What are the benefits of 3 inch charge piping?

I know for one that you can eliminate unnecessary bends found in the Stillen piping, but what kind of power can you expect to gain (at 10 PSI, for example?) Does it help you see boost sooner?

It'd be especially helpful to hear from guys that made the switch from Stillen piping. Thanks in advance.

 

helps turbo lag because te air has more room to travelmost ppl stay away from anything above 2.5 inches except for the adapter to the TB and anything else that may be that size

3 in is overkill

 

I was suggested 2" charge piping for my turbo. I think 3" is a little overkill.

 

what about using a Supercharger i heard 3in is better

 

for everyone answering the question as a turbo question. He is Supercharged. He is talking about the piping going from the blower outlet to the TB.

 

3" is good when you have high psi coming out of the blower. I do not think it is worth doing unless you are pushing more then 11psi.

 

Thanks SonicDust. I was also under this impression. Do you know of any specific advantages of the larger diameter piping? Can any other SCed guys speak to this?

Carson, thanks for clearing that up. I read that you were also thinking about going with 3in piping. Were you able to find any good info on its advantages?

 

I did 3" piping when I did my intercooler, but I think that it is really unnecessary for current maxima power levels. I have a buddy with a turbo civic making near 500 whp on 26 psi of turbo boost with 2.5" piping...

 

Tim I really have not looked into the performance advantages. The reason I was thinking of doing it was so I could rotate my Z32 maf without cutting my stillen piping that I have had coated in chromex.

 

This is a good question. I have asked this question too, with no good answer. I did switch to 3" but I really have no tangible reason as to why I did it other than a.) Most .org members do, b.) My aftercooler has a 3" in/out and c.) The intake is 3" from MAF back anyway.

The guy I bought my aftercooler from warned me repeatedly not to switch from 2.5" to 3". Keep in mind my AC is really meant for a Miata so all these tests were done on a Miata but he claims he dynoed a supercharged Miata with various intake tube diameters and 2.5" yielded the best results.

I looked in Corkey Bell's book for an answer but, if it's there, I didn't see it.

Not sure what to tell you. The 3" probably provides for a few less restrictions but the 2.5" probably increases the velocity.

 

Thanks a lot for this information. I think that I'll stay with 2.5 in for the time being.

 

wow this thread just got me confused, I also wanted to ditch the stock stillen piping because I have the pathfinder TB which is 3in and hate the position of the bypass valve on the stillen piping for the 5th gens........I would hate to loose boost because im using the 3in piping and a 9lb pulley

 

With a blower I think 3 inch is better. Why you ask, well in my thinking since the blower is constantly blowing air which means filling up the charge pipe why not have that much more volume on hand.. Plus the maf is 3 inch so that makes it a nice steady flow and your not having to squeeze out as much excess air through the blow off valve. I know that isnt the best way to describe my thoughts in detail but over all I would say if you are running more than 10psi it is worth it. I went with the 3 inch and was pleased when I did my motor swap. If any body has any vaccum routing info on the dek please see my post, thanks!