Looking at the Gimmick, Perrin and AMR. Anyone have a preference between a hard inlet and a silicone one? Advantages, Disadvantages? The intake manifold is coming off at the same time so that is not an issue. Thanks,
Ease of install is the biggest issue but if the mani is coming off, might as well do a hard pipe. The biggest issues with (some) silicon pipes is they can get cut up (its a tight fit in there) and some have failed (collapsed) under high boost. The connection to the turbo and intake will be similar on both versions with the hard pipe typically required an oddly shaped bend in the silicone coupler on the turbo side. This can make for awkward fitment on the turbo side, but no less a pita than an all silicone pipe. Can I vote for option c? Rotated turbo lol
I went with the cost effective Gimmick. It is a bit tight but nothing I would be concerned about. The new versions are supposedly wire wound to prevent collapse, but you would have to be moving serious air to have that happen.
I replaced a 2.4" silicone inlet (which is available) with a AMR 3" hard inlet. The hard inlet was a pain in the ass to install. Some modification was needed (thanks Fu). If I had to do it again, silicone would be the route I would take - In my experience the silicone is much easier to work with even though it may change shape...
Fuel pressure regulator was relocated (the main modification). There were a couple other minor things. It all worked out, but was a tight fit.
I'm running the APS hard inlet and wouldn't swap it for anything else. Minor fitment issues...yes, better than silicone...i believe so. Either route is mo better than stock tho.
Well yeah the 3" is going to be a tight fit. The 2.4" is already a tight fit lol. What turbo are you considering, Gimp? I've seen some of the silicone ones collapse at 25psi with a 20gish sized turbo... so not a ton of air imho. But you're right, Threshold, most of them are reinforced these days.
