Air Intake Piping Size?

[mikes_ca]

Hey Guys,

I have finally found turbo compressor outlet piping that fits with the -5 turbos and Tomei manifolds (thanks Ricky Bobby!). Now that those fit, the intake piping won't fit. I will be making custom piping no matter what at this point, but my options are:

1. Use 2.5" piping to squeeze past the compressor outlet piping.

2. Relocate the power steering fluid resevoir.

What will be the effect of going to the smaller diameter intake piping? Obviously this will result in more restriction on the air intake, but will it really have any negative effects?

I haven't been able to find any information on relocating the power steering fluid resevoir, but it's only three lines, can't be that hard. Are there any things to consider in this relocation such as any gravity feed etc. that have to be maintained?

Thanks for the help.

Mike

[Super_Dude]

What outlets do you have that don't fit?

[mikes_ca]

The stock "Twin turbo" pipe was hitting the exhaust manifold at the front turbo, and I re-used the stock oil and coolant lines for the turbos so I couldn't clock the turbo enough to get clearance. The aftermarket compressor outlet piping I got, unknown brand, made of steel, looks old school, fits like a glove, but impedes on the space for the air inlet piping to the rear turbo.

[Super_Dude]

It is probably ebay dumps that are your problem. I've seen them before and they don't fit.

I think your best option is getting new dumps or porting the stock ones.

[Speeddm]

Definatly epay pipe issue. Just did Tomie manifolds -5 and tomie dumps it all went together fine.

[mikes_ca]

I'm using HPI dump pipes, these aren't the issue. I'm suspecting that the "Tomei" manifolds I bought used and ceramic coated, aren't actually Tomei.

I'm also going to a MAP sensor and so replacing the stock intake piping. At the moment my plan is to fab some brackets to move the power steering resevoir over an inch to get clearance for 3" intake piping.

[Super_Dude]

Hpi dumps are very large so that might be the problem. I would defiantly keep the big dumps and build intake piping.

I would worry about 2.5 inch piping because it is still bigger than the compressor inlet

[mikes_ca]

The dumps clear no problem, though the flex piece on my downpipe is now 2 mm from hitting the tranny. The compressor inlet is about 2.5" ID, and the universal piping is all 2.5" OD, so there is some difference, but minor. I just don't want to come this far in the build and cause restriction at the intake.

[Super_Dude]

If you have the know how or know someone who does why not buy some 3" aluminum piping from vibrant and put a large dimple in it. Make it barely clear and you should be good.

[mikes_ca]

Yeah, I've already got a bunch of Vibrant piping. I'll cut it to fit and have someone weld it for me. Moving the power steering resevoir just slightly will also give me the room needed.

[Speeddm]

OK befor you go down this road to far. are you CERTAIN that the manifolds are placed on the head level. Tomeis have slop on the head and it WILL cause these issues as well. It caught me out on my own car last month. if your down pipe is out a bit and your inlet peping is out a bit. look at the manifolds first.
O if this doesnt make sence I have a **** tone of cold meds taking effect. Super_dude will clean it up. um Sure

[mikes_ca]

You lost me on this one Speeddm. My head was decked, manifold flange surfaces cleaned, Tomei metal gasket set, I don't see how anything could be unlevel once torqued down.

[Super_Dude]

Because the holes in the manifolds aren't perfect there is a little slop in the manifolds. did you notice before you tightened them you could move them around a bit.

If you tighten them and they aren't on perfect they may cause issues.

I'm not sure if this is your issue but it's worth checking.

A quick check on the quality of welds (especially inside the manifold) will determine if it's tomei or china crap.

[Speeddm]

Hey thanks Super dude. Ya hes right I was refering to the size of the holes in the flange alowing slop when you tignten them up. 2 mm variance will make a big variance once you get to the turbo flanges. It caught me out last month on my own car. Lossen the manifold nuts off and push them down on the studs then tighten make sure the manifols doesnt shift then bolt the rest up. and it will all line up. Mine was so bad I thought that I have the dumps front to back.