While it makes sense (in theory) that you might lose some throttle response and spool up with a larger diameter LICP in reality I don't believe that's the case. I know I haven't been around here as long as some but I've never heard of anyone complaining about a lack of spool and throttle respose after installing an aftermarket LICP so if there is any loss from it think it's very minimal and it's doubtful you'll even notice.

 

I am in agreement here

 

Are you serious?!! That's a massive gain

 

i have muse without tapering in the middle

 

here http://vr-speed.com/store/muse-motor...ing-p-346.html

 

I'll take 2!!!

 

i'm pretty sure the good LICP's result in better response. The total length of travel is shorter without the extra bends, and you are replacing the piece of ****, super long stock coupler with a quality short one. All that solid pipe isn't expanding like the crap stock couplers. And the last thing, which is COMPLETE speculation on my part, is that the flow is probably less interupted in the aftermarket one with less turns and changes in pipe diameter, and material.

 

FWIW, if we calculate the difference, when the system is pressurized, the delta is relatively insignificant.

Ironically, the stock piece looks like it would cause less turbulence, as the transition between the two diameters is smoother and more gradual. Then there's the usage perspective, where the stock piece is more durable (2 mounting brackets vs none) and where the longer stock coupler proves more stress/strain relief. Not really a bad thing.

I'm not trying to pick on your comments, but to illustrate a point. We all come from varying walks of life and bring along our own life experiences. Clearly, we're not exposed to the same information and the same means of dealing with it. As such, intuitive interpretations - my own included - aren't always on point. Thankfully, there are empirical means of gauging such things.

 

When it comes to intake design there are trade offs for turbo and NA engines. I would think when it comes to number of bends and intakes length, less is better. However, larger diameter pipes and even larger sized intercoolers there are trade offs from an "arm chair engineer " point of view. In the end guys like ETS, Buschur, AMS etc have many man hours and dyno's to figure out the dimensional sweet spot. My point here is that big is not always better and it's best to give the experts a call and be honest with want you really want out of your car.
Ultimately my main reason for keeping my stock LICP were the brackets so I had piece of mind that the lower pipe wouldn't pop off on the street. My second comment about response is just a theory. Call the experts.

 

No Problem!

 

for those that want that bracket because they are worried itll pop off , you can always have that welded on ...

 

So, OP - which one did you go with, and was it worth it?

I have an AMS, and the mod wasn't worth it to me - but only because of the PITA it was for me to put it on myself. I even damaged my bumper cover in frustration during the process, and I can't even get the undertray back on. Oh well, it least it has never popped off on me while on the interstate.

 

^^^ Install for me was cake. I just took off the undertray. I didn't have to take off the bumper. I took pics.

1. Take off undertray.
2. Unbolt coolant overflow bottle
3. Undo bolt that was under coolant overflow bottle
4. Undo bolt through front of bumper (no pic)
5. Undo clamps and take off
6. Install new LICP
7. Use hairspray (Aquanet Unscented) on couplers. Acts as a lubricant then an adhesive
8. Boost leak test
9. Test drive and log
10. Adjust tune

 

Cool. I'll try that next time. If the ETS pipe is that much better I'd rather have it since I don't plan on going to crazy with mods for this car.

 

Can't go wrong with the lower pipe upgrade. Expanding the first part of your intercooler piping to 2.5" is beneficial no matter which way you look at it. Throttle Response, Horsepower, etc.

Michael