Air Intakes

[GRRRR8]

This is usually 1 of the 1st mods that a DIYer can do. Which system will you use or what do you think of the system you have.

[MANOFSTEEL69]

I'm really happy with my New Era Performance CAI. It has a nice look, and sinks deep into the front of the car taking full advantage of the GRRRR8 :grrrr8: lower panel mod. The sound at WOT is mean as hell, and relatively unnoticed untill you open it up.:thumbsup:

[88ls1blazer]

yella-terra intake tube... It came from the land down under :D

[Chewy]

NEP for me!

I really liked the design. More raw perfomance look IMO. Wish it had the heat barrier but it's all good.

[wreckwriter]

Roto-Fab for me. If I could get a piece of triangular ducting to fit around the outside of the bottom of the intake housing and reach about 2 inches beyond the lower panel (in order to cut and fold back to create the lower mount) I could make it perfect.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Roto-Fab is what I currently have. I had a NEP, but decided to go with the Roto because A-I like the "factory" style look and B-VMS has a fantastic tune for the Roto.

The NEP is a nice setup and now VMS has a tune for that also(of course, Mike at NEP has a tune also, lol) , so you really can't go wrong with either. It just depends on what you like the look of.

I will be doing something with the "snorkle"of the RF this week to extend it closer to the cool air.

[wreckwriter]

I will be doing something with the "snorkle"of the RF this week to extend it closer to the cool air.

What's your plan?

[-Ray-]

I started with the New Era, but Roto-Fab gave me one, so I had to put it on.

[todds87ss]

Why is no one posting prices? I am interested...

[MANOFSTEEL69]

Well, the New Era one is $259.95.....Here's the link! Check them out.
http://www.neweraperformanceparts.com/default.asp?SID=xWXBM3PEKC85FVARBT3SN3&S=500&A=F&SearchText=&CategoryID=891182&NID=4508089

[09GT]

Drop in K&N for now! Get some of this car paid off before I get too deep. I still have Warranty Fears since I am in a new 09 atm. Hit 850Miles on the Odometer today. Thats one week driving. At that rate the Warranty will be out sooner than later anyway!

[GRRRR8]

There are some tricks to do to the stock system. You can cut the bottom of the box off and do the Lower panel mod and it will be a noticeable gain and not effect warranty at all.

[Cashed]

I am still undecided as I need a CAI that works with my Holden radiator cover. The roto-fab will not work. Not sure about the new era. Anyone know?

[GRRRR8]

I would say of the 2 the New Era will have more clearance then the Roto.

[TrickyDuck]

Anybody know if AEM is going to make an intake for the G8. I have looked many times on their web site but nothing yet. AEM usually takes close to a year to produce products for new cars, they do a lot of R&D on the products and I really like the dry-flow filter they use.

[GRRRR8]

Wreckwriter and myself have both been investigating and nothing yet.

[-Ray-]

I would say of the 2 the New Era will have more clearance then the Roto.

I agree. I had the NEP intake on my car when I added Roto-Fab's rad cover. There was plenty of clearance for the NEP intake.

[SRG963]

NEP CAI and I love how my engine sounds....so does everyone else :)

[BlueJacket]

Other - I would like to wait and see if someone is going to make an OTR for the G8. Anyone have any info?

[JMorris]

George, I'm looking forward to what you do with the RF, keep us posted!

[SS Enforcer]

Other - I would like to wait and see if someone is going to make an OTR for the G8. Anyone have any info?

Like this

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j45/oztrack/?action=view&current=20122007048.flv

cheers

[locrzn#92]

Well I think I have the only Spectre intake. I mocked it up for them but I'm not sure if they have advertised them or not. I love mine, of course I would, I built it. There will be one more on the forum before long. I sold the other one that I had to another g8 owner.
220.00 will get ya one of these polished beauties.
http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?image=http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2200/81/30497540058_large.jpg?170315-342

[GN driver]

This is usually 1 of the 1st mods that a DIYer can do. Which system willl you use or what do you think of the system you have.
Well, let me be the first to whine about the RotoFab. I installed mine several days ago, just before going on a 1200 mile trip. It had to help my gas mileage because I was/am embarrassed at how loud it is at WOT. SOP feels better than stock and 2/3 throttle sounds mean but WOT? I want to take it off but I am waiting for the VMS tune and am not sure how much the CAI lends to the tune. Anyone know?

