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I've read several conflicting reports so I need some real-world experience. I installed a new VR-B2 and Power Duct on my 2002 Z06. It was a little bit of a headache and somewhat confusing, especially when it was time to install the Power Duct. The supplied tubing seemed to be too large in diameter and in odd lengths which required trimming plus the clamps were far too large.
That said, I got it installed and it looks pretty good. However, I've read about possibly moving the MAF up next to the intake. On my car there does not seem to be enough space between the duct and throttle body to put it.
What is your experience with this? Is there some benefit to moving it from the stock location? If you moved it, how did you make it fit?
Last edited by CaseyJones; 09-15-2015 at 09:37 AM.
I've read several conflicting reports so I need some real-world experience. I installed a new VR-B2 and Power Duct on my 2002 Z06. It was a little bit of a headache and somewhat confusing, especially when it was time to install the Power Duct. The supplied tubing seemed to be too large in diameter and in odd lengths which required trimming plus the clamps were far too large.
That said, I got it installed and it looks pretty good. However, I've read about possibly moving the MAF up next to the intake. On my car there does not seem to be enough space between the duct and throttle body to put it.
What is your experience with this? Is there some benefit to moving it from the stock location? If you moved it, how did you make it fit?
If you move the MAF closer to the Throttle body it can cause excessive turbulence and throw codes...
When I talked with Chuck CoW about tuning our car he recommended the stock air duct, and the MAF in the stock location.
Do you have after market heads, cam, or are you boosted?
Either way AFTER you get everything sealed up and ready to go... DO about a 30 minute casual drive around and let the computer calibrate changes for the NEW air... should keep you from getting any codes...
Last edited by 73Corvette; 09-15-2015 at 10:01 AM.
My car is totally stock. The VR-B2 is my first mod. I'm seriously considering a tune, but doing without the car for the time it takes to send off the computer is a problem at the moment. I did read about letting it idle for two minutes and then driving casually for a period of time to let the computer recalibrate. You answered my question as I suspected. Thanks!
My install went OK - as part of this I also did the flip-tie-mod (flip air cleaner upside down to breathe through hole cut in shroud) - then immediately took it to ECS for a tune. While it was there they "fine-tuned" the fittings up front at the air cleaner and also installed an LSX catch can. I've not had any issues since getting it back.
My install went OK - as part of this I also did the flip-tie-mod (flip air cleaner upside down to breathe through hole cut in shroud) - then immediately took it to ECS for a tune. While it was there they "fine-tuned" the fittings up front at the air cleaner and also installed an LSX catch can. I've not had any issues since getting it back.
Are there NO clamps on the front of the Power duct?
I installed the Vararam and power duct at the same time,I moved the MAF next to the throttle body also !!!!! I had no issues and very noticeable power increases !!! Doug at ECS recommends a tune with the Vararam !!!
I have since installed LS 6 intake and headers with a ECS tune !!!
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by CaseyJones
My car is totally stock. The VR-B2 is my first mod. I'm seriously considering a tune, but doing without the car for the time it takes to send off the computer is a problem at the moment. I did read about letting it idle for two minutes and then driving casually for a period of time to let the computer recalibrate. You answered my question as I suspected. Thanks!
why not just take it to a local tuner?... I don't understand why mail tunes are so popular these days
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by akapounder
I installed the Vararam and power duck at the same time,I moved the MAF next to the throttle body also !!!!! I had no issues and very noticeable power increases !!!
I installed the Vararam intake and the PD on my 2000. I moved the MAF as per the instructions. Happy with the result, no codes or problems since the install about 6 weeks ago.
why not just take it to a local tuner?... I don't understand why mail tunes are so popular these days
I live in the wilds of the NC mountains. I don't know if anyone within reasonable driving distance even knows that a "tune" is other than something you pick on a guitar. Not insulting my neighbors, but just a fact of life.
Sometimes..... The MAF will go up front... and when using the Powerduct, the MAF seems to fit better
up by the throttle body.
I think it also has to do with what generation of the B2 and Powerduct you have.
There is not really a wrong way, but I prefer the MAF up front on the B2 unit.
Really depends on how it fits together best with the parrts you have on hand.
We usually have lots of extra red rings and such here to make it go however we want.
After you're done, make sure to have the tune looked at or give us a call for our AutoCal Tuning Package that
will guarantee that it's running PERFECT!
Thank you.
Chuck CoW
I know what you are saying, but mine seemed to fit so close that I don't know if my MAF would come close to fitting at the throttle body, much less getting a red ring on either side.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Originally Posted by CaseyJones
I live in the wilds of the NC mountains. I don't know if anyone within reasonable driving distance even knows that a "tune" is other than something you pick on a guitar. Not insulting my neighbors, but just a fact of life.
that's understandable, we have lots of people messing with these cars in texas so I forget that it isn't the same in every other state... I think it's better to have the tune done in person if possible, they can work out any bugs right then and there to make sure you are satisfied... I have personally seen too many issues with mail tunes and besides that your car will be down for around a week waiting for it to get done... and hope it gets done right the first time because if something gets missed then you will be down again while you send it in to have more changes made... it just isn't very practical in my opinion
that's understandable, we have lots of people messing with these cars in texas so I forget that it isn't the same in every other state... I think it's better to have the tune done in person if possible, they can work out any bugs right then and there to make sure you are satisfied... I have personally seen too many issues with mail tunes and besides that your car will be down for around a week waiting for it to get done... and hope it gets done right the first time because if something gets missed then you will be down again while you send it in to have more changes made... it just isn't very practical in my opinion
Kelowna BC.
Mail order tune; car down for ~2 weeks, around $150
Tune in shop; car down for one day, around $1000 (quoted $500 base, then add $150/hour at 3-5 hours)
Hm, yep, seems like sending PCM in for a tune during winter makes sense.
Kelowna BC.
Mail order tune; car down for ~2 weeks, around $150
Tune in shop; car down for one day, around $1000 (quoted $500 base, then add $150/hour at 3-5 hours)
Hm, yep, seems like sending PCM in for a tune during winter makes sense.
There is another way..... Shipping PCMs for C5 is outdated and it's at best a one shot deal....
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
$1000 is ridiculous for a tune, especially a for a bolt-ons car... if it were a brand new fully built setup with boost and nitrous where the tuner is starting from scratch then yeah I could see a grand being reasonable but for a simple i/h/e it shouldn't be anywhere near that... most shops in my area charge around $500 for a tune, some a little less... personally I would rather pay a little more, have it done right, and be out enjoying the car instead of waiting, and waiting, and waiting... I have done my fair share of that and it sucks... I also forget that we don't have real winters in texas like many other states do
09-15-2015, 09:34 AM
MAF location with Vararam VR-B2
