2005 C6 (6spd, Vararam, Bassani Catback) owner questions

[Xlr8yourC6]

I've owned a couple predators in the past (01 mustang, 2000 C5) but just got a Predator (U7191) for my 2005 C6 (Z51, 6spd, VaraRam intake, bassani cat-back, stock manifold/cats)

Just have some newbie questions before installing the tune

1) Any recommended tweaks for the VaraRam? (A/F)
2) manual lists an option for CAGS disabled but I'd read elsewhere CAGS is disabled already in Predator tune?
3) Any suggestions for cooling fan tweaks? (east coast here - still running stock TStat)

4) My (U7191) predator is rev 8r07 - from the later updates list I didn't see any 05/C6 related changes - so is there any reason (benefit at all) to update it to the later revs?

I've heard Mike L. can assist with custom tunes (saw some posts of his in the Corvetteforum but read he's no longer posting there... no way to PM him there or here)

Thanks in advance...

[jsk06c6]

No help on the vararam, there are proponents for it, I think its snake oil.

Yes, CAGS is gone in the predator tune, at least for the 7194, don't know for sure, but I'm sure it is.

Should be able to find some recommendations for fan settings on HP Tuners site.

You don't need a custom tune with your mods.

[Xlr8yourC6]

Thanks - as far the vararam, I know there's a lot of debate on it (and their HP claims like most CAI vendors are unreal)- but I know drawing cold air vs the stock underhood setup is a plus (and many that have tested stk vs VR have shown real benefits in use (at speed, surprising benefits IMHO actually) - although dyno results are another story... (and as a CF member I'd seen/read the ton of posts on the VR there...)

But I don't want to turn this tread into another CAI debate... (and the quality as many have noted is disappointing - although I did some sealing mods and confirmed it is sealed - but the quality of fit (gaps in mating pieces) certainly is disappointing for their list price... (I bought mine fairly cheap though... compared to list price)
But let's not pollute this thread with VR debates, please...

I was hoping Mike L may comment on any A/F tweaks for the VaraRam (I'm sure he's had some experience with it or tunes from owners of it.) And any suggestions on fan tweaks - but fan speed tweaks may not be worthwhile considering the stock Tstat...

[jsk06c6]

I was hoping Mike L may comment on any A/F tweaks for the VaraRam (I'm sure he's had some experience with it or tunes from owners of it.) And any suggestions on fan tweaks - but fan speed tweaks may not be worthwhile considering the stock Tstat...

You can't make the adjustments that would be required with a diablo. It only adjusts across the whole band of rpm's. To be honest you need to adjust based upon speed, if the varaplastic does anything, it would do it at a time when the pressure from the speed your vehicle is traveling produced a positive pressure at the intake. There isn't any tuning package in existence that does what you need. Although, adjusting the MAF may be helpful, (it is the only sensor responsive to airflow) which you can't do with the predator.

Yes, fan tweeks with a stock tstat ARE beneficial. Haven't done it yet myself, will do so when the weather gets better, was waiting until I was sure i wasn't changing the stat, which I'm not based upon everything I've learned. Saw some good stuff on HP Tuners site, didn't keep the link, but do a search, that's what i intend to do again.

[Xlr8yourC6]

I realize the best way is to have a real tuner weld in a bung for a wideband O2, etc. (better than a tailpipe sniffer some use) but there is a thread here on logging/trimming, etc. - but my question was if the CAI (VR) really mattered (some have thought it changed/affected that)

here's the one I bookmarked (referred to my a CF post from Mike L.)
"LS2/LS7/LS4 - LOGGING, ADJUSTING INJECTOR SLOPE & PE "
http://diablosport.com/index.php?name=P ... opic&t=917

I think what I should do is just email Mike L. with questions like this.
Thanks...

[jsk06c6]

You can stil adjust LTFT's, but your not going to be able to do much more without getting the wideband. Nor should you, dont trust the AFR reported by the ECM to adjust PE. Actually, dont touch PE without the wideband period. You can get more out of the car with the predator and a wideband. You could however do some adjustment of the spark advance though, you just need to monitor to make sure your not getting any KR.

Sure, do the email, but it wont help you any further. I think he drives a ford anyway.

I'm driving a vehicle very similar to yours obviously, and have some experience and done a lot of the leg work your looking at right now. I've taken the car from 12.3 in quarter down to 11.82 with nothing more than the predator tune and LTFT adjustment and there is quite a bit more to get out of it, but until I get the wideband installed I'm leaving it alone.

[LostAngel]

No help on the vararam, there are proponents for it, I think its snake oil.

Yes, CAGS is gone in the predator tune, at least for the 7194, don't know for sure, but I'm sure it is.

Should be able to find some recommendations for fan settings on HP Tuners site.

You don't need a custom tune with your mods.

Based on my own testing...I do not think the Vararam is snake oil. I could tell a big difference when going over 40mph between the following setups:

Stock C6
C6 with Vararam
C6 with no vararam and Diablo Tune
C6 with Vararam and Diablo Tune

The Vararam isn't meant to be a 'dyno showing' mod...it gets it's power from your car getting air forced to it. 40HP may seem unrealistic...but based on gains that people see in the 1/4 mile...it is equating to around a 40hp gain.

[jsk06c6]

I stand by my statement, the varaplastic is snake oil.

[mikel]

I stand by my statement, the varaplastic is snake oil.

Make your way down here some time...I got some snake oil Vettes for you to run....!

[jsk06c6]

I stand by my statement, the varaplastic is snake oil.

Make your way down here some time...I got some snake oil Vettes for you to run....!

Run 'em all the time, Atco is only 3 miles away.... More fun beating up on fords though....

[mikel]

You really think I drive a Ford dont you?
Have you ever noticed the only section of this entire forum that I do not keep on top of is the Ford gas section??
I leave that for my 2 Ford lovin coworkers. (Both own Mustangs).

But, since you went there, there does happen to be a nasty little notch sitting in my driveway, and I can always wrangle the keys from my roomie, so let me know!!
Although, it would be a better race with my Z, no need to pull out the big dog....

[sickREDsierra]

i wanna play.... well, i am still too slow

maybe i can sit in the bleachers and cheer for you guys! yay

[mikel]

Everybody needs a cheerleader!

[sickREDsierra]

too bad there arent any of those sissy smile to choose from.

i dont cheerlead. normally.


hey James took me for a ride in his new z06. fuckin wow!! that things NASSY !!

[mikel]

I love the C6 Z06..it is a purely sick, nasty car, no doubt.