[GRRRR8]

If its tuned for Roto there is a difference. Do my lower panel mod and the noise will let up because its not starving for air.

[Slizzo]

Well I think I have the only Spectre intake. I mocked it up for them but I'm not sure if they have advertised them or not. I love mine, of course I would, I built it. There will be one more on the forum before long. I sold the other one that I had to another g8 owner.
220.00 will get ya one of these polished beauties.
http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?image=http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2200/81/30497540058_large.jpg?170315-342

I fabbed up my own intake using off the shelf Spectre parts. I believe you helped me out here cluing me in on the fact that the 3"-2.5" reducer would indeed fit on the intake manifold side of the MAF.

[GRRRR8]

Vararam has been added in place of other.

[99-LS1-SS]

Do elaborate please.

[GRRRR8]

As 1 of the choices.

[99-LS1-SS]

I voted before I knew of Vararam.....

[GRRRR8]

I voted before I knew of Vararam.....

I can change it if you like. Tell me what your vote was and what you want it to be.

[99-LS1-SS]

Was Roto-Fab should be Vararam.

[GRRRR8]

Was Roto-Fab should be Vararam.

Done.

[NYG8GT]

I voted NEP OTR because so far Vararam has yet to step up with any performance figures for their intake, and the NEP has proven itself. The Roto Fab looks cool, but I like the straight shot of cold air the NEP delivers :) Cant wait for spring to get here to get one and a tune to go with it :D

[GRRRR8]

Vararam has picked up 3 tenths on the proto type 0-60 with NO tune. Its the holidays that are holding things up. I will be running their system as it is the only true ram-air and I need every last HP to accomplish my goal.

[99-LS1-SS]

What goal is that? To be slower than my GXP? lol...........j/k

[GRRRR8]

What goal is that? To be slower than my GXP? lol...........j/k

GXP who! It will take a well modded GXP to keep track of my taillights! :)

[99-LS1-SS]

GXP who! It will take a well modded GXP to keep track of my taillights! :)

Not with the top secret telescope/radar mod! :second:

[cobrakid]

i made my own from parts I had laying around,,,,,and I would put it up against any other...bar none.

My G8 burns/wheels hops the hell out of first.

If I could find a cheap way to make the tube I could sell it for $250 or less and be rich.

Good Luck......waiting for a tune.

stock other than that and free mods.....0-60 in 4.7!

[GRRRR8]

Not with the top secret telescope/radar mod! :second:

I have that too! It just points behind the car. :)

[THIRSTYCREW]

Waiting on the release of the Vararam

[billyb21]

for now i just have k&n drop in air filter until i find a otr intake

[gokrtmozrt]

Anyone know what the CAI is in the pics on Crazy Pauls site??

here http://www.forum.grrrr8.net/showpost.php?p=11168&postcount=1

I love the aluminum tubes.

[NYG8GT]

Looks like it *could* be the Spectre intake.

[2009blueg8gt]

nobody ever says anything about the A.F.E. COLD AIR INTAKE........

[SpectreG8GT]

I'll be ordering a Roto-Fab intake next week after I get my tuition refund. Honestly, I'm doing it as much for the look as the performance. I'm a big fan of making a good looking engine bay, and IMO the Roto-Fab is the best LOOKING intake.

[wreckwriter]

I'll be selling a slightly used Roto-Fab along with a HSRK soon.

[SpectreG8GT]

I'll be selling a slightly used Roto-Fab along with a HSRK soon.

o rly?

expect a pm soon

[SRG963]

I'll be selling a NEP CAI with a new cone K&N filter, plus another K&N that has the HSRK already installed once the Vararam is released :D

When is that Vararam being released anyways?

