What are the advantages, if any, between Alum or S/S cold air intake pipes besides cost? (Aluminum is alot less expensive.) Thanks

 

aluminums is lighter?

 

Good point. I think aluminum is more prone to metal stains and doesn't hold it's polish as long as S/S ? Maybe S/S stays a little cooler than Aluminum?

 

Aluminum conducts heat much better than stainless steel. I don't think this is something you want for your intake piping.

 

I don't think it will make too much difference.. you are talking about small differences that you probably wouldn't see the difference.. but I could be completely wrong..

 

rynberg ; Based on your statement, Aluminum piping would be best for not only the Intake but for the IC as well?

 

No, he's basically saying that you don't want heat easily transfered with an aluminum pipe. It's still used though, and a heat shield would serve you better if you are worried about high temps.

 

I don't think it will make too much difference.. you are talking about small differences that you probably wouldn't see the difference.. but I could be completely wrong..

 

It's simple. They both LOOK the same when polished right? Right. However like rynberg said, aluminum absorbs heat much faster and more efficiently than stainless steel. Take a piece of aluminum and a piece of ss and put them in the sun...see which one gets hotter faster By the way, you don't want extra heat absorbed into your intake pipes. I'm sure you knew that though.

- Daniel

 

Well, the Efini crossover pipe is aluminum, I don't see people getting too bent out of shape about that. How long is the air sitting in the pipe, anyway? Not very long. While technically stainless steel is probably better for the reasons stated, I doubt the differences in intake temps would be significant. Might make for an interesting experiment for someone who can log such things however...

jds

 

just installed my aluminum hard pipe kit. First off it already looks coated in something like possibly to help insulate. Off the bat, the car reaches boost faster, but intake temps are definitely higher. 7 degrees celcius + When touching the intake pipes they are as hot as the efini pipe - so that is pretty damn hot. I don't know if I am going backwards or what..

I'm hoping that a vented hood will help but I don't know...

 

Your intake temps went up by 7C? Is this under boost or at idle? I'm kind of surprised by this.

jds

 

.............And aren't expensive FMIC's/piping kits and aftermarket radiators made of Aluminum? I'm sure these companies have done extensive homework by conducting tests on "elevating" air temps (FMIC) and FD effected engine performance thereof.

 

last night wasnt any hotter than normal, but yes they did go up. It could be because it is boosting quicker that the car is actually boosting a bit more and generating more heat, but that seems only partially true.

Another odd thing was that after parking my car and eating my intake temps were 77 degrees C, when I got back in - this is really pretty high for me - (being gone for 1.5 hours coming back and having my temps at 77)

who knows..

 

Brentis: Do you have an atmosphere temp gauge or an internal air temp gauge hooked up? If so, what type and where is it located (engine compartment or FD interior?). Sorry for the inquesition.!! Thanks.

 

I just installed alluminum ones, and did notice that the boost response was better. I'll agree that i don't think the air is in there long enough to become heated by contact with the alluminum pipe BUT, you could have them ceramic coated, and not worry about it anymore.

 

arex7 - I am using the pfc for IAT's - and yes I am probably getting my apexi intake and pipes ceramic coated.

 

Brentis,

I'm surprised by your high intake temps. I have the aluminum intake pipes right now, and they don't experience temps anywhere near the Y/crossover pipe. The air in the 2 of the latter pipes should be significantly warmer.

 

does it really matter the air is still going to go thru the intercooler. right!!

 

94Rx-7: Colder air compresses more and creates better combustion, therefore you get a little more HP.

 

Guys, you've got to remember that you have an intercooler for a reason. Now, of course intake temps on a 50 degree day versus intake temps on a 90 degree are substantially lower and you'll feel a pretty big difference.
That said, the turbo(s) will compress and superheat that intake air......but incremental differences will not affect the temps of the air by the time it reaches your intake manifold. I firmly believe that volume of air is much more important than temperature; that's why I have a K&N intake instead of a "cold air" box setup. If anything the non-R1 guys should be looking into a ram air hose for their intake......

 

I agree with Goodfella... I completely believe that intake pipes aren't going to make too much difference..

The turbos will suck air in.. then IC will cool it.. the volume of air coming into the system is high and I don't think temp difference will make that much.. and also, you are talking about few degrees.. i don't think 7 degree celius is correct.. and so many variables..

just my 2 cents..

also Goodfella, I'm pming you about something.

 

Could someone with some of insulation wrap (similar to what is used on the downpipe), temporarily "ghetto" wrap the intact pipes and do a comparision???

wouldn't this more scientifically tell us if it really is an issue?

 

Well, the other test parameters would have to be standardized, which would be difficult. It wouldn't be very scientific, but you could do it.....

 

alluminum has to be better every part on my car is made from alluminum

intake,fmic(piping),rad,elbow,y-pipe,tb,uim,lim

**** the motor is alluminum right?

all my exhaust is s/s though.