Want to get a OTRCAI
Discussion
Just got my R8, and looking to get a performance air filter. Do the over the radiator type offer significant benefits over a replacement panel filter for what is a standard vehicle (except Wortec exhaust)?
How much do these imported units cost from down under (approx).
Has anyone bought from the states? I'm over there in a couple of weeks, and saw this www.vararam.com/g8.html @ $369. No idea if the price is comparible with the australian version or not, or if the slightly different front end of the american G8 will create fitment issues.
Anyone's thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
How much do these imported units cost from down under (approx).
Has anyone bought from the states? I'm over there in a couple of weeks, and saw this www.vararam.com/g8.html @ $369. No idea if the price is comparible with the australian version or not, or if the slightly different front end of the american G8 will create fitment issues.
Anyone's thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
Be careful what you buy. As with everything else in life there is poor product out there, and some utter rubbish. I'm just helping someone with his car and he recently bought an aftermarket "cold air intake". Whilst the filter makes good MAP figures, the temperatures are nothing short of ridiculous, i.e up to 20 deg C between actual intake temp and what the IAT is seeing at the MAF (i.e actual 21 C, and PCM seeing from 52 at idle down to 42 C. This is due to massive heat soaking.
My advice is to carefully do your own research, get real world numbers, and don't necessarily take the vendors word for it, some of them will sell you just anything. Best recommendation is from some one who has got one that works well.
OTR's are far and away the best types drawing fresh, cold air from the front of the car. Anything mounted in, and taking air from the engine bay, has to be a compromise.
Best I have seen so far is a difference of 2 deg C on Jez's Ro, although his turbo intakes are mounted under the front 'guards. These are figures I think one should aim for.
This is what I'm getting, although you need a mafless tune to run one. They are not cheap due to the Oz $ and transport cost.
My advice is to carefully do your own research, get real world numbers, and don't necessarily take the vendors word for it, some of them will sell you just anything. Best recommendation is from some one who has got one that works well.
OTR's are far and away the best types drawing fresh, cold air from the front of the car. Anything mounted in, and taking air from the engine bay, has to be a compromise.
Best I have seen so far is a difference of 2 deg C on Jez's Ro, although his turbo intakes are mounted under the front 'guards. These are figures I think one should aim for.
This is what I'm getting, although you need a mafless tune to run one. They are not cheap due to the Oz $ and transport cost.
Edited by MyM8V8 on Wednesday 23 September 17:19
I've been doing some more digging on the American websites. They really do seem to rate the Vararam product, from what I can see. Considering I'll be in the position to buy it over in the states for about £210, does this seem good value? I'm guessing it's cheaper than other import option, but I've no prices to compare it with.
a_kerr said:
I've been doing some more digging on the American websites. They really do seem to rate the Vararam product, from what I can see. Considering I'll be in the position to buy it over in the states for about £210, does this seem good value? I'm guessing it's cheaper than other import option, but I've no prices to compare it with.
Yes it's a (very) good price. Be interested to see some before and after numbers with it fitted. One the obvious advantages of this one is that you loose such a large area of potential heat soak on the MAF pipe and also get a more direct route for the airflow. Good news for heavy breathers!I think heatsoak can be over rated. You are never at WOT at idle if you know what I mean. And rarely moving. So heatsoak then only occurs when it really doesn't matter. Once moving its then a totally different ball game.
Vararam have a good name in the US for performance gains on Corvettes. Although some of the filters they have used are slightly suspect but I think that was in the past.
Can't see the point in just changing the panel filter, paper ones will flow enough air for over 500hp n/a so the only gains you'll get will be down to less filtering and then I suspect it'd be in the region of 0.5hp.....
Vararam have a good name in the US for performance gains on Corvettes. Although some of the filters they have used are slightly suspect but I think that was in the past.
Can't see the point in just changing the panel filter, paper ones will flow enough air for over 500hp n/a so the only gains you'll get will be down to less filtering and then I suspect it'd be in the region of 0.5hp.....
300bhp/ton said:
I think heatsoak can be over rated. You are never at WOT at idle if you know what I mean. And rarely moving. So heatsoak then only occurs when it really doesn't matter. Once moving its then a totally different ball game.
Vararam have a good name in the US for performance gains on Corvettes. Although some of the filters they have used are slightly suspect but I think that was in the past.
Can't see the point in just changing the panel filter, paper ones will flow enough air for over 500hp n/a so the only gains you'll get will be down to less filtering and then I suspect it'd be in the region of 0.5hp.....
The heat soak numbers I mentioned in my reply, WERE at WOT! I agree that the temp moved lower from an idle figure of 52 down to 42 at WOT. IMHO I think heatsoak is not to be dismissed as inconsequential, it is something to be dealt with as an impediment to good performance.Vararam have a good name in the US for performance gains on Corvettes. Although some of the filters they have used are slightly suspect but I think that was in the past.
Can't see the point in just changing the panel filter, paper ones will flow enough air for over 500hp n/a so the only gains you'll get will be down to less filtering and then I suspect it'd be in the region of 0.5hp.....
MyM8V8 said:
RR, Bonnet down, Dyno IAT sensor at inlet filter. Do you think the numbers are good for after market kit then?
Temps were higher on the road run log afterwards.
TBH I'm not so good on these, I've got a Camaro and the intake is a bit different, also the yanks always talk in degree f.Temps were higher on the road run log afterwards.
I agree there are some crap setups, so itas good when people like you supply numbers so others can see.
MyM8V8 said:
They'll be spot on if he did. Are you mafless these days Mate?
Of course. The maf was disabled the same day I got the car. The 440 has never run with the maf. Oh actually it did day 1 when it was installed. But not since then.Got the OEM intake on at present though as its easier to take off when working on things. But the otrcai will go back on soon.
300bhp/ton said:
I think heatsoak can be over rated. You are never at WOT at idle if you know what I mean. And rarely moving. So heatsoak then only occurs when it really doesn't matter.
On a supercharged Ro heatsoak is an absolute killer.
Even when moving, a heatsoaked ro will need ages to reduce temps under the bonnet so any cai away from the heat is a great mod.
crisisjez said:
300bhp/ton said:
I think heatsoak can be over rated. You are never at WOT at idle if you know what I mean. And rarely moving. So heatsoak then only occurs when it really doesn't matter.
On a supercharged Ro heatsoak is an absolute killer.Even when moving, a heatsoaked ro will need ages to reduce temps under the bonnet so any cai away from the heat is a great mod.
Suspect better cooling, bigger fans and more vents might be the only real solution. Or a swap to a Procharger (centrifugal) blower.
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