[ronbuick]

neither of the above choices, going with the OPG CAI from down under, cannot beat the price, will know more when it arrives and get it installed. thanks

Ron

[BMan]

I'm definitely going to purchase a CAI, but I do want one that I can leave on year-round without fear of ingesting tons of bugs/salt/road grime. From the looks of it, I would think any OTR style would injest quite a bit of that kind of crude. I guess bugs and I can handle, but I can't imagine having my CAI be subjected to tons of road brine/salt - couldn't be good for the oiled (or unoiled) filter.

Or am I wrong? Haven't seen an OTR in person so who knows.

If I'm right, then I'll probably stick with the rotofab or new volant CAI.

[foxbat]

the aussie made OPG cold air kit won my dollars.

[chuy_copey]

Volant CAI will be unless INJEN comes out with one.

[majesticix]

I've been running the New Era OTR intake in Upstate NY for over a month now since the install. No problems with rain, snow or salt and we get a fair amount of it (97" of snow and counting)

[jetttstream]

Our intake will hit soon--pics in our vendor section.

We will also have the outerwears.net pre-filter as well to help with any instance of water/grime

-Mike

[TouchOfGray]

I've been running the New Era OTR intake in Upstate NY for over a month now since the install. No problems with rain, snow or salt and we get a fair amount of it (97" of snow and counting)

Same here, been running since early January in Chicago and no problems, (put on about 2k miles, plenty of snow). Only dirt under the hood looks like it comes from where the stock intake was, but more salt residue from evaporation than real gunk.

[G8-4-Speed]

Bought two piece of 90 degree 4" for $40 and the rest of the clamps and pipe I had laying around at the shop.

http://store.airflo.com/rubber-hoses---clamps.html

['02 ws6]

Our intake will hit soon--pics in our vendor section.

We will also have the outerwears.net pre-filter as well to help with any instance of water/grime

-Mike

Got mine yesterday and can't wait! :)
BlackBerry8830/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104

[95_9C1]

No Orssom love?

[gearhead455]

I'm having the NewEra CAI installed this week,will this void the warranty?

What about long road trips? (wet conditions)

:confused:

[Slizzo]

I'm having the NewEra CAI installed this week,will this void the warranty?

What about long road trips? (wet conditions)

:confused:

Shouldn't void your warranty, and long road trips in the rain will be fine. I have my intake routed into the space where the stock airbox would be, and I've not had one issue.

I also have all the plugs from the hood scoops out (no plastic deflector or rubber insert) and water has not been an issue to anything under my hood. Went all the way through winter that way.

[gearhead455]

Thanks. :)

[Rawyzf]

Now that there are a few intakes out there and available, what would you guys lean towards for a daily driver in MN all year round?

I am leaning towards Vararam or RotoFab CAI package from Vector, with a tune.

Thanks,
Ryan

[GRRRR8]

Vararam.

[flensr]

Don't you have to lean the radiator back to get the vararam installed? Being able to put in the CAI without messing with anything else seems to be a big plus for roto-fab...

Also, I read about the lower panel mod helping both stock and roto-fab intakes, but I don't think I want my filter directly exposed to whatever spray comes up from the road. Is there any other option to reduce intake constriction on the roto-fab?

[GRRRR8]

Don't you have to lean the radiator back to get the vararam installed? Being able to put in the CAI without messing with anything else seems to be a big plus for roto-fab...

Also, I read about the lower panel mod helping both stock and roto-fab intakes, but I don't think I want my filter directly exposed to whatever spray comes up from the road. Is there any other option to reduce intake constriction on the roto-fab?

There is no water spraying in at any speed with a Vararam.

[G8GT721]

i wouldn't worry about taking in any water on any of the OTR intakes, the two intakes on my turbos are a few inches off the ground and i just wont go through gigantic puddles

[Copperhead]

Got back from a Memorial Day road trip through SW Missouri up to St Louis with my stock GT this evening and went through two torrential downpours, the last one near my house.

I pulled into the garage, grabbed a flashlight and checked out the area behind the grill. The radiator was rain soaked. From the outside through the grill to the radiator is a straight shot as it should be.

