando Posts: 549	I have the vararam, while my car was being tuned I was logging temps that were 10 degrees under ambient. I attribute this to humidity and air speed combined with the location of intake opening. My tuner has tuned many camaros and found this to be remarkable. I noticed an immediate difference. I would imagine a C.a.I. Combined with a scoop would be a better comparison. My washer res. Is still intact if that counts.