First of all let me say the pipes look great. I got the gloss black with stock battery location and they look great in the engine compartment. Now to the negative; it was a PITA to get the stock UICP pipes off. I know that has nothing to do with the ETS UICP but I just had to put that out there. I also decided to finally remove the undertray and keep it off because those connectors are a PITA too. Taking the front bumper off was no problem. Where the problem came into play was getting the ETS UICPs and silicone couplers connected to where they didn't get in the way of the BR cone filter and running the bov hose to the bov. After much sweating I finally got everything buttoned up. I almost forgot I also had to hammer down a piece of copper colored metal that the stock airbox connected to because one of the pipes was rubbing against it and causing a lack of connection.

Now for the test drives: I had the pipes blow off three separate times so far. The pipes came with the t-clamps but I'm starting to have my doubts with these things. I never had a pipe blow off when using the stock clamps. I finally just torqued these things down. It's a good thing these pipes are made of steel and not aluminum. I've decided to keep a ratchet inside my car for future pipe blowoffs. I know an aftermarket UICP doesn't add any performance, but after seeing how the stock connectors expand so much during my dyno testing it just gives me a peace of mind that I don't have to worry about boost leaks in my intercooler pipes.

Finally this kit came with two silicone couplers; one for the throttle body and one to connect the two pipes in the kit. I'm curious why they don't include a third one that connects to the intercooler instead of reusing the stock connector?

Don't get me wrong this is definitely a positive review. I'm sure my assembly problems were my headspace and timing. When it comes time to upgrade my FMIC I will call up ETS.

 

Just a few notes to help The clamps and piping both will take everything that a 3/8" impact gun can throw at the clamp nut, so don't be shy about tightening those down! Make sure the clamp is completely over the bead and snug them up really well, and you shouldn't ever have an issue again

The UICP to intercooler connection with a stock intercooler retains the factory molded hose because we include a straight coupler for both the intercooler inlet/outlet and associated T-bolt clamps when you purchase our intercooler. Other aftermarket intercoolers should include the same, so even if you were to combine our piping with a different cooler, the kit is completely modular and doesn't have any extra pieces to increase the cost of the piping kit when purchased separately.

If you have any other questions about install techniques be sure to get a hold of us!

Tom

 

Tom,

I'll be sure and go back over the T-bolt clamps with some elbow grease. Thanks for clearing that up about the other coupler. You will definitely be getting my business when I upgrade intercoolers.

 

ETS products are great......if there are any problems with their products, they will always take care of you .

 

ETS = Win.

- Patrick

 

I only had my UICP pipe blow off once and that was because I forget to tighten down the one t-bolt clamp for the throttle body. After that I've had no issues with the pipes blowing off and I've done many many pulls since then.

Odd you had problems taking the stock UICP pipes off, mine came right off with no problems at all.

I suggest you put the undertray back on. Its on there for a reason.

 

Normally I would concur with you about leaving the undertray on, but those damn clips are such a pain. I also noticed that even with the undertray on I still have street grime and dirt reaching the bottom of the engine. As far as the UICP blowing off the throttle body that was the main spot it was blowing off for me. I've gone back and torqued the hell out of it so I don't think it will cause me any more problems.