More info about the VaraRam King Cobra induction

[tbyrne]

 

More info is available for the upcoming VaraRam King Cobra induction. I should have pricing by Monday and the non-ramair version should be ready to ship in about 1-2 weeks. I'll have one for testing in one of my 8.1 trucks sometime next week.

 

A VR airbox that is over 100% efficient (compared to our best competitors 80% on a dyno and 60% under actual road loads)

 

The system will produce up to 2+ psi of pressure in the manifold at shift recovery producing stunning 0-60 mph improvements on every GM truck and SUV, putting the power where you can use it.

 

A water system featuring a drop away floor to drain any water that may inter the system (up to 2 gallons every 30 seconds)

 

Your choice of one of two air filters: the SS for everyday use and the Baja for serious offroading.( washable and reusable)

 

A quick and easy installation that uses existing bolt holes(10min cold air, 15 min ram air)

 

 

The King Cobra kits were designed from day one to be used daily to enhance vehicle performance beyond what a conventional cold air box can do, without sacrificing the durability or the value of the vehicle.

This has been accomplished by producing a true sealed Cold air system that uses a multiple venturi design to maximize overall airflow efficiency, no leaky boxiest that suck under hood hot air, no chopping ,cutting or custom computer tuning!

 

 

VaraRam guarantees that you will see at least a 1/2-to1 full second drop off of your 0-60 MPH times over factory stock no matter which GM truck or SUV you have or VR will buy the system back, but we are going even further, We guarantee that you will gain at least a full ½ second “OVER ANY OTHER” aftermarket air induction system or we will buy the unit back.

 

They chose a very conservative performance improvement figure that they knew ANY truck or SUV (whether V-6 or V-8) would see based on their test data from competitors products in real world conditions rather than a dyno. You will also see a fuel mileage improvement from the system; usually this is about 2-3mpg over factory stock. The heavier and slower the vehicle the stronger the gains EX: when towing a 5,000lb trailer with the same 2004 6.0 test mule we were seeing the 0-60mph times drop by 3-3.5 seconds (21.3-21.5 to 17.8-18.3 seconds) fuel mileage rose to 10mpg from 5-6mpg when towing.

 

Here are just some of the test numbers from several of VaraRam's test vehicles. All runs were made as direct before and after runs with NO computer re-learn time. All 0-60mph runs were made using a Vericom VC 2000 backed up by a PI Research onboard telemetry system to monitor MAP, airfuel ratio and overall vehicle performance.

 

2000GM truck 5.3 extended cab 4wd/2wd run in 2wd

Stock 0-60MPH 11.76-11.82 seconds over 3 runs

VR 0-60MPH 10.36-10.48 seconds over 3 runs

That’s a 1.4 second improvement!

2-3MPG improvement

 

2004GM truck 6.0 3/4ton extended cab longbed 2wd

Stock 0-60MPH 12.67-12.73 seconds over 3 runs

VR 0-60MPH 10.98-11.04 seconds over 3 runs

That’s a 1.6 second improvement!

+4 MPG over stock

 

2004 GM SS Silverado 6.0 4wd

Stock 0-60mph 6.82-7.10 seconds over 3 runs

VR 0-60mph 6.07-6.15 seconds over 3 runs

That?s a .7-1.0 second improvement!

+3MPG average

 

2000GM Truck 4.3V6, 2wd

Stock 0-60mph 8.1-8.3 seconds over 3 runs

VR 0-60mph 7.3-7.5 seconds over 3runs

That?s a .6-1.0 second improvement!

+2-3MPG average

 

 

We don't have any new info for the Ram Air version yet. This is a quick rundown for the people that haven't seen it yet.

 

 

The best advantage of a true ram air system lies in the power and torque that can be produced under the power curve. The truck and SUV engines normally drop 1 to 2 psi in the manifold during shift recovery and general acceleration. This is where the King Cobra really strikes! In this area you can see another 10-18 hp and 12-20 ft.lbs. of Torque on top of the cold air system itself!

