Modifying my Vararam to improve appearance, fit and finish...

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DavidRam

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Started with the lower panel that is probably the most wonky part...

Bought a sheet of 1/16" steel, cut it to size, bent it to shape, Dremeled and drilled the details.

Test fit... great... ready to be covered!!! :naughty:
 

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DavidRam

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It's in! Fits perfect, just need to move it into place and tighten the screws.

Also, I hate those stupid nuts embedded in the plastic, so I drilled them out and added real bolts, with things like nuts and washers and such, lol!.






Btw, this is NOT a negative review about Vararam, it IS me admitting that I am a picky, OCD, perfectionist mother ******!

:favorites13:
 

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DavidRam

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DavidRam

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CMil527 said:
So when will DR Designs modified vararam intakes be available??
Click to expand...

Lol! :favorites13:


Uuuh yikes, I'm feeling some pressure right now, j/k! It needs alot more work.

Other things I would like to do:

1. Get some sleeves that would allow the cover to be tightened down without putting pressure on the filter.

2. Figure out a way to bracket it or brace it somewhere so it isn't just flopping around the engine bay.

3. Trim some of the plastic corners and angles, and flatten some rough spots out.

4. More cosmetic and carbon fiber stuff, stay tuned... ;)
 
CMil527

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DavidRam said:
Lol! :favorites13:


Uuuh yikes, I'm feeling some pressure right now, j/k! It needs alot more work.

Other things I would like to do:

1. Get some sleeves that would allow the cover to be tightened down without putting pressure on the filter.

2. Figure out a way to bracket it or brace it somewhere so it isn't just flopping around the engine bay.

3. Trim some of the plastic corners and angles, and flatten some rough spots out.

4. More cosmetic and carbon fiber stuff, stay tuned... ;)
Click to expand...
:favorites13: but this is not an indictment as to the build quality of the Vararam!!! :crazy:
 
O.R.T.

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Need to paint the metal black and the nuts and bolts anodized (testor's clear cherry) red.

Now that would be OCD...





















..oh wait, NOW IT WILL BE? :roflsquared:
 
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DavidRam

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Not to pat myself on the back here, but notice how much cleaner it looks without that plastic lip overlapping.
 

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O.R.T.

O.R.T.

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What're the white pantiehose for? :roflsquared:

*Keep in mind, even though their factory rubber seal doesn't "isolate" much it's design was to do the same as the airbox, keep heat-soak at bay. If you have access to a laser pyrometer take a good freeway drive and see what your IAT #'s are showing. If you want to get all scientific and stuff's. ;)

It does look sweet though. :D

Carrie-On.
 
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DERJ

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Very nice, my friend! Thanks for sharing!!!

The Vararam lower panel has always bugged me as being somehow "incomplete" when installed - this has given me some fresh ideas to look at...
 
CMil527

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DavidRam said:
Not to pat myself on the back here, but notice how much cleaner it looks without that plastic lip overlapping.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%.. you should fwd the pics on to Vararam so they can implement your design idea's and send you a nice check for fixing it!! :favorites13:
 
Etroze86

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Damn David keep up the good work and man IDK when you sleep cause you are always working on stuff.
 
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DavidRam

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O.R.T. said:
What're the white pantiehose for? :roflsquared:

*Keep in mind, even though their factory rubber seal doesn't "isolate" much it's design was to do the same as the airbox, keep heat-soak at bay. If you have access to a laser pyrometer take a good freeway drive and see what your IAT #'s are showing. If you want to get all scientific and stuff's. ;)

It does look sweet though. :D

Carrie-On.
Click to expand...

Lol! The "panitehose" or plastic bag was to keep debris out of filter as I sawed, grinded, drilled, etc.
I am not gonna touch the seal, it seems very substantial.

DERJ said:
Very nice, my friend! Thanks for sharing!!!

The Vararam lower panel has always bugged me as being somehow "incomplete" when installed - this has given me some fresh ideas to look at...
Click to expand...

Thanks man!

CMil527 said:
I agree 100%.. you should fwd the pics on to Vararam so they can implement your design idea's and send you a nice check for fixing it!! :favorites13:
Click to expand...

Wouldn't that be nice... ;)

Etroze86 said:
Damn David keep up the good work and man IDK when you sleep cause you are always working on stuff.
Click to expand...

Thanks E!
I pretty much work ALL the time, from my jobs, mods, family, etc.. I can't stand sitting around or not having a project... :crazy:
 
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DavidRam

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Next...

The cover needs a little dressing up... ;)

This will cover the big holes for the bolts and I am gonna get rid of the ******* wing nuts (I know they are nostalgic). This will also be covered in carbon fiber.

There will only be small holes drilled for the bolt to poke through.

Does anyone have ideas for nuts on this thing??? Like a really cool looking nut or wing nut??? See pics below, they are just ideas.
 

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BigSloth

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have someone laser cut you some small gears out of steel, then thread the centers and use them as wing nuts. I think it would look cool.
 
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