Would you Buy a 96 Varioram or Stick with a 95 Model?
01-10-2019 | 11:13 AM
#31
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 148
From: Montana
Just as a reminder, both the immobilizer and the SAI fault can be programmed out with an ECU tune. Easy on 97/98, not as easy on 96, but still can be done. Then you have the extra power of VarioRam without the two annoyances of the OBD2 engine.
I used to have to lock/unlock my car to disable the immobilizer each time drive it from my garage. Now I just step in and go. Sounds minor, but it does make the driving experience that much better.
I used to have to lock/unlock my car to disable the immobilizer each time drive it from my garage. Now I just step in and go. Sounds minor, but it does make the driving experience that much better.
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01-13-2019 | 01:29 AM
#36
Pro
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 749
Likes: 69
Nothing against the '95's, but I will only buy Varioram 993's. Two in the garage and plan on adding a 3rd this year.
SAI issues are way over blown IMO. Repairs are not even needed with proper maintenance, even if that includes cleaning the ports and changing the valve. Definitely worth it for that Variorum "kick" and the extra 12hp.
With all that said....... I wouldn't kick a '95 to the curb if it fell into my lap and the condition was great and the price was low.
SAI issues are way over blown IMO. Repairs are not even needed with proper maintenance, even if that includes cleaning the ports and changing the valve. Definitely worth it for that Variorum "kick" and the extra 12hp.
With all that said....... I wouldn't kick a '95 to the curb if it fell into my lap and the condition was great and the price was low.
01-13-2019 | 11:10 AM
#37
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 4
From: Ridgefield, CT
A bit of a highjack of this thread but along the same lines... should I try to avoid a '96 due to the ECU? I understand that '95, '97-'98 are the ones to get if I want to easily tune (remap / chip) the engine. Can't I just replace the entire ECU in a '96 with one from a later car???
01-13-2019 | 11:29 AM
#38
Racer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 497
Likes: 121
A bit of a highjack of this thread but along the same lines... should I try to avoid a '96 due to the ECU? I understand that '95, '97-'98 are the ones to get if I want to easily tune (remap / chip) the engine. Can't I just replace the entire ECU in a '96 with one from a later car???
01-13-2019 | 01:06 PM
#39
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 12,411
Likes: 596
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?
'95 has OBD1 and a user replaceable chip both make life easier for the tinkerer
'96 up RoW is also OBD1 like the '95s but they come w/ vram
'96 up US are OBD2 w/ vram, '96 has a 1 year only non flashable Motronic, 97 has a flashable Motronic(by a pro not an owner)
Beyond that it's a toss up more dependant on condition and setup than anything else
01-13-2019 | 03:55 PM
#40
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 4
From: Ridgefield, CT
how much is a 97 ECU? Does anyone produce a modern third party ECU??
01-13-2019 | 04:09 PM
#41
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,942
Likes: 152
01-13-2019 | 04:09 PM
#42
Racer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 497
Likes: 121
01-14-2019 | 06:56 PM
#44
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 544
Likes: 4
From: Ridgefield, CT
I test drove a '95 today with RS flywheel and I can certainly feel the difference between the vario and non vario. It has noticeably less 'grunt' from 1-2 gear at normal speeds. I agree that if a '95 ticks all the right boxes I would not pass on it but I certainly prefer the varioram.
01-14-2019 | 07:42 PM
#45
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 139
From: New England
lko has the best plan, get the '95 and install the varioram.