Vararam intake? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

BowtieBelle · 11-15-2012, 08:36 AM

Buying one-- got a great deal on it. It'll be replacing my BBK. Anything I should know about the install? Those of you who have one, do you like it?

Eric59 · 11-15-2012, 09:04 AM

It was a big difference over the stock intake. Not sure how much it will change going from a BBK. But I'm happy with it. Also, you may have to modify your radiator brackets.

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pgustavson · 11-15-2012, 10:37 AM

Since you have the Black ICE-olater, you might not have to modify your Radiator brackets, but it's pretty easy. I bought a new set and cut them before I even got the intake so the Vararam install went quickly w/o stopping to cut the brackets. When I installed the ICE-olator a month later, it looked like I could get away without cutting them. I recommend using thread-locker on the radiator-bracket bolts. Mine worked loose, though I was trying not to compress the foam spacer provided in the kit, so I hadn't cranked-down on them. I believe the function of the spacer is to tilt the radiator back slightly so super-tight would defeat the purpose. I didn't use the clamps that came in the kit, I used wider T-clamps and haven't had the issues that some folks have had with the intake shifting position under use.

It's a pretty easy install overall...

KMPrenger · 11-15-2012, 04:12 PM

I went from the AirRaid to the Vararam and I noticed a difference....in sound and performance. I would not go back at all. If i HAD to change or wanted a different look...it would be a CAI with scoop.

Worst part of the install is cutting down the radiator brackets. I used a hacksaw, but with a something to hold the bracket and a dremel it would be super easy. Make sure you cut them down plenty far.

Once you get the VR installed make sure you have a decent amount of air gap left for air to enter. A good rule of thumb is that your keyfob fits in between the gap. (I have the RX insulator and I still have this gap).

Don't tighten down the clamp that goes over the red tub on the intake side too tight. Make it pretty snug...well...more than snug but not too much so that you risk squishing the plastic end of the intake horn.

Lastly, after your first couple drives pop the hood and look at the air gap I mentioned earlier and make sure it is not closing up due to your intake moving. If it is, you may need to make some adjustments.

Good luck!

ChadG · 11-15-2012, 10:42 PM

What they said, don't think you'll regret the purchase - I LOVE my Vararam.

11-15-2012, 08:36 AM	#1
BowtieBelle They see me trollin'... Drives: 217 ci of fury; Chauffeured by SS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 13,876 View My Garage	Vararam intake? Buying one-- got a great deal on it. It'll be replacing my BBK. Anything I should know about the install? Those of you who have one, do you like it? __________________ "Never race anything you can't afford to light on fire and push off a cliff." -CamaroSpike 2011 Custom LT/RS: Bella's Build Thread

11-15-2012, 09:04 AM	#2
Eric59 Drives: 2013 Summit White 1LE Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 226 View My Garage	It was a big difference over the stock intake. Not sure how much it will change going from a BBK. But I'm happy with it. Also, you may have to modify your radiator brackets. Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2 __________________ Mods: RX catch can, ZL1 Rockers, ZL1 Grill, ADM Race CAI, OBX 1 7/8 headers, tune

11-15-2012, 10:37 AM	#3
pgustavson Stop writing "vert", ffs! Drives: 2011 2LT Convertible Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Gambrills, MD Posts: 1,341 View My Garage	Since you have the Black ICE-olater, you *might* not have to modify your Radiator brackets, but it's pretty easy. I bought a new set and cut them before I even got the intake so the Vararam install went quickly w/o stopping to cut the brackets. When I installed the ICE-olator a month later, it looked like I could get away without cutting them. I recommend using thread-locker on the radiator-bracket bolts. Mine worked loose, though I was trying not to compress the foam spacer provided in the kit, so I hadn't cranked-down on them. I believe the function of the spacer is to tilt the radiator back slightly so super-tight would defeat the purpose. I didn't use the clamps that came in the kit, I used wider T-clamps and haven't had the issues that some folks have had with the intake shifting position under use. It's a pretty easy install overall... __________________ Vararam \| Vmax Ported TB \| Ported IM \| Vmax Black ICE-olator

11-15-2012, 04:12 PM	#4
KMPrenger Drives: 16 Camaro SS, 15 Colorado Join Date: May 2009 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 13,943	I went from the AirRaid to the Vararam and I noticed a difference....in sound and performance. I would not go back at all. If i HAD to change or wanted a different look...it would be a CAI with scoop. Worst part of the install is cutting down the radiator brackets. I used a hacksaw, but with a something to hold the bracket and a dremel it would be super easy. Make sure you cut them down plenty far. Once you get the VR installed make sure you have a decent amount of air gap left for air to enter. A good rule of thumb is that your keyfob fits in between the gap. (I have the RX insulator and I still have this gap). Don't tighten down the clamp that goes over the red tub on the intake side too tight. Make it pretty snug...well...more than snug but not too much so that you risk squishing the plastic end of the intake horn. Lastly, after your first couple drives pop the hood and look at the air gap I mentioned earlier and make sure it is not closing up due to your intake moving. If it is, you may need to make some adjustments. Good luck! __________________ 2016 Camaro 1SS - 8-speed - NPP - Black bowties 2010 Camaro 1LT V6 (Sold. I will miss her!)

11-15-2012, 10:42 PM	#5
ChadG Drives: 2010 Black Camaro LS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,679 View My Garage	What they said, don't think you'll regret the purchase - I LOVE my Vararam.