Vararam, Blackwing, pros and cons and what else is there?
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TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 553
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From: Dallas TX
Vararam, Blackwing, pros and cons and what else is there? Okay, Mom has the itch for more power (see sig). Gears would be the best improvement IMHO (has 2.73s) but they are a lot more $ than an air intake.
As of right now I'm against the Vararam, she's in south louisiana home of rain and flood waters, so I'm wary of anything with a big scoop on it.
So that leaves the Blackwing, I think. What else is out there? Any experiences good or bad with any of this stuff?
As of right now I'm against the Vararam, she's in south louisiana home of rain and flood waters, so I'm wary of anything with a big scoop on it.
So that leaves the Blackwing, I think. What else is out there? Any experiences good or bad with any of this stuff?
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 143
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From: Texas
Votex ram air is very popular, but also must cut hole in shroud and draw air from outside...works great...K&N makes something similar to B-wing and another company makes a "twin intake" that looks cool but not as effective.
12 Second Club
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 409
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From: Dayton, Ohio
The best lo-dough option is the Zip-Tie mod. Basically you takke the top of the air box totally off place in a K&N filter and secure the filter with nylon ties on each end. The only money that you are out is that need for the K&N and a package of the large nylon ties. I run the Blackwing myself. I think the factory air box has alot to be desired. But you are right, gears are the best option for an automatic car. A track mate of mine has 3:42s and a Z06 airbox with K&N coupled with a predator programmer to change shift points and pressures manages 13.1 to 13.0 on average at the track. He has yet to crack the 12.90 barrier. Good luck and let us knw your decision, and results. Your Mom must be pretty Cool also to have a Corvette.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Dallas TX
I'm always hesitant to recommend a mod that cuts holes in anything or lowers the stock tolerances for something - so thanks for the tips, looks like the Blackwing is a good bet for a drop in clean modification.
Yes, I'm pretty proud of Mom for her Corvette addiction
She's sold 3 coworkers on C5's just by letting them drive it, and she keeps up the Corvette Wave. The smile only gets bigger when she starts casually asking about what to do for more power
Yes, I'm pretty proud of Mom for her Corvette addiction
She's sold 3 coworkers on C5's just by letting them drive it, and she keeps up the Corvette Wave. The smile only gets bigger when she starts casually asking about what to do for more power
Staging Lane
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 72
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From: Alexandria, VA
Sorry you've taken the Vararam systems out of consideration. I've got the VR-1B installed on my 04 coupe and love it. Added about 11 HP at 75 mph and have NO problems with water entering the filter element, even in the hardest rains (which we've had a LOT of lately).
Unless your car becomes a submarine, water induction really isn't an issue.
Just my $.02 worth. Good luck with your decision.
Unless your car becomes a submarine, water induction really isn't an issue.
Just my $.02 worth. Good luck with your decision.
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 553
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From: Dallas TX
A low spot in our street floods in heavy rains, enough to come up to at least 1/2 way up the fog lights. But not enough to get near the level of the stock airbox. So I think that rules the Vararam out for this application.
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We have had good luck with the Blackwing. We sell a decently large qty, and yet to have any complaints about taking on water. Nice HP gains also I might add. If anyone need one at a good price let me know!!
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Teching In
Joined: Mar 2004
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The vararam made a hell of a lot more power on my 01 C5 than 11 HP! The vararam has dyno proven results and for someone like me from southern ca water concerns are minimal. Unless you're dealing with flooded streets or driving through heavy debree there isn't an issue. Other very competitive systems are the Vortex Air Rammer, and the Haltech. Ecklers offers a shroud cut out for the Vortex. West Coast Corvettes (www.westcoastcorvettes.com) also offers a hurricane intake that is similar. My research and dyno comparison led me to conclude that the Vararam 1B was the best intake available. You can expect a 15 RWHP increase static and another 10 RWHP over 65 MPH. Getting under the front bumper is a MAJOR P.I.T.A. for installation, but very worth it. If you don't have a lift and you've never been around the radiator or fog lights, expect 3 hours for the install. However, you can expect a very realistic 15 RWHP and again, at speed there is another 10 HP from the vararam system. For $350.00 it doesn't get any better than that baby. : )
Last edited by phear_this_mind; Jul 25, 2004 at 11:25 PM.
