Notices
993 Forum 1995-1998

Varioram conversion??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 29, 2004 | 09:02 PM
  #1  
chris walrod's Avatar
chris walrod
Thread Starter
Guru
Lifetime Rennlist
Member


Rennlist Small
Business Sponsor

20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 15,751
Likes: 104
From: yorba linda, ca
Default Varioram conversion??

Anyone here ever converted a 1995 to Varioram? Wondering if I could come up with a complete Vario intake assy., would it be worth the trouble and what would need to be done the with engine harness?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!!
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2004 | 09:55 PM
  #2  
Jim Morton's Avatar
Jim Morton
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 3
Default

Chris:

Just before I sold my RS replica for the move to the TT, I completed the ground work for doing the VRam conversion on my MY95.

If your car has had the engine wiring harness recall, then you should have the "universal" harness that already has the pigtails for the Varioram control solenoids. Assuming this, then here is a generalized list of what you need:

1.) Varioram Intake System most commonly sourced as a take off from someone who has done a Supercharger install. This should give you the aluminum castings, throttle body, and most all vacuum lines.

2.) The Secondary Air Injection pump is different. All pieces can be sourced new for about $300

3.) Brackets and linkage for cruise control servo. New parts price out at about $60

4.) Larger vacuum reservoir as used on the MY96-98 cars. Mounts on left side of the engine bay above the shock mount.

5.) Air cleaner box from Varioram car. This is a tough one to swallow as the back housing is only sold as a set from what I found and I did not find any used ones that were still good.

6.) Euro RS ECU. Still available new...

All told, the conversion could cost as little as $2000 to as much as $3500 depending on how many new parts are sourced. This is assuming you do this as a DIY...

Hope this helps

Regards
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2004 | 11:56 PM
  #3  
gst's Avatar
gst
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
Default

would there be noticeable difference in engine performance, smoothness, sound after the conversion? I am thinking of doing the same too to my 94 993.

Thanks
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 01:04 AM
  #4  
poorb0yw's Avatar
poorb0yw
Addict
Rennlist Member

 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 0
From: Manhattan
Default

Whats a used varioram system worth?
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 02:33 AM
  #5  
chris walrod's Avatar
chris walrod
Thread Starter
Guru
Lifetime Rennlist
Member


Rennlist Small
Business Sponsor

20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 15,751
Likes: 104
From: yorba linda, ca
Default

Thanks Jim for the info!

This is just a semi-random thought at the moment. A good friend of mine that also has a '95 993 is keen on this upgrade as well. I believe he has found a donor intake assy. from a supercharger install. I am not sure what gets reused with s/c install's, so I dont know what is included with these varioram assy's. We should know more details soon...

Thanks again!
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 02:35 AM
  #6  
chris walrod's Avatar
chris walrod
Thread Starter
Guru
Lifetime Rennlist
Member


Rennlist Small
Business Sponsor

20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 15,751
Likes: 104
From: yorba linda, ca
Default

One other question I forgot to ask:

Are the cyl heads different for 96 and up? I thought a larger intake valve was used, possibly a larger port as well?

If this is the case, I am not sure if I will realize the potential of this power gain??
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 01:55 PM
  #7  
Jim Morton's Avatar
Jim Morton
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 3
Default

Chris:

From what I know, the heads and valve sizes are the same on the MY95 and 96 cars. Now when you go to the 3.8, that's where things change.

The advantage of the Vram comes from having a variable intake runner system that maintains intake flow velocities, there by enhancing the momentum effects of the intake charge pulse. The Varioram plenum / intake stacks have three modes, 2 plenums and has a 2 throttle plate progressive throttle body. It works along the same premise as a progrssive 2 BBL carburetor back in the "good 'ol days"...

To really appreciate the Vram, you have to want better midrange torque. From an overall max. power aspect, there is not much gain. However, the torque increase at 3800 RPM is almost 50 ft. lbs. of torque. If you think about how that effects the torque curve and how that torque would be valuable to the driver at the RPM, then the value of the Vram can be appreciated.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 04:34 PM
  #8  
pjc's Avatar
pjc
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 801
Likes: 6
From: United Kingdom
Default

Isn't it the Vram cars that suffer from carbon build up? Seems like a good reason not to convert for the very little extra bhp - but hey if it turns you on....

