The full ram-air King Cobra Induction is installed

[tbyrne]

 

It's almost time for these to start shipping! My HD is now running a preproduction version of the complete system. I installed it to check fitment and to see if any other tweeks are needed before the production versions start going out. Everything looks good! I just need to modify one bracket that bolts the scoop to the radiator support. This truck has a set of Flex-a-lite 290 fans so the one of those brackets is in the same location that I would use for this.

 

The shroud that you see when the hood is opened needs to be removed (about 7 plastic "pop screws"). The scoop draws air from behind the grill . It is sealed to the hood so air passed through it and then fed to the airbox.

[lrymal]

Hate to say it, but I think the foam gasket material they are using won't hold up to heat and the abuse that the engine compartment dishes out. We used to use that kind of gasket material strips to seal some ducting for air conditioning and after about a year, the stuff started crumbling and coming apart. On the other hand, I'm just going by the photo image. Maybe that gasket material is better than the stuff we used.

[tinman]

I have to agree with lrymal about the foam . When it breaks down you can replace it easy enuf. the system look like a must have . Better start saving my pennies

[Guest 007FL]

It looks like it poses some serious air blockage issues for the radiator (rom the photo). How does it look in person?

 

Did it make a perofrmance or gas mileage improvement when you added the ram air kit (over the standard kit)?

[NOS#9BIGMAC]

mabye some weather stripping like from around the door would probably work well. I would think the foam element wouldnt hold up that well against the heat either but I don't know I guess time will tell. If by chance the foam didnt hold up it looks like an easy swap to a rubber type element. definatly looks cool though I'm curious of the power and fuel economy gains you get but I'm sure we'll here about it soon enough

[tbyrne]

VaraRam uses a commercial grade, fire resistant form to seal this system so it should last for awhile. It was testing in Arizonia with 110 degree temps and no cooling issues. Some aftermarket grill may block more airflow than this system. The truck is definately faster than it was with the other system. This will be my driver for the next few days so I can see if there is any additional mileage gains.

[NOS#9BIGMAC]

I take it this system only works on newer trucks and not a say 90 GMC (wink wink)

for example.

[99GMCZ71]

I was really looking forward to this air system, but don't like the idea of removing the plastic top radiator piece. Just doesn't look good without it to me. Also, it does look like it would block some air going to the radiator. I may just order the non ram air version or a different brand.

[Guest 007FL]

Considering Tbyrne's real world mpg results (I believe he was using another aftermarket induction system before the VaraRam) this may be the only one for me. I do need to take a good look at the Ram Air kit though. I too wonder about removing the radiator shroud (for looks). On the other hand, if his latest data (with Ram Air kit) is significant enough I might be persuaded to take the entire hood off

[tbyrne]

I've been driving the truck with this system over the last few days and was really surprized (really surprized!) to see that it's been running a little cooler since in I removed the top piece and installed the induction. It used to run just under 210 (about 200) and now it sits around 185.

 

The VaraRam will only go back to the '96 5.0 and 5.7 trucks.

[Matt99Z71]

Does their seem to be a significant horsepower gain? Group purchase maybe

[black&grayHD]

 

[SxViper]

What about us in the northeast with snow and sand and junk. You think that stuff with get sucked in?

[tbyrne]

What about us in the northeast with snow and sand and junk.  You think that stuff with get sucked in?

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

 

The system uses a water trough system that can drain up to 1 gallon of water every 30 seconds! This will allow you to drive your truck like a truck! The air pick-up is high enough that it should take in much (if any) junk. A system that takes air in lower will be more likely to draw that in.

[tbyrne]

I have some very good news! A large shipment of King Cobra inductions will be heading this way today. It looks like that will take care of all of the orders that have been submitted to us plus we might have more left for stock! I'm sure those will be going fast!