Intercooler Piping Alternatives
#1
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I know most people just buy the siliconintakes connectors, etc. I priced out my setup, though, and I have $100+ in just elbows. So I went to McMaster and found these parts:
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr <-5223K12
Has anyone seen these in person, through work or seen someone use it and fail? Anyone found something similar that worked well? I think the molded elbows have their place, just that sometimes a little ingenuity is better than just copying what has become the norm. I know the one miata that looks like it has garden hose wrapping around used one of these, but I am more interested in using the above as couplers and bends.
I think that the aluminum/steel tubing, and DIY welded intake track are pretty well covered, I am mostly interested in coupler/bend options since they seem to be very expensive.
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr
McMaster-Carr <-5223K12
Has anyone seen these in person, through work or seen someone use it and fail? Anyone found something similar that worked well? I think the molded elbows have their place, just that sometimes a little ingenuity is better than just copying what has become the norm. I know the one miata that looks like it has garden hose wrapping around used one of these, but I am more interested in using the above as couplers and bends.
I think that the aluminum/steel tubing, and DIY welded intake track are pretty well covered, I am mostly interested in coupler/bend options since they seem to be very expensive.
#4
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McMaster-Carr <-5223K12
Its possible it could be used, the issues that come to mind would be how that would stand up to heat, and durability of a loose hose in your engine bay (rubbing on stuff) but mainly every time you popped your hood you'd have to explain why you have rv sewage pipe for intercooler piping. I mean if you just want to do it to be different then by all means, but I don't think you'd be saving any money and in the very best possible scenario it would work AS good as aluminum or hard piping.
If you want cheap and proven I'd suggest just picking up a universal kit up off ebay. Just make sure you get one ridges on the pipe ends. THIS Is almost identical to what I have. Its dirt cheap, looks great and works great. I don't know if you have an ic or not but there are plenty of other kits with just pipes, couplers, and clamps out there. Just showing an example.
#6
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Go with 5223K45 if you aren't producing big power. 2in ID 2.24in OD
They are a bitch to get tight onto pipes as they are metal wire reinforced inside.
You don't want 2.5inch.
One way I had it was like this
Really liked it like this.
![](http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2320/dscn2307r.jpg)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
They are a bitch to get tight onto pipes as they are metal wire reinforced inside.
You don't want 2.5inch.
One way I had it was like this
Really liked it like this.
![](http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/2320/dscn2307r.jpg)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
#7
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I mostly wanted to hear any experiences people had. I'm not looking to be different for the sake of different. I may try the royal brass for some scraps of these materials.
I would do 2.5" because that is what all my inlet and outlet diameters are, I would prefer to avoid reducers. I think I'll just drag my feet on this decision. Maybe something will come up in the classifieds.
I would do 2.5" because that is what all my inlet and outlet diameters are, I would prefer to avoid reducers. I think I'll just drag my feet on this decision. Maybe something will come up in the classifieds.
#8
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Stick with silicone its cheaper and easier to deal with for couplers
Problem I had with the 2.5in ID stuff was it wasn't really 2.5in ID so it was a tad larger and harder to clamp down. Plus cutting it requires wire cutters with a razor. Also you won't get a good bend radius with it compared to silicone stuff you can buy.
The only issue is with the silicone you while you get higher burst pressure it does expand and subtract a lot more then the pvc coated foam with internal wiring.
Actually there is a cheaper alternative to the silicone that you can buy at any parts store. I will get you the name of it, its common on diesel stuff. My friend just showed me it.
Problem I had with the 2.5in ID stuff was it wasn't really 2.5in ID so it was a tad larger and harder to clamp down. Plus cutting it requires wire cutters with a razor. Also you won't get a good bend radius with it compared to silicone stuff you can buy.
The only issue is with the silicone you while you get higher burst pressure it does expand and subtract a lot more then the pvc coated foam with internal wiring.
Actually there is a cheaper alternative to the silicone that you can buy at any parts store. I will get you the name of it, its common on diesel stuff. My friend just showed me it.
#11
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Obviously, I walked into some alternative reality that has Techsalvager recommending coolant hose that is not rated for the maximum temps it will see in turbo operation and will also be ridiculously expensive to use considering how much that would be needed (Way, way more expensive than an intercooler kit off ebay with the intercooler, pipes, and couplers included even!)
....****, no, it's not an alternate reality. Goddamnit.
....****, no, it's not an alternate reality. Goddamnit.
#13
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Shame on you curly.
Yes he has the worst fukking turbo miata in existence. I mean, honedtly, i fail just as hard but at least i aim high enough that when i fail i still end up somewhere... mediocre. Happy vlad? Look at texhsalvagers dyno plot and mine. He has the worst 170hp setup on earth and i apparently have the worst 350hp setup on earth.
Ugh i feel dirty.
Btw. If you are doing low boost and really want to mexicali it up, you CAN use PVC and rubber PVC pipe connectors. This actually works and lasts a while. I had to do this for a while after BEGI shipped me the wrong piping AND the wrong couplers three times in a row.
If you want to have the CRAPPIEST MOST FAIL CAR ON THIS FORUM that is basically the joke of the miata community, just like Techsalvager, then go ahead and use this crap.
Even he is realizing how fail it is, as well as some of the other stuff in that build and replacing stuff iirc.
Even he is realizing how fail it is, as well as some of the other stuff in that build and replacing stuff iirc.
Yes he has the worst fukking turbo miata in existence. I mean, honedtly, i fail just as hard but at least i aim high enough that when i fail i still end up somewhere... mediocre. Happy vlad? Look at texhsalvagers dyno plot and mine. He has the worst 170hp setup on earth and i apparently have the worst 350hp setup on earth.
Ugh i feel dirty.
Btw. If you are doing low boost and really want to mexicali it up, you CAN use PVC and rubber PVC pipe connectors. This actually works and lasts a while. I had to do this for a while after BEGI shipped me the wrong piping AND the wrong couplers three times in a row.
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