Vararam's new TRI-POWER ram-air induction system for 2005-2008 GM full-size 1500 and 2500 trucks promises increases of 25+ horsepower with no water ingestion problems. 

Performance intakes for vehicles have been around for years but many simply do not hold up to the claims that their manufacturers suggest. Simply replacing an air-filter or adding a stainless intake tube may look more performance oriented- but do little for the actual performance of the vehicle. All the fancy reusable filters and "smoother" intakes do very little if they still draw warm air from under the hood.  Have you ever taken a trip to the local dragstrip and seen cars or trucks running with one of their headlights removed and wondered why? They're trying to get more direct and cooler air into the engine.  Depending on the vehicle, the actual effect varies but the principle reasoning behind the trick is the same. The more air you can get into the engine as efficiently as possible- the more power it's going to make.  The more direct the path into the engine, the higher velocity the air will travel at. The colder the temperature of the air, the more dense the air is. Combine colder air with less restriction into the engine and it's surprising the difference it can make- especially at speed on the road or track.

I've been following Vararam Industries for many years. Their success in cold-air intakes for Corvette is one of the many reasons the company has been able to expand to other models and makes. Now they are offering owners of 2005-2008 GM Full-Size trucks extra performance using the same principles discussed above. On sale now, the TRI-POWER Ram-Air System will fit all 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L engines in 2005-2008 Avalanche, Escalade, Denali, Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon, and 1500/2500 Silverado/Sierra vehicles. 

Some of the main features that have been designed into the TRI-POWER system include
CAD designed internal venturis to enhance air flow
Sealed construction to allow the system to pressurize
Relocated mass-airflow sensor for a more accurate reading
Custom reusable air-filter
Twin 5-inch diameter inlet hoses with grill mounted scoops
Optional water drain valve capable of moving 1-gallon of water in 30-seconds for those in high moisture environments
OEM look construction
Promises an additional 25-50-horsepower depending on other enhancements and engine tuning.
Flows over 2000 cfm

The most noticeable features of the system are it's twin inlets positioned directly behind the front grill. As the vehicle moves down the road, fresh cold air is directly into the sealed system, producing a "ram-air" effect (hence the name). At first glance the system looks to have all the right components required to give a nice boost to your new Chevy, GMC, or Cadillac. We hope to get our hands on one soon to test out the claims. The system is currently priced at $369.

For more information on the new TRI-POWER system:
Vararam Industries Website
Vararam's dedicated Forum Section on the GM-TC Forum

Editor's Note: Vararam Industries is a Supporting Vendor of this website.  We provide this article for informational purposes- not as an offical endorsement of the product.