Just working something out for an intake pipe. I've got a choice of using a 45 degree bent pipe which I then use a straight coupler/reducer to go into the turbo, or a straight piece of pipe going to a 45 degree silicone reducer/coupler which will then go into the turbo.

Is there any benefit at all to each of them over the other? Only thing I can think is that if I had the 45 degree silicone coupler then the straight pipe would make for an easier place to weld in a return bung for the BOV.

 

The system will be stronger if you avoid silicone bends. Also, silicone reducers aren't so great because their typical rapid transition causes pressure drop and they are more prone to fail because there is a large amount of silicone between the pipes. The transition should be less than a 15% angle, or half that amount if possible, which usually requires a modified or custom-made metal tube. You can buy pre-made aluminum transitions from specialty dealers like Burns Stainless.

If you are planning on low boost only, then it doesn't matter much. The higher the boost, the more you should concern yourself with pressure drop and system strength.

 

Yeah, I'm still running stock intercooler & piping. Was just working out the best way to run a 3" pipe down into the turbo from my filter & AFM