Has anyone on here ever used PVC as their charge piping for either a turbo or SC? I was walking around Lowes the other night and saw the PVC and was just wondering about it. If I did a SC set up I doubt I would use it but why not?

Here are some reasons I think it would work and some I have read online about:
1. Cheep
2. Sturdy
3. Lots of different bends and sizes
4. Can get pretty hot
5. Pretty light

Also what about using a dishwasher water feed tube as oil feed tube and a washing machine hose for the oil drain back?

Please don't give me s***. I always make things out of what there not supposed to be made out of to save money and always come out fine. Like I said I doubt I would use this stuff just seeing why it wouldn't work.

 

Can it hold at least 9psi? I can picture plastic shards all over the place.

 

Melted plastic shards

I would worry about the feed line or the return line not holding up to oil in general...I think it would break down the plastic they use...thats why the Feed line is a SS line and the return line is Rubber

-matt

 

I wouldn't go cheap on the oil line, that's your turbo or sc lifeline right there!! On the pvc, its cheap but I don't think it is as light as charge pipe(I could be wrong), when you put the bends/elbows on it it begins to get real bulky, I guess it would be possible to put a bead on it of some sorts, then it holding up to T clamp pressure without cracking is possibly another issue.

Another thing about the bends where you would have to probably put elbows is that you would have to use screws and sealant in them to hold up to the charge pressure.

 

How would you weld your B.O.V. to PVC?

 

elmer's glue :-x

 

I'm going to be nice and just say I don't think these are the best idea ever conceived...

PVC type 1 has a maximum continuous service temperature of only 160 degrees F. I wouldn't try it unless you like your charge pipes deforming from heat or possibly even melting entirely (melting point 360 degrees F).

It could definately hold up to the boost pressure though, for the person who was wondering.

 

Most turbo cars come stock with plastic intake tubing don't they? I wondered that once myself, but I can only imagine how much people would laugh at something like that much less how many problems you could have if it melted, broke, etc. Getting some nice SS or Aluminum pipes and then powder coating them would be a lot more functional and look a hell of a lot nicer.

 

Here is a guy that put a bov into his pvc intake piping
http://www.jblmk3.com/id19.htm

Here is the final product pic

 

The line I was looking at is stainless steel and has tons of fittings to go with it.
THe PVC wouldn't be connected directly to the blower. I would use rubber fittings so I don't think cracking would be a problem. Plus it is very sturdy I was trying to jump up and down a crack a piece today at Lowes and I couldn't do it.

What size is the blower outlet and the TB opening? Also what size piping does everyone use? 3"?

 

The biggest problem I see with using PVC is that it is very thick walled (compared to steel or aluminum boost pipe), and therefore pressure losses will be much higher.