[FuzzyFish]

Hi guys,

I have a RWD manual 335i and is looking for a charge pipe. With so many different options out there, are there some that are better than the rest and some to avoid? I know Evolution Racewerks is very popular, but also one of the most expensive.

So here are my questions.

1) There are some that have 2 aluminum pipes connected by a silicon coupler, like these:

https://burgertuning.com/products/bm...14559281643635

https://amtuning.ca/cts-turbo-f20-f3...t-for-rwd.html

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-vrsf-par...t~dk/?pdk=AgEB

https://www.armmotorsports.com/produ...harge-pipe-rwd

Then there are the ones with an aluminum pipe and a long silicon pipe:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-m...024592tms01kt/

https://www.protuningfreaks.com/coll...13-n20-n26-n55

Which is better? Does one type fit better than the other? Does it even matter?

2) Does the size of the piping matter? Some like the VRSF, ARM and Pro Tuning Freaks's pipes are 3", while others like the Turner one is 2.85".

3) With those questions asked, which brand should I consider and which to avoid? Any experience with fitment for any of these pipes?

Thanks everyone!

[alohasurftoad]

FTP Motorsport

[thejeremyman9]

The last two you linked are the newest and the rarest. Very little user feedback on those.

From a flow perspective you want the largest diameter possible. No idea why turner would make theirs smaller.

Your links also dont consider FTP, which is a pretty common low price option, or MAD, which is a newer option that is cheap but less user feedback.

[AmuroRay]

ER or Mad

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

ER or Mad

+1 for the gold heat wrap.

[FuzzyFish]

Thanks for all the feedback guys!

[dangerus_car]

Originally Posted by AmuroRay

ER or Mad

Originally Posted by thejeremyman9

+1 for the gold heat wrap.

why? is it expensive?

[mike@x-ph.com]

The best one is the Evolution Racewerks charge pipe - it's the only one made in the US, and the quality of its finish is unparalleled.

You might want to consider the MAD charge pipes for the best value. It's the least expensive option with a lifetime warranty and proven fitment.

Several other excellent options exist, including those from BMS, FTP, and PTF.

Unfortunately, I'm not as familiar with the additional options you mentioned.

[thejeremyman9]

Originally Posted by dangerus_car

why? is it expensive?

huh? the gold heat wrap is not expensive but i dont think that's what you were asking

[4corsa]

I'm always surprised to see discussions regarding the charge pipe, but no mention of the booster pipe which is also pressurized and oem plastic. Doesn't it make sense to replace both while you have the intercooler out, or do the plastic booster pipes rarely fail?

[n55david]

Originally Posted by 4corsa

I'm always surprised to see discussions regarding the charge pipe, but no mention of the booster pipe which is also pressurized and oem plastic. Doesn't it make sense to replace both while you have the intercooler out, or do the plastic booster pipes rarely fail?

The turbo to ic pipe? They don't break so you almost never need to replace them.

[Slumped335]

Originally Posted by n55david

The turbo to ic pipe? They don't break so you almost never need to replace them.

While true, it doesn't hurt to replace it. FTP Motorsports offers a combo that is pretty competitive. I'm running both and I like it, the OEM one is like a tough rubber and while they don't break they do degrade. (I've heard some of them puff up like a balloon if they are old enough , if anyone can confirm please let me know lol)

[n55david]

Originally Posted by Slumped335

While true, it doesn't hurt to replace it. FTP Motorsports offers a combo that is pretty competitive. I'm running both and I like it, the OEM one is like a tough rubber and while they don't break they do degrade. (I've heard some of them puff up like a balloon if they are old enough , if anyone can confirm please let me know lol)

Never once had an issue on my 335 with my Pureturbo and 22+ psi for tens of thousands of miles.. js

[Slumped335]

Originally Posted by n55david

Never once had an issue on my 335 with my Pureturbo and 22+ psi for tens of thousands of miles.. js

I'm impressed, after pulling my oem one off I kinda felt like the increase of boost with age would make those expand for sure. I guess I just liked the added sense of security.

[n55david]

Originally Posted by Slumped335

I'm impressed, after pulling my oem one off I kinda felt like the increase of boost with age would make those expand for sure. I guess I just liked the added sense of security.

Yeah it's pretty rare to have a problem.