VaraRam CAI.....I have tried to like this one, but...
I like the VaraRam but I have had a lot of problems. I would recommend it, but be very careful installing it.
I bought one of the first designs for the C6. The initial units they sent out had some problems. But, VaraRam jumped through hoops to get the new redesigned unit out to me. The VaraRam folks have been superb and the service is fantastic.
After going through some very bad weather on the Power Tour, I decided to clean the filter again. I noticed some sand and grit stuck to the seal adhesive on the intake side of the filter! I called the factory and they sent out new seals. Unfortunately they were wrinkled from shipping. No problem, I had some old encyclopedias. They fixed that problem too.
After this revision, I started to have some overheating issues. Even on very cool days, I noticed high temps. So, I installed a 160 degree thermostat and investigated how to adjust the table to turn on the fan sooner. I ceased that plan after I found out how difficult it was.
It was still overheating when driving aggressively, even with the new thermostat. (Yes, now I understand how that doesn’t really accomplish what it used to). I accept partial blame for the overheating issue as I cut too big of a hole for the Snake Charmer.
But, before I cut the shroud, I got on the phone with a technical rep to try to understand where to place the template. The initial instructions were not written very well. (Yes, they fixed that problem too) I guess I did it wrong, because I had to cut off another 2” on both sides, and about an inch on top to make the thing fit. I cut too much, I know this is affecting the air flow and cooling now.
Now my temps are too high, the car even shut down once. (You do not want to know what you have to do if your car shuts down due to overheating. Thank God, I had a Predator programmer with me). Just yesterday I was driving hard and noticed the coolant temp over 215 when it was 46 degrees outside. So, I took it easy and kept the RPMs down for awhile and the temps came back down to 180.
Anyway, now I need to replace the entire plastic shroud, OR get a different CAI. I suppose I can buy the precut shroud from VaraRam, but I would have to find someone who knew how to install it. With my back, (advanced degenerative disk disease) I am kind of stuck. I can find someone to install it for me.
Because of the excellent support from VaraRam, I will try their shroud. Hopefully that will fix the final problem I have.
I have to admit, you don’t find companies that jump through hoops like VaraRam does, they are excellent people!