Argument over IC material...wtf?
 

Now, I know this has been discussed and discussed and I'll prolly end up w/ doing some aluminum bends off ebay and hitting up a buddy of silicone and t bolt clamps, but here is my deal...

However, I was wanting to DIY my own piping out mild steel or something similar that so I could have a friend weld them together for free so I could have the least amount of couplers and things to come loose.

But a BMW buddy of mine thinks that its the most retarded idea ever as mild steel would 'rust on the inside and could damage the engine', 'be insanely heavy,' and 'stay way to hot'

Are any of these response grounded or just bullshit?

Aluminum does disepate heat better than mild steel, it is rust proof, and lighter than steel. But without being a good welder and having expensive equipment, you cant weld it.

Mild steel will be hotter, and heavier than aluminum, but i dont think you will have to worry to much about rust.. Lots and Lots of people have used mild steel as there IC piping, and have had no problems.

So if you are on a budget, go mild steel.. If you are going for max performance, go aluminum.

The price of a few expensive 90* silicone couplers and or size transitions which are pricy along with the T-clamps to go with it all you could probably pay a hole in the wall welding shop to weld your alum. pipe together once you have them cut to size. Just fit them and mark the pipes so they line up right and take them to the shop. Even if it costs you an extra $100 i think it's worth it to have 4 couplers and 8 clamps. Makes installs and removals so much nicer and it looks a hell of alot better.

with the amount of oil in my MS pipes....i doubt it ;)

FM's pipes are mild steel.

plus, you can paint the inside.

good point brian, my intake is pretty oily too, i need to read up on restrictors for this reason and 20psi oil pressure at idle after turbo ... but not tonight because right now its beer:30 :)

you know, come to think of it, i bet theres bmw turbo companies that tout using aluminum to make their product superior or something.

What would you paint it with? that high temp engine stuff?

I'm like performance just as much as the next guy...but I want 4 couplers if at all possible...2 on the IC...one on the TB...and one off the turbo...and I want to do it as cheaply/efficiently as possible.

so coated/painted mild steel would work fine is what you guys are saying? it shouldn't cost me more than...50-100 for the piping, and if I want to go aluminum...I'll already have a setup ready...

not to mention I can have steel welded for me.

probably any ol auto enamel but you could use hi temp paint for safety. it's probably not hot enough in there to hurt the paint anyway.

4 Couplers are nice and all, but depneding on how your intercooler is placed, it might not even be possible and if it is, you'll be standing there for hours trying to wiggle your pipes into place. 6 would be more idel IMO.

doesn't/didn't BEGI use mild steel?

edit: yes, they still do and its powdercoated

powder coat.. way to go

There is nothing wrong with Mild Steel IC pipes. The only time I might be worried is if you are using a WI setup.. As for the couplers, I would use one on the turbo outlet, one in the middle of the hotside pipe and then one on the IC. And do it in the same sense on the coldside pipe. It is very difficult to do if you do not put that middle coupler in. If you need some MS IC piping let me know.
-Michael-

lol, I should be picking up a lot of stuff from you soon then...piping...feed/drain lines etc.

I gotta figure out what/how I'm going to route it though.

You guys use 2.5" piping for the most part?

I've been debating this with friends as well. I decided I'll be going to my buddys exhaust shop without a front bumper and get to work, it shouldn't be too difficult maybe about an hours work.

i use exhaust tubing on mine no rust so far even with WI. the heat will keep the moisture from destroying it.

I have used both, and the only drawback to steel is weight, and rust.

Coat it, and voila no rust.

paint chips though.... maybe a nice PC on it then it would be golden:)

rust on the inside? wouldnt that mean you have moisture INSIDE your intake system? that seems like a much bigger problem than the "rust"...