Hard Piping Worth it?

[TeeWX98GST]

Well, my current engine/bolton mods are as is, if not listed, consider it completely stock.
-2.5inch catback
-test pipe
-3inch downpipe
-open o2 housing 2.5inch
-injen pre-turbo intake + K&N style filter
-hks ssqv
-2.25inch hard piping from SMIC to BOV

My question is, with my current setup on my 2g fwd, will I notice anything going hard piping on the rest of my piping system? The price is pretty spendy I thought for just mandrel tubing. And I noticed the only intercooler piping I have left thats not hard is the stock rubber weave stuff, which doesn't seem all that restrictive. Would I even notice a power gain with my current setup?

 

[DougR]

Well, my current engine/bolton mods are as is, if not listed, consider it completely stock.
-2.5inch catback
-test pipe
-3inch downpipe
-open o2 housing 2.5inch
-injen pre-turbo intake + K&N style filter
-hks ssqv
-2.25inch hard piping from SMIC to BOV

My question is, with my current setup on my 2g fwd, will I notice anything going hard piping on the rest of my piping system? The price is pretty spendy I thought for just mandrel tubing. And I noticed the only intercooler piping I have left thats not hard is the stock rubber weave stuff, which doesn't seem all that restrictive. Would I even notice a power gain with my current setup?

Replaceing the Highly restrictive Plastic intake with smooth mandrel bent pipe.
Will give you a nice smile the first time you start the car. Its worth it.
Your cat back is 2.5" or 3"? Profile and list are different...

 

[TeeWX98GST]

Its 2.5 catback, I was told it was 3inch when I got the car but i measured it and its 2.5, you can also tell ### its smaller than my downpipe which when i got measured to exactly 3inches ID. the stock plastic piece was already replaced (SMIC to BOV flange UICP) but the piece from the BOV to the TB elbow is still stock rubber weave, and the LICP is stock rubber weave, will replacing that be any noticable?

 

[ilikespeeding]

I'd say do this all at once:

Manual boost controller - $50
14b w/install kit - $?
SSAC FMIC kit - $300 shipped
oil pressure guage
boost gauge

 

[Black99gst]

the rubber will keep your turbo spool silent... change to hard pipes, and untill you here someone in person with a nice size turbo, you will think yours sounds hot as ###! you will actually here the blades building boost... its nice! i remeber when i first installed my FMIC.... aww!

 

[crimsondragon]

Change out the 2.5 catback and make it a 3 inch. That 3 inch dp means nothing unless you get a 3 inch catback with it. If you've ever traced the intercooler pipes, you'll see how restrictive they can be. I would change them out but plan ahead. Are you going to get an FMIC later? Will you go with short route piping? If you said yes to any of the above, hold off on getting new piping.

 

[Yngvar]

I would say get a cheap fmic

 

[turboking15]

i found mine on ebay from cx racing for 107 shipped. nice looking core and i have heard a couple others having great sucess with it.

 

[Boost92awd]

Look into the SSAC FMIC, its not worth buying UICP and LICP if your going to do a front mount down the road.

 

[Badgst96]

Ya man get some hard pipes.. If your budget is kinda short like mine.. Go with RRE man their parts work at a reasonable price.. Or you can get a cheap Ebay kit for maybe 90 bucks and make it yourself.. And while your at it just go for a FMIC.. Might as well!! Good luck!!

 

[Black99gst]

with the FMIC you will actually see a loss in power in the high rpms on the stock T-25... their just isn't enough air flow... keep that in mind...

 

[asexton6969]

In all honesty if you have replaced that stock restrictive plastic piece. Your looking good. The stock rubber weave upper pipe is like 2.25-2.5" in and that lower pipe I believe was 2.25" I would save whatever money you would put toward that pipes and upgrade something else. When you do go for a fmic like everyone else has suggested the SSAC FMIC is great for the price.

 

[ApexVIII]

i have a Dejon UICP with greddy flange i went to FMIC so i dont need it $70 shipped if ya want it

 

[ilikespeeding]

with the FMIC you will actually see a loss in power in the high rpms on the stock T-25... their just isn't enough air flow... keep that in mind...

I'm almost positive that's not true. You might lose a little spool due to extra volume, but top end should be fine.

 

[TeeWX98GST]

eBay Motors: 95-99 Eclipse 2G 4G63 Turbo FMIC Intercooler+Piping Kit (item 290234132753 end time Jun-03-08 21:29:41 PDT)
What does this FMIC look like? It seems to me like all the piping is there and its short route, seems kind of like an SBR copy or something similar, and its cheap.

 

[kottyking]

Lots of people on here run that frontmount and they seem to be holding up great.

 

[toojung2die]

I noticed the only intercooler piping I have left thats not hard is the stock rubber weave stuff, which doesn't seem all that restrictive. Would I even notice a power gain with my current setup?

No. If the only piece of your IC pipe that is still stock is that rubber woven reinforced tube from the BOV to the throttle body then you won't see any power gains simply by changing it to hard pipe. This hose does not expand an appreciable amount if the hose is in good condition. The amount of pressure it takes to inflate the hose is negligible. If the hose is in bad shape or looks like it may be ready to crack or leak then replace it. Then a hard pipe would be good upgrade. My IC pipes are all hard with the exception of this last piece of stock hose. It holds all the boost I push through it (20psi) but I will admit it's ugly looking. If I need a reason to replace it with a hard pipe it will be only because it is ugly. Spend your money on something productive.
"It takes no talent to spend money" - RFC

 

[PieEyedPiper]

No. If the only piece of your IC pipe that is still stock is that rubber woven reinforced tube from the BOV to the throttle body then you won't see any power gains simply by changing it to hard pipe. This hose does not expand an appreciable amount if the hose is in good condition. The amount of pressure it takes to inflate the hose is negligible. If the hose is in bad shape or looks like it may be ready to crack or leak then replace it. Then a hard pipe would be good upgrade. My IC pipes are all hard with the exception of this last piece of stock hose. It holds all the boost I push through it (20psi) but I will admit it's ugly looking. If I need a reason to replace it with a hard pipe it will be only because it is ugly. Spend your money on something productive.
"It takes no talent to spend money" - RFC

You did it for me. Saved me all the typing.
Good post.