 

This airbox features a specialized multiple venturi system that enables the box to maintain an industry leading 100%+ efficiency. The unit brings in cold outside air through the 1st venturi system, at this point the air velocity is increased while turbulence is also reduced, this unit then recovers pressure at the air filter maximizing total air pressure or dynamic pressure at the filter. Manipulating the air this way aids in reducing unwanted air turbulence that would normally lead to losses in overall efficiency. The system features a specialized plenum bolume behind the filter that has an angle specific tulip shaped rear velocity stack to accelerate the airflow through the factory tube in a controlled manner, helping to improving off idle throttle response and torque while reducing unwanted air turbulence through the Mass airflow meter. The filter we use is a triple layer Baja filter that features a peel away ?wrap? load up zone for heavy debris and dust. We then use two different main filter medias to enhance overall air filtration. This filter will flow over 1000CFM.

 

We're currently accepting pre-orders to provide you with one of the first systems that become available! Orders can be placed online or by calling 1-877-482-9763.

 

Tom

[tbyrne]

These numbers are for the standard induction. They don't have any for the full system yet. We're currently taking orders for this system. Part numbers and pricing are -

 

VR6 King Cobra induction $239.99

 

VR5 King Cobra ram air induction (full system) $339.99

 

We should have the non ram air version here by the end of next week.

[gnutruk]

Ok, now we’re getting somewhere.

 

What is always needed in the case of these aftermarket “performance improvement” products are efficiency figures from the manufacturer – real testing!! – which can then be benchmarked and compared under day-to-day conditions.

 

Those figures for the VaraRam are now coming in.

 

Notwithstanding that a “over 100% efficient” improvement (from stock?) is d**n near theoretically impossible in real world use , the VaraRam system is starting to look good!

 

Putting those 0 –60 MPH increases aside, the fuel usage improvement figures give us a basis to calculate the ‘pay-off schedule’ -- that is, how long before the unit pays for itself through $$ savings at the pump. It does stand to reason that there would be greater MPG realized while towing, given the higher torque that the VaraRam claims to produce. This would, of course, show up most dramatically short-haul (through town) start-and-stop hauling situations.

 

Also, it ought to be said, fuel efficiency improvements are good for the environment as well. Less air pollution and a reduction in reliance on foreign oil sources constitutes a win-win for us personally, for the nation as a whole, and for the health of the earth. Many of us bought our big trucks because of the work they need to do, but if we can get the job done and lessen their environmental impacts at the same time -- well, that’s just better all around.

 

Further, it seems to me there is an additional benefit to be had by using a product like this. When we get torque improvements under load conditions there can be a general reduction of stresses and strain throughout the drive system. This can be conceptualized by considering the wear-and-tear that would be experienced by two different vehicles. Hauling a 5,000 lb. trailer with a 4.3 V6 on an everyday (working) basis, as compared with hauling the same trailer with a 6.0 V8, the larger engine is just working a lot ‘easier.’ Everything else being equal, the 6.0 is likely to be in much better shape after, say, 150,000 miles, than the smaller engine.

 

Of course, everything else is never equal. The obvious advantage of the smaller engine is better fuel economy overall. But if the VaraRam fuel efficiency improvement claims hold up, then we get the equivalent of a somewhat ‘larger’ engine without the up-front costs off the showroom floor, AND slightly lower out-of-pocket costs at the pump. Naturally, none of the makers of any of these air induction products are going to tout vehicle longevity figures, since quantifying the relevant parameters would be next to impossible -- that is, to ‘select out’ the variables would entail having to fall back on subjective criteria. Still, I suppose that even if a person drove like a granny and never hauled anything more than a bag of groceries, the effect of an after-market air induction unit such as this VaraRam could, in all probability, translate long-term into lower maintenance costs.

 

Anyhow, those are just some random thoughts. The VaraRam is starting to look appealing. We await Tom’s results on his 8.1 truck, as well as more info. about the Ram Air version.

 

gnutruk

[tbyrne]

Good post!

 

It looks like these systems are finally moving! The regular version of this induction shipped to us on Friday. The full ram air version should be going out by the end of this week.