Besides the cosmetic appeal, is there a significant performance advantage to replacing the stock intercooler lines with aluminized piping? I'm always paranoid about boost leaks. Does a kit like the one Helix is offering make our cars any less prone to them. I'm guess you could say I'm looking for boost leak insurance.

 

For boost leak insurance I would DEF. go with Nisei!

http://www.nisei-evo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30

Great review of the two there.

~Zach

 

Thanks Zach. It was a great review until the very end where it says that in order to use the Nisei kit we'll need a mini battery or relocation kit. That's a hassle.

 

I had the Helix kit, I reccomend you keep your stock piping. Its not worth the $ or hassle. If you want a real IC piping kit get the BR kit. Otherwise, keep it stock.

 

How do these compare to IC piping kits? Good or bad alternative?

 

i would say just as good as the helix , but the stock lower ic pipe still stays long.

 

for boost leak assurance, all you need to do is replace your stock clamps with some better quality ones.

the full pipe kit takes out the stock rubber pieces that like to swell under boost. which when replaced gives you a quicker throttle response.

 

what do you mean by this? why is it not worth the money or hassle? why is it not a "real" IC piping kit?

 

Bump for more info. I was thinking about the samco hoses with stock fmic pipes instead of a full ic hard pipe kit.

 

I didn't see a price on the Nisei kit....does anyone know the price? What was the price on the Helix kit?

 

The price of the Nisei is $480 and can be bought here.

 

Because its barely shorter than stock, barely any any bigger in diameter than stock and fit horrible with the stock battery. Im talking about the upper IC pipe. The stock pipe fit OK, but you can get JUST a lower pipe for $150 from Fighters Garage that is essentially teh same thing.

Also, I said a REAL IC PIPE (talking upper here) like Buschur, RNR, or AMS because they are 2.5, get rid of multiple bends, AND cut like 2 feet of piping off. Yes they require a mini battery but that opens up tons of space in the engin bay to work with which IMO is worth it.