is LOWER INTERCOOLER PIPING really a necessary upgrade in our cars???

Ralli_85 · Sep 4, 2009, 08:59 PM

i just bought the ultimate racing upper intercooler pipe kit and was wondering how much of a difference the lower intercooler pipe kit would make. anyone have both upper and lower and notice a difference from the lower?

silthos · Sep 4, 2009, 09:06 PM

I have both. Dont think there's a difference but got it anyway.

Ralli_85 · Sep 4, 2009, 09:10 PM

thats what i was thinking. upper is obviously important cuz it improves airflow between the turbo and intercooler. but lower just going from intercooler to throttle body doesnt seem like it would be as necessary.

Ladogaboy · Sep 4, 2009, 09:19 PM

If you are sticking with the stock I/C, it doesn't seem worth it to me to switch out the lower I/C piping. If you are upgrading the I/C, however, I would get a new lower pipe... just for fitment issues if nothing else.

lilEvoX · Sep 5, 2009, 01:38 PM

I was told the stock lower pipe has a bottle neck issue with it. I honestly haven't even looked at it myself on my car, but I have see a photo of one and there was a groove on it in the outside of the bend as it comes to the IC. Obviously that should affect airflow, replacing it would be worth while as long as it isn't expensive to do.

Tommy Di Cat · Sep 5, 2009, 02:23 PM

From what i've seen it looks pretty gnarly. Any smoothing or straightening of that pipng should increase spool. I'm installing an evo x intercooler and pipes when i get free time. I'll post pics for comparison.

RotorGlow · Sep 5, 2009, 10:30 PM

If the upper has a bottle neck and the lower doesnt, there will be negative effects.

If the lower has a bottle neck and the upper doesnt, there will be negative effects.

Its all part of the same system...

brads09lancerGT · Sep 6, 2009, 10:07 PM

From seeing that the LICP has plastic and that it has a bottleneck, I'm gonna replace the LICP when I order my IC & piping.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dD Spikey

I'd recommend using the Evo X's LICP if you are going to upgrade the IC.

The Ralliart's LICP is plastic and is smaller than the Evo X's LICP. The Ralliart piece also has a bottleneck close to the IC.

There's one more issue though, The Ralliart's LICP touches the Evo X IC's outlet. The two ends push up against each other. It makes fitment a little bit difficult. You can see what I mean in this picture. Once you put on a coupler, it might be a bit harder. It can be done, and it will work, but you'll have to wiggle the fitment and probably push the LICP out a bit.

GST Motorsports · Sep 7, 2009, 01:36 AM

I find it funny that the Ralliart went to a composite IC to TB pipe, as the Evo 6 had this as well..

CanadianJackal · Jan 19, 2010, 09:42 PM

Ok so I bought a used Evo X intercooler and also got the stock Evo X top and bottom IC hoses and clamps thrown in to the deal. I am buying the UR top IC pipe kit complete but can I use the stock Evo bottom hose and pipe setup or do I need to buy an aftermarket lower IC pipe kit. I am trying to keep the cost down as I yet have to save for an Evo X turbo,exuast manifold etc...

Groundfades · Jan 19, 2010, 09:47 PM

i have the exo x bottom pipe on my evo x intercooler, with a UR uicp currently installed and it runs great.

velocityhead · Jan 20, 2010, 07:11 AM

You can use the bottom EvoX pipes but make sure you read my post first: How to: Upper/Lower IC pipes & EvoX Intercooler

There is a fitting issue with the BPV outlet on the lower pipe which requires a new straight section of pipe to replace the bendy hose.

CanadianJackal · Jan 20, 2010, 11:41 AM

See this is what I was talking about, someone on another thread can't remember which one said you could re use the raliart existing bottom IC hose with no issue.

velocityhead · Jan 20, 2010, 12:23 PM

You CAN reuse the stock RA lower IC pipe, it's just a tight fit if you do.

CanadianJackal · Jan 21, 2010, 07:20 PM

I am ordering the ultimate-Racing Intercooler pipes both top and bottom but I have a 2009 Raliart but I am upgrading to an Evo X Intercooler, so do I now order the Raliart Pipes or the Evo X pipes?
!. I believe since the opening to the smaller raliart turbo is smaller 2" I will need a reducer 2.5 to 2 to go from the pipe 2.5" to the turbo if I use Upper Evo X pipe and I believe there is a concern regarding positioning of the BOV if I go with the Evo X lower pipe.