So, I bought a LICP. It shows up, I take a cursory glance at it, looks fine (not dented, all the parts are present). Fast forward a few weeks.... I'm laying out all the things I'm going to install that weekend and going over them with a fine tooth comb and I come across an incomplete bead on the IC end of the LICP I bought. See the attached picture.

So, I didn't install it.

I have contacted the vendor I bought it from. They spoke with manufacturer who told them that it's normal, and I should have no problems.

Could an incomplete bead cause an issue? It's barely half an inch in length. There is plenty of bead to keep it from popping off.

What is the purpose of the bead? Does it aid in sealing, or is it there solely to keep the pipe from popping out of the coupler?

 

I don't think it is going to be an issue BUT it should be bead rolled all the way around. Who's pipe is it? If it is ours please send it back and we will bead roll it all and pay for your shipping. I am hoping it is NOT ours, I'd like to think we pay closer attention to things than that.

 

Yeah I'd be interested in knowing who makes it also cause I'm in the market to buy one.

 

David & Spanked:
It's a Nisei aluminum LICP.

 

Don't worry about it. Just use some T-bolt clamps. Its not like there isn't a bead at all. The bead is there to help prevent the pipe and coupler from coming apart when you have it clamped. Having a miniscule section not there isn't going to make a difference. You got the pipe for nearly $100 less than anywhere else anyway, so just overlook this minute detail.

 

from the picture, you have a majority of a bead, so i wouldnt worry about it. be certain you have a decent clamp.

 

I'd rock it ...

 

should be ok..........but keep in mind blowing an intercooler pipe is no fun........

i blew mine the other day on the street at 36 pounds of boost................

talk about a SHOCKER!!!

sounded and felt like someone fired off a 12 gauge under my hood.................

 

When I make my own pipes, I weld on a half inch bead in four places around the pipe. Even with the 35 psi gauge pegged, I've never had one come apart. You have a lot more of a bead than that.

 

I do have t-bolt clamps. It came with some, plus I bought a complete set to replace all the stock clamps.

Considering the feedback, sounds like the bead doesn't have much to do with sealing, and is there to keep it from popping off. Just like the folks from Nisei said.

On she goes.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

with t bolt clams it will be fine
my intercooler piping on my integra is not even beeded and with t bolt clamps ithold 25psi just fine