How necessary is it to upgrade charge pipes?

[ZackeyTypeR]

Hello my FL5 currently has intake, exhaust, and tune. I’m planning on upgrading the intercooler next and I’m wondering if I should just do the charge pipes at the same time? But also I’m not really planning on modding much else with the car. So I’m kind of wondering if the charge pipes are even really necessary? Thanks!

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[Clark_Kent]

If you’re sticking with a stock turbo setup, basic bolt-ons + tune, OEM charge pipes are generally sufficient. There are benefits, but it's not a requirement or necessary. I purchased an intercooler recently and I have no plans to add charge pipes.

I'm certain someone will take the position they're necessary, or some other justification like: you’re already there installing an intercooler so do the charge pipes for "peace of mind" or they're more durable than stock, or better throttle response/spool characteristics.

 

[Two Step Performance]

If you’re sticking with a stock turbo setup, basic bolt-ons + tune, OEM charge pipes are generally sufficient. There are benefits, but it's not a requirement or necessary. I purchased an intercooler recently and I have no plans to add charge pipes.

I'm certain someone will take the position they're necessary, or some other justification like: you’re already there installing an intercooler so do the charge pipes for "peace of mind" or they're more durable than stock, or better throttle response/spool characteristics.

Agreed ^

A charge pipe upgrade is nice to have but typically not required for such a new vehicle with hoses still in good condition.

 

[ZackeyTypeR]

If you’re sticking with a stock turbo setup, basic bolt-ons + tune, OEM charge pipes are generally sufficient. There are benefits, but it's not a requirement or necessary. I purchased an intercooler recently and I have no plans to add charge pipes.

I'm certain someone will take the position they're necessary, or some other justification like: you’re already there installing an intercooler so do the charge pipes for "peace of mind" or they're more durable than stock, or better throttle response/spool characteristics.

Awesome thanks for the replies guys, that’s kinda what I was thinking!

 

[Tougefl5]

Ok I'm of the other position. When I bought my FL5 I told myself that I'd keep it stock. Then I said just coilovers. Then I said just wheels and this lasted probably 45 minutes till I got to my place from taking delivery of my car that same night.
So moral of the story when it comes to car parts my word ain't shit. Whoops this is your thread carry on lol

 

[Chilly613]

Ok I'm of the other position. When I bought my FL5 I told myself that I'd keep it stock. Then I said just coilovers. Then I said just wheels and this lasted probably 45 minutes till I got to my place from taking delivery of my car that same night.
So moral of the story when it comes to car parts my word ain't shit. Whoops this is your thread carry on lol

I’ve said that with many of my cars too and that always went out the window. I can only imagine how long before I jump into the deep end with my FL5 after saying I’ll keep it fairly stock.

 

[MrBBQ]

Likewise too, I thought I'd be keeping mostly stock minus an intake for whoosh noises. Then came the inlet... Then the intercooler and charge pipes (while I was in there). I didn't like how soft and squishy the stock charge pipe hoses are .

 

[Brittania]

I would recommend charge pipes, intercooler, horns, shifter cable bushings, and transmission fluid change all in one go. You won't have any regrets.

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

If you're doing the intercooler, I would say do the charge pipes, you would be happy you did it instead of not doing it.

We can work you a deal for the PRL intercooler and charge pipe if you're in OC!

-Jksh

 

[ModJPB]

What are you meaning by "upgrade" charge pipes.

If you mean changing them from rubber to silicone, then that is a waste of money. You would have to have some super extreme pressure and heat to have the original rubber hoses fail. The aftermarket makes it seem like our rubber hoses are made out of cheese and everybody is driving around on a ticking time bomb.

If the new charge pipes are a larger diameter so that the intercooler and charge pipe are the same size, then yes that would make a difference. I think the oem typeR intercooler and charge pipes are 2" but yet the throttle body is about 65mm (~2.5in). The oem pipes would be a restriction on the system if your new intercooler has larger than 2" ports. If the new intercooler retains the original 2" port then charge pipes are pointless.

 

[jcfishel]

I definitely fall in the category of "while you're in there..." Is it necessary? nah, but If you're gonna go through the hassle of removing the bumper to replace the IC, it makes sense to do the charge pipes too (esp if you can take advantage of a good sale!).

I'm personally in no rush to do any of this, but when the time comes, that's what I will do.

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