Induction pipe materials

[Sparco_Tom]

Do the materials used between an air filter and the throttle body make a difference to noise and performance? Obviously heat resistant materials slightly im prove performance.

Basically i have an alu tube or a plastic tube to mount my filter on.

Which should i use??

Style and looks is completly out the window in this case

[VTS_16v_Boy]

The answer is yes.

If you use a polished metal pipe you might think this would be better for airflow as it will be polished there by being smoother there by improving airflow and to a point that is the case but metal will get hot there by warming your induction air leading to a lose in performance.

Big powered turbocharged car are oftern seen with alot of polished pipes but then they have intercoolers, chargecoolers and aquamist systems to cool the induction air.

Normally dark, think plastic is best for induction pipework, real carbon fibre would be great but not cheap.

One option would be to use Heat Wrap to help keep the warm air away from the induction pipework. But it probally would make that much if any difference at all.

But in short yes the materials would matter.

[KamRacing]

either will be fine. More of a difference will be that you are going to use an open filter instead of an enclosed system.

[VTS_16v_Boy]

With Open filters its all about where you postion them rather than whats inbetween them.

The best location for a Open filter in a saxo IMO is behind the passanger headlight as it is supplied by cool air coming round the lamp where as anywhere else your nearer to the manifold and the block itself.

Dont forget your also need a desent cold air feed, any bit of flexable pipework from the front of the car to the filter will help.

A open filter will always have a dissarantage compared to a enclosed filter but it doesnt mean they are totally useless as you can help them out by doing your part rather than just fitting it right next to the throttle body at the back of the engine bay :y:

[Mybrohasasaxo]

Silicone is a good medium, this company (www.gsr-uk.co.uk/) make kits for fiats and see good results.

[VTS_16v_Boy]

Silicone hoses can also be bought from www.espdesign.co.uk in all different sizes also if you are looking to relocate your filter they sell polished tubing which maynot be idea as it will get hot but will look good (depends what you want) and induction Heat Shields too

[Sparco_Tom]

cheers guys, hopefully going to get a bmc kit soon