Would you Buy a 96 Varioram or Stick with a 95 Model?
01-08-2019, 02:58 PM
#17
It does? I've had mine 13 years and never had a problem. Never heard of one either. The big advantage over a '95 is the Varioram's bump in power.
It's pretty simple: the '95's pros are OBDI and no immobilizer. Some perceived downsides to it are less horsepower and the basket handle (some like the handle, many don't)
The '96 plusses are more power, no handle. Downside is OBDII, immobilizer and non-flashable ECU.
Now, all that said, all these differences are so teeny, that given the two, I'd buy the one in the best condition with the most records and the best PPI, regardless of year
It's pretty simple: the '95's pros are OBDI and no immobilizer. Some perceived downsides to it are less horsepower and the basket handle (some like the handle, many don't)
The '96 plusses are more power, no handle. Downside is OBDII, immobilizer and non-flashable ECU.
Now, all that said, all these differences are so teeny, that given the two, I'd buy the one in the best condition with the most records and the best PPI, regardless of year
01-08-2019, 03:34 PM
#18
RL Technical Advisor
JMHO,..but I'd buy either a '95 or '97-'98.
Nothing wrong with the '96 cars, however if you want to do any performance modifications, re-programming the ECU is a $10K experience if you have to use a new ECU.
Nothing wrong with the '96 cars, however if you want to do any performance modifications, re-programming the ECU is a $10K experience if you have to use a new ECU.
01-08-2019, 04:02 PM
#19
Originally Posted by goofballdeluxe
.
Now, all that said, all these differences are so teeny, that given the two, I'd buy the one in the best condition with the most records and the best PPI, regardless of year
Now, all that said, all these differences are so teeny, that given the two, I'd buy the one in the best condition with the most records and the best PPI, regardless of year
Very sage advice.
01-08-2019, 05:38 PM
#20
01-08-2019, 06:01 PM
#21
Agent Orange
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Buy a '95 and put a Varioram in it. That's what I did 
I'd get the '96 if the two cars are otherwise identical in all aspects. The Varioarm makes a very noticeable difference in mid-range torque. I've owned two '96 cars in the past and have had no issues with them with regards to the engine or alarm. "Chipping" the car isn't going to get you very far anyway, it's pretty slow by today's standards.
I'd get the '96 if the two cars are otherwise identical in all aspects. The Varioarm makes a very noticeable difference in mid-range torque. I've owned two '96 cars in the past and have had no issues with them with regards to the engine or alarm. "Chipping" the car isn't going to get you very far anyway, it's pretty slow by today's standards.
01-08-2019, 07:01 PM
#22
Rennlist Member
I raced/DE'd a '95 for many years and never found it to be lacking on the track or street in terms of performance. That said, I now have a '96 and can feel a noticeable difference between the two cars, both of which had/have very similar odometer readings. Happy to have a '96 with the extra punch but would be just as happy with a '95.
My '95 was a late build without the basket handle (not a fan) and with driveblock (never once had an issue with it and didn't see it as a nuisance at all).
My '95 was a late build without the basket handle (not a fan) and with driveblock (never once had an issue with it and didn't see it as a nuisance at all).
01-08-2019, 09:28 PM
#23
You want the Rammer. V-ram manifold looks cool and sounds even cooler when the resonance flap opens up at high RPM's. Plus Rammers have more power throughout the RPM range. Don't buy a '95 and end up with Rammer envy!
01-08-2019, 10:01 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
I have a 96 and zero issues. Go for the 96 VRAM is a must!
01-08-2019, 10:14 PM
#25
Rennlist Member
I have both and can say that the varioram doesn't make a whole lot of difference. One thought may be to save the money from the purchase of a varioram and get a prevarioram. Then use thst money towards an RS pinion. That will really really make a difference. That's what I did to my pre varioram and it is a far more lively car than my post varioram car.
But the reality is all these cars are slow by modern standards. So just go with the best condition and right color combo you can afford.
But the reality is all these cars are slow by modern standards. So just go with the best condition and right color combo you can afford.
01-09-2019, 08:35 AM
#26
Burning Brakes
I have a '96 and I'm glad I do. Varioram makes a nice difference when it kicks in. I like the driveblock /immobilizer system for piece of mind and it has never caused me any issues. I don't plan to 'chip' the car anyway so that's not a concern. Mechanical upgrades can still be accomplished and in fact installing a light weight flywheel from the RS is easier on the '96 as the ECU copes unlike a '95.
01-09-2019, 01:21 PM
#27
I shopped hard for a '95 to avoid the emissions related issues of OBDII cars. In the end a '96 found its way into the garage complete with emissions 'issues' (so far something simple to deal with). One can come up with several reasons for either '95 or '96 (through '98) but the best way to approach it is to find the best sorted example regardless of year. If I had to/when I do it over again I would lean towards varioram.
01-09-2019, 10:44 PM
#28
Can you please comment on why it cost $10K? I'm in the market as well and want to make sure I buy the 'right' car. Can a '97/98 ECU be installed in a '96?
01-09-2019, 11:11 PM
#30
I am debating between a 95 C2 and a 96 C2. Both are about the same price, but the 96 C2 has fewer miles. I know the Varioram engine has its own set of problems and there are potential problems with the alarm and lock system.
However, I suspect the 96 model is probably in higher demand and may command a higher price in the future. Any thoughts about the pros/cons of the 96 Varioram?
However, I suspect the 96 model is probably in higher demand and may command a higher price in the future. Any thoughts about the pros/cons of the 96 Varioram?