I want to believe the OTR's will not pull in any moisture but I just don't see how they can't. I need a good explanation of why they don't (especially the Vararam).

[GRRRR8]

The scoop hangs downat an angle and it would be hard for water to go up and in to a box. No one has had this issue thaI know of.

[SLVRG8GT]

:uhm: wheres AFE on the list hmmm? :confused:

[steve b.]

corvette place told me that some of the filters that give more hp let more dust in so they arent that good. is this true

[yield2ten]

The high-flow filters let more air in, and filter less, so yes, more particles will get past the filter.

I'm a little curious about the OTR intakes as well. It sounds like there haven't been any problems, but my Grand Prix had an open cone intake down below the fog lights, and this spring I was having issues with my car killing in the rain. I only assume I was maybe getting some water sucked through it.

Oh, and I don't have a G8 yet, but will hopefully be in a GT very soon!

[Copperhead]

I'm definitely going to purchase a CAI, but I do want one that I can leave on year-round without fear of ingesting tons of bugs/salt/road grime. From the looks of it, I would think any OTR style would injest quite a bit of that kind of crude. I guess bugs and I can handle, but I can't imagine having my CAI be subjected to tons of road brine/salt - couldn't be good for the oiled (or unoiled) filter.

Or am I wrong? Haven't seen an OTR in person so who knows.


Agreed. I don't believe the OTR's for the G8 have been around long enough and in a large enough sample size to thoroughly test their season to season durability and reliability in various North American conditions.

Time will tell.

[LREHP]

which one has the radiator cover, i want that one..

[GRRRR8]

They use the Holden V6 radiator cover with the Vararam and Roto-Fab.

[KEV-O]

i don't know a whole lot about what intakes are the best to use, but any input on this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WEAPON-R-SECRET-RAM-AIR-INTAKE-09-PONTIAC-G8-GT-V8-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116Q QhashZitem45ed4e4c5cQQitemZ300334074972QQptZMotors Q5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Crazy Paul]

They use the Holden V6 radiator cove with the Vararam and Roto-Fab.

You meant to say Vararam and New Era.


:)

[-Ray-]

i don't know a whole lot about what intakes are the best to use, but any input on this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WEAPON-R-SECRET-RAM-AIR-INTAKE-09-PONTIAC-G8-GT-V8-NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116Q QhashZitem45ed4e4c5cQQitemZ300334074972QQptZMotors Q5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

There are plenty of intakes already being reviewed on this forum. Why not check out the review thread?
Unless I saw the Weapon R application specifically, I'd pass.

[KEV-O]

Thank you Ray

[dee39]

I apologize if this is a dumb question, but i'm not a gearhead and i'm seriously looking into the Vararam and want to make certain that there's no external vehicle modification required. I like to keep things looking clean and stock. thanks guys.

[GRRRR8]

No external mods required.

[Call-Me-D]

Charlie, don't forget to add K&N to the mix as they have one available now.

[GRRRR8]

I want to see yours and maybe due a little IAT test on it sometime when we hook up again. There products are almost always good. I think a dyno test even with a HSRK to make it fair is in order.

[steve b.]

vararam

[Call-Me-D]

Sounds good.... still have to order the hsrk, and figure out a good place for it on the k&n kit. Moneys tight right now, but hopefully I can get it comin soon.

[GRRRR8]

Send me some good pics and I will tell you where to put it.....the HSRK that is! :nah:

[Call-Me-D]

Will do, left the camera at work so I'll try to get some pics over to ya on monday

[xruling]

I've asked the SuperChips (SC) folks for a recommendation on the best CAI + SC tune combo, based on their tests/experience. If they answer with something specific, that's what I'll go with, since I got the SC Cortex for Christmas. Anyone already know?

[whitehot09]

:woohoo:I just purchased a vararam unit from maryland speed. Nice price, second mod and purchased both from them. I cant wait until i get it in.

[bkruncher]

Roto-Fab is my choice. I like the way it performs and I like the way it looks with the Roto-Fab radiator cover and engine covers.

[13 QTR]

I'm I going crazy....there was another intake in this thread...right? Hell...I posted about it.