PJC
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

One-Off Porsche 911 S/T Takes Inspiration From Famous '70s Race Car

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 05:43 PM
  #9  
Jim Morton's Avatar
Jim Morton
Three Wheelin'
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,663
Likes: 3
Default

Kim:

I do not believe so since your engine started as a 3.6. We can check with Steve, but I am pretty sure your head castings are 3.6 ones.

What changes are the lower manifolds and the lower runners/rubber couplers. Given that you are running the black stock 95 system, this is why I am confident we will not have a port / manifold diameter issue with your setup...

Regards
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 05:53 PM
  #10  
speedster 94's Avatar
speedster 94
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: germany
Default

hallo
Heads are the same , valves are bigger on the Varioram ,both intake and exhaust .intakerunners and rubber are the same .
harald
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 06:03 PM
  #11  
Coleman's Avatar
Coleman
Three Wheelin'
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 146
From: Cape Neddick Me.
Default

Kim, I think we're all aware of your issues!!! ;-)


Coleman.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 09:32 PM
  #12  
Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems's Avatar
Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems
RL Technical Advisor
 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 11,870
Likes: 75
From: Portland Oregon
Default

Hey Kim:

No worries mate, as your heads have been "massaged" and have other things done,...

Did 'em myself.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2004 | 11:07 PM
  #13  
chris walrod's Avatar
chris walrod
Thread Starter
Guru
Lifetime Rennlist
Member


Rennlist Small
Business Sponsor

20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 15,751
Likes: 104
From: yorba linda, ca
Default

Originally posted by Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems
Hey Kim:

No worries mate, as your heads have been "massaged" and have other things done,...

Did 'em myself.
No wonder Kim is so fast
Reply
Old May 1, 2004 | 12:06 PM
  #14  
ljugete's Avatar
ljugete
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,192
Likes: 0
From: Northern IL and SW FL
Default

Just upgrade the DME Chip to one from Steve and you will achieve similar midrange torque increase as provided by Variocam for about $500.00!

No Carbon Buildup warning light issues either.

Reply
Old May 1, 2004 | 12:11 PM
  #15  
Ray Calvo's Avatar
Ray Calvo
Passed On
Rennlist Member

 
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,031
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Default

Why????

Do some archive searching; you'll see comments that difference between '95 and Varioram cars is pretty much negligible.

Find something more beneficial to throw your money away on (C4S brakes, maybe?)
Reply



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 08:32 PM.

story-0
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:39:30


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

Slideshow: Porsche's wildest paint colors aren't just shades-they're full-blown personalities on four wheels.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:38:13


VIEW MORE
story-2
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

Slideshow: The last of the Speedsters doesn't just close a chapter, it makes quite the bold, air-cooled statement.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:55:04


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

Slideshow: Going to a Porsche dealership may not be the dream experience you expect it to be and these are the reasons why.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 13:54:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

Slideshow: Porsche just proved-again-that precision engineering can outrun brute force at the Nürburgring.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-18 20:27:02


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

Slideshow: Six reasons why you will love the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C and 1 reason you will hate it.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 10:21:39


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

Slideshow: Some of the most desirable Porsche models are those that were sold to the public solely for homologation purposes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:54:26


VIEW MORE
story-7
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

Slideshow: The lone BTR III-spec Targa features rare RUF engineering with a 430-hp turbo flat-six and fewer than 30 miles since its rebuild.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-06 20:03:25


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight

Slideshow: If you want to start a debate with a Porsche friend, these 10 opinions are a great way to get started.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-02 16:53:02


VIEW MORE
story-9
One-Off Porsche 911 S/T Takes Inspiration From Famous '70s Race Car

Slideshow: A one-off Porsche 911 S/T created through the Sonderwunsch program pays tribute to a little-known 1970s race car from the Camel GT Challenge.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-30 19:44:11


VIEW MORE