One mans theory... Just .02
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 19
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From: Southeast PA
One mans theory... Just .02
So I have been looking into upping the horsepower of my (stage 1) otherwise stock car. I have been looking into doing stage 2 with some kind of intake to let the turbo breath better.
After looking into some of the aftermarket parts, I have somewhat of a gripe with paying the amount some of these manufacturers charge for their parts. Moreover, some of these parts don't seem to really boost performance (based on design) other then the placebo effect.
A lot of intakes are open filter within the engine bay pulling in hot air.
Intakes that offer a "box" just seem to change things around only slightly and still charge $300+ for them. They also seem to be constructed almost entirely of metal, thereby falling victim to heat soak in the engine bay.
My question is this. With the stock airbox, why not put in a high flow filter and a turbo inlet pipe and still save the $150 for use on other parts? Then spend 10 bucks at home depot buying thermal insulating material to prevent any kind of heat soak. I can't imagine it would perform any less than the shiney "bling" you could opt for.
Maybe even take that extra cash and invest it in wrapping the downpipe to help with exhaust scavenging...
So long story short... ranting and raving aside... Am I wrong with my assumption that you can get as good... if not better... performance by thinking logically and using less expensive components to achieve the same end result? Im open to all opinions! Thanks!
After looking into some of the aftermarket parts, I have somewhat of a gripe with paying the amount some of these manufacturers charge for their parts. Moreover, some of these parts don't seem to really boost performance (based on design) other then the placebo effect.
A lot of intakes are open filter within the engine bay pulling in hot air.
Intakes that offer a "box" just seem to change things around only slightly and still charge $300+ for them. They also seem to be constructed almost entirely of metal, thereby falling victim to heat soak in the engine bay.
My question is this. With the stock airbox, why not put in a high flow filter and a turbo inlet pipe and still save the $150 for use on other parts? Then spend 10 bucks at home depot buying thermal insulating material to prevent any kind of heat soak. I can't imagine it would perform any less than the shiney "bling" you could opt for.
Maybe even take that extra cash and invest it in wrapping the downpipe to help with exhaust scavenging...
So long story short... ranting and raving aside... Am I wrong with my assumption that you can get as good... if not better... performance by thinking logically and using less expensive components to achieve the same end result? Im open to all opinions! Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: southwestern PA
Well you are right about the performance however its dependant upon the tune. Intakes that you install after the tune that are specific for that intake will not make a difference from drop ins. Now lets say you were to install the intake without a tune any filter or intake will increase power. But if you going to upgrade your turbo an intake would be a wise choice. I would say if your lookin for turbo spool sound get the hks and call it a day.