[travis gore]

just installed a roto-fab last week. I went with the roto because I thought it looked better. it sounds really good.

[KEV-O]

anybody ever hear about this intake, or see any results from it?
i'm kind of liking the set-up

[dthornton8]

anybody ever hear about this intake, or see any results from it?
i'm kind of liking the set-up

It seems like the same concept as the vararam for twice the price :uhm:

[KEV-O]

It seems like the same concept as the vararam for twice the price :uhm:

don't forget, the price is not in U.S. dollars
but definitely seems very similar to the vararam

[Monty]

don't forget, the price is not in U.S. dollars
but definitely seems very similar to the vararam

That's still about $583. What got me was they removed the mesh inside the "air flow meter". I was told to leave it alone because I wanted to remove mine when I put the Rotofab on.

[mi04se1]

Because many VE owners in OZ are running around with a mafless tune.

[GMHSSV]

I have the new vcm otr fitted on mine, definatly a great bit of gear its very well made & makes good power also! Mine's maffless but you can get maf version's aswell.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w163/DCV1NU/DSCF2925.jpg

[RJG8]

Just bought a new era side mount intake.

[JoeSyko]

I have the new vcm otr fitted on mine, definatly a great bit of gear its very well made & makes good power also! Mine's maffless but you can get maf version's aswell.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w163/DCV1NU/DSCF2925.jpg

Nice. I like the look of this intake. I would imagine the performance is similar to the Vararam.

[DZG8GT]

I don't see a choice for volant in the poll. I like mine due to the dry filter and quality material.

[darkan]

I went with the K&N. The price was right, and it's a quality piece. I also like the fact that Superchips has a dedicated tune for it.

[texn884]

I went with Roto Fab.

[diggler1833]

I just went with a Vararam + HSRK.

[KenV]

Thanks to American Express and Maryland Speed, my Vararam will arrive tonight unless someone runs the UPS truck off the road. I already have the tools laid out. :thumbsup:

[bfulbright]

I just installed a Volant I received for Christmas. Great quality and good price from Maryland Speed after Thanksgiving on sale.

[laserred]

Anybody here got the VCM OTR yet? That's where my school loan money is going.... :)

[GT Drew]

I have had it almost a year and love it. The sound at WOT is pure music. Very well thought out and has brackets that solidly mount the rad. This makes the unit easy to remove for
filter cleaning. I added the updated filter support this spring. Holds that huge filter in place.

[brhino07]

I have been reading about intakes for a while now, and I am having a lot of trouble choosing one.

I like the OTR style best. Like the Vararam, VCM or Ramjet. The price on the Vararam sounds really nice. If one of those is not in my best interest I would get the Roto-Fab I guess.

I live in south Alabama if that matters. I would rather put the intake on and leave it, I don't want to switch between intakes for different seasons.

Currently my 09 G8 is all stock except I had the mufflers cut out when I got the car in 09. Eventually I want to get it tuned, but it seems it is best to get most of the mods I want, and then tune.

Thanks for your time!

[bracketracer]

That's what I ordered and received the other day. Although it is probably the most expensive option, the fit and finish is awesome! I can't wait to get it installed and see what it will do. VCM should have been on the poll. My second choice would have been a Vararam.

[Bill Brollier]

Joe:

Say it aint so, you modifying that thing? :)

So, which CAI did you choose? Old men get lost in complex conversation.

Health to you and yours,

Bill B

[nifong08iom]

VCM or Vararam? Going with one soon...Advantages/disadvantages of one or the other? Does Vararam require moving the radiator like someone previously posted about? Never saw an answer. Also, is there a good mountable cover for the hole/space that is left on the dirvers side below when you remove all of the stock intake pieces? Looks to me like Zepcom has an awesome cover in his album pictures. Picture of his VCM intake and a cover for that area that mounts to the existing holes?

[-Ray-]

The vararam intake tilts the radiator back a few degrees. A Holden V6 rad cover can be modified to cover the space. I've had this for over two years and have had no issues.
I can meet you in say, Logansport if you want to see my car.

