ScottFW suggested that I investigate using silicone instead of metal for my IC outlet piping, because of IAT heatsoak. He said someone whose name he couldn't recall tried it, but I searched and could not find the thread(s) just now.

So, silicone IC outlet piping .... discuss please. I'm intrigued!

 

it's been discussed. it's a novel idea, use aluminum on the hotside to help shed heat before the IC, silicone on coldside to help insulate it.

 

Can you get large silicone bends? as opposed to tight like 90 degree couples and whatnot

It seems like it would be worth trying if the price isnt to extravagant. It may also be nice for fitment because of the flexibility of the silicone...

 

I want:
Flyin' Miata : Turbochargers : Parts and upgrades : 1990-05 intercooler outlet hose

 

that looks so legit. anyone running these? pros and cons?

 

I'm running the FM IC piping. The only downside I see is cost. Otherwise they are the ****. Works with my CX Chinacooler, BEGI Manifold and DP.

 

If I would have known that existed I would have owned it. I have that much in my mild steel mandrel bend kit and couplers, plus lots of time. No brainer to me.

 

Yea i'm wishing I had gone that route myself. My cold-side piping is mostly couplers as it is anyway.

 

I have the FM silicone pipes. I haven't had much of a chance to try them out other than installing them. I redid my IC pipes myself at first with aluminum pipes and couplers, but my clamp count was overboard and it didn't look as pimp.

I am using this on a CXracing IC and my FM mani/T28 turbo with no problems.

 

hot side too im assuming?
Ive been holding off an a DIY intercooler because the hotside piping looks like a real bitch with PS and AC, but if the FM stuff will work with my BEGi manifold and DP then Ill go that route.

 

Also using the FM silicone hoses on both sides. It costed more than the DIY setup, but the ease of install and the way they can be adjusted to fit around stuff that won't move is great. And the hoses are thick enough to withstand some crazy psi, so you won't have to deal with them bulging under boost either.

I have a/c, but no power steering, and the hotside pipe was a breeze to install compared to if it had been a metal pipe. The DP doesn't matter, but as long as your compressor outlet is clocked down and slightly toward the engine, it will work fine. FWIW, the BEGi and FM log manifolds use the same dimensions.

 

Both hot and cold side. My IC is a big one, so I had to trim the pipes to fit a bit, but it wasn't a problem at all. I've got PS but not A/C. It's a tight fit with the PS, but works fine.

Like stated before you have to clock your turbo like FM does in their kits, with my gt2554r it was easy peasy.

 

i wanna get this but im not sure it will fit my application i have a homemade stock mani with a flange put on see pic below

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...r/IMG_0232.jpg

 

how necessary is the FM lower radiator hose for using their piping kit?

Flyin' Miata 1 800 FLY MX5s

 

If your compressor outlet points down you need something. That's new; they used to supply a universal flexible radiator hose.

 

That's the same as the one in my picture. It makes everything much, much easier and flexible. I'm not sure if they would work with the stock metal pipe there anyway. I say its worth the $40 to change it regardless.

 

I dont have a metal pipe on my 99, I have some aftermarket silicone, single piece hose (I think it was from jackson racing). So maybe ill be alright.

 

Why not just use stainless? It will insulate it also.
Stephanie

 

For me the insulating properties are a minor side benefit. The ease at which it installs and the reduction of failure points (clamps) over a typical DIY setup are why it is better than hard pipes. My clamp count is 6 (not including the clamp for the BOV), 4 of those are unavoidable and every setup will have them.

I also think the insulating properties of stainless are not nearly up to what silicone is. My silicone oven mit and stainless frying pan are proof of that.

 

Do you think I can get the compressor outlet pipe to wok even if I have the HKS manifold? It makes the turbo sit higher than the FM setup. I was thinking of using a small length of pipe as a patch if the hose does not reach the outlet.

Thanks.
-Raj