[Crazy Paul]

VCM or Vararam? Going with one soon...Advantages/disadvantages of one or the other?

Ignoring any performance gain one might claim over the other.

Vararam is roughly half the price of VCM shipped.
Vararam is made in USA with parts and support available locally.
Yes you need to tilt the radiator back for Vararam, dozens have done this with no issue.

VCM VE Fascia Panels for each side are roughly the same cost as a V6 Holden radiator cover to finish off a Vararam.
14532 14534

VCM Infill Panel should work just as well for either system.
14533

[Virus]

The VCM has much better fit and finish in comparison to the Vararam. That's what your getting for the tremendous price difference. I vote for the VCM after seeing one with covers in person. MUCH more solid intake.

[bracketracer]

I have no regrets at all about spending the additional money on the VCM with the side panels and infill panel. It gave me a 2 tenths improvement on the track even without a tune (YET!). The fit and finish are top notch! The Vararam is a nice piece too, but the filter is smaller and it doesn't look quite as complete when installed.

[viperguy212]

Hey all, im a new g8 owner and after reading 12 pages I still can't decide on a particular one lol. I know from prior cars debating CAIs is almost always pointless since they provide similar results. I think that ive narrowed it down to the Vararam and Volant. Being that the Vararam is almost $60 more then the Volant would it justify the purchase? I like the whole ram air concept but for the added cost is it really worth it? Thanks

[Daniel Linnett]

Orssom, go big or go home!

[GRRRR8]

Hey all, im a new g8 owner and after reading 12 pages I still can't decide on a particular one lol. I know from prior cars debating CAIs is almost always pointless since they provide similar results. I think that ive narrowed it down to the Vararam and Volant. Being that the Vararam is almost $60 more then the Volant would it justify the purchase? I like the whole ram air concept but for the added cost is it really worth it? Thanks

Not too many running the Volant system on G8s. Vararam and RotoFab are the top 2.

[MoonPie]

I'm going Volant, want to try something different. We'll see how it goes.

[VCMUSA]

I would like to see the VCM Intake added to the Poll. It would be interesting to see how many have it and how many want it?

[VCMUSA]

Thanks for adding the VCM Intake. Please add your vote!

[TailG8er]

Thanks for adding the VCM Intake. Please add your vote!

I will accept one of your intakes and in turn I will add my personal experience in a dedicated thread. Dyno numbers too.

[Periodic]

vote added....

[VCMUSA]

I will accept one of your intakes and in turn I will add my personal experience in a dedicated thread. Dyno numbers too.

I appreciate your offer but please review the attached YouTube video. The testing has already been done. 1 kilowatt equals 1.34 HP.

http://youtu.be/jpv8rRx_VlQ

Let me know how I can help.


www.vcm-usa.com

www.vcm-usa@hotmail.com
Email any time

[1MeanG8GT]

I know this has probably been asked before, but what are the benefits to direct air (as in, right through our front grille-to-filter-to-tb-to-head) as compared to having the roto-fab, plenum extended out to behind the headlight assembly? What im really asking is, are there any benefits to not having in directly behind the grille as compared to having it right behind the grille? Hp+ (no tune)? Fuel mileage? And overall, cost? (also, ease of installation, more/less parts?) that sort of thing.

Which intake system (without a tune) gives you more bang for your buck? And which intake system gives is more cost-effective (with a tune [93 oct,stock everything else, possibly leaner a/f mix])

if anyone could respond it would be greatly appreciated. I just dont have the time to go through every post on forums. Thanks

[Rihavens]

Very helpful. Thanks

[disco monkey]

New G8 owner here and my first mod was the VCM intake. It's a quality piece.

[spike2325]

Just did the new era and love it !

[smitty#131]

I have a vararam. but the VCM imo does the same thing while looking alot better.

[dru21281]

I have a vararam. but the VCM imo does the same thing while looking alot better.

At 2x the cost...

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[csv24]

Growler system http://www.ssinductions.com.au/categories/Holden/ sounds great and adds alot more power but a will need a dyno tune after fitment