The BMW N55 engine is thought for its stability of efficiency and effectivity.
Nevertheless, like all engine, it has room for enchancment.
On this article, I shall be reviewing the CTS Turbo BMW N55 Turbo Inlet Pipe, which gives a promising improve over the usual OEM half, with higher airflow, elevated energy, and diminished turbo lag.
However is that this improve as simple and useful because it sounds?
I’ve personally put in and examined the CTS Turbo inlet pipe on a BMW M135i to offer you an sincere perspective.
Let’s begin!
Overview: CTS Turbo N55 turbo inlet pipe
In case you’re a BMW M135i proprietor or have a BMW with the N55 engine, you’re doubtless at all times looking out for efficiency enhancements.
One such improve is the CTS Turbo N55 Turbo Inlet Pipe:
Proper out of the field, it appears and feels very prime quality.
The inlet pipe is produced from heavy-duty silicone, which is extremely sturdy and likewise a little bit versatile.
The field additionally features a billet aluminum turbo inlet flange and PCV becoming, all designed for optimum sturdiness:
The CTS Turbo inlet pipe is a direct alternative for the OEM plastic inlet pipe (half quantity 13717602651):
In contrast to the unique pipe, which is produced from (brittle) plastic, the CTS Turbo inlet pipe has a bigger 3.35″ diameter silicone hose, paired with high-quality billet aluminum parts.
The rise to a 3.35″ diameter interprets right into a tangible enchancment in airflow to the engine.
Higher airflow signifies that your engine can breathe simpler, leading to improved energy output and diminished turbo lag – two facets that each efficiency fanatic values!
As soon as put in, the CTS Turbo inlet pipe will not be prominently seen within the engine bay, nevertheless it’s a terrific element to improve, particularly when mixed with different upgrades just like the CTS Turbo Intake Kit.
Putting in the CTS Turbo inlet pipe
Putting in the CTS Turbo inlet pipe in my BMW M135i was a comparatively easy course of, nevertheless it did require some persistence.
Whereas the concept of swapping out a turbo inlet pipe appears simple, the fact will be totally different, particularly due to the tight areas within the engine bay. (One of many few disadvantages of a bigger engine in a smaller automobile, haha!)
The method begins with the elimination of the air consumption pipe, adopted by loosing the crankcase vent tube.
Subsequent may be essentially the most difficult half, which is loosening and eradicating the nut that attaches the inlet pipe to the turbo, situated on the backside of the engine. This step requires some maneuvering together with your instruments within the confined house:
I eliminated this nut from the underside of the automobile. CTS Turbo says that it’s attainable to do it from the highest as nicely, however I’d advocate doing it from the underside if you happen to can.
With the nut eliminated, the outdated inlet pipe comes out:
Earlier than putting in the brand new CTS Turbo pipe, you’ll have to assemble the aluminum fittings and clamps, which is easy and takes just some minutes. Guarantee all fittings and clamps are safe to forestall any air leaks.
Subsequent, rigorously place the CTS Turbo inlet pipe into place. Because of the tight engine bay, this requires some effort, together with pulling and pushing to align it accurately.
Fortunately, the CTS Turbo inlet pipe is versatile, which made it a lot simpler to get it into place:
As soon as in place, safe the inlet pipe to the turbo utilizing the OEM nut.
For me, the set up took round 1.5 hours, however I believe the time funding is price it for the advantages you’ll acquire!
Tip: CTS Turbo has printed detailed installation guides for all of its products here.
6 Advantages of a CTS Turbo inlet pipe
Upgrading your BMW with a CTS Turbo inlet pipe brings a number of advantages.
Right here is an summary of them:
- Improved sturdiness and reliability. The CTS Turbo inlet pipe’s development utilizing heavy-duty silicone and aluminum fittings is a big improve over the OEM plastic pipe. Although the air consumption system isn’t working below important stress, the CTS Turbo inlet reduces the chance of breakages and ensures long-term reliability. In reality, a plastic clip of my unique plastic inlet pipe broke in the course of the elimination course of, which exhibits simply how fragile it’s.
- Elevated airflow. One other good thing about the CTS Turbo inlet pipe is its potential to extend airflow to the turbocharger. The bigger 3.35″ diameter pipe supplies a much less restrictive path for air to circulation, in comparison with the narrower OEM pipe. This enables your BMW to breathe extra freely and reply extra eagerly to throttle inputs.
- Improved energy supply. With elevated airflow comes higher energy supply. The engine can absorb extra air for combustion, translating to an enchancment in energy output.
- Lowered turbo lag. Turbo lag, the delay between you urgent the accelerator and the turbocharger delivering elevated energy, will be irritating. The CTS Turbo inlet pipe helps mitigate this delay by guaranteeing faster spool occasions.
- 12-month guarantee. All CTS Turbo merchandise include a 12-month guarantee in opposition to manufacturing defects.
- Clear set up directions. I actually appreciated CTS Turbo’s detailed set up directions, which not all tuning half producers present.
Properly then, are there any negatives?
Not a lot!
Listed here are the 2 principal issues, in line with my expertise:
- The set up just isn’t as simple because it appears. As I discussed earlier than, you’ll must work in tight areas, so eradicating the outdated inlet pipe and putting in the brand new one does require some persistence!
- No important enchancment within the engine bay look. The inlet pipe doesn’t actually improve the engine bay’s look as a result of it’s a bit hidden away.
After all, these negatives would be the similar for another turbo inlet pipe in the marketplace. It’s simply the character of the half!
FAQs about turbo inlet pipes
Listed here are some extra FAQs answered about turbo inlet pipes:
Does a turbo inlet pipe add horsepower?
Sure, a turbo inlet pipe can contribute to a slight however normally not noticeable improve in horsepower. It improves the airflow to the turbo, serving to your engine breathe higher and extra effectively. Whereas the horsepower acquire may not be large, it’s usually a part of a collection of upgrades that collectively add horsepower.
Do you want a tune for a turbo inlet pipe?
Usually, you don’t want a tune only for putting in a turbo inlet pipe. This improve is principally about enhancing airflow relatively than altering the engine’s air/gasoline ratio or different parameters that might require a tune.
Nevertheless, to maximise efficiency good points, particularly when you have different modifications, a tune may be useful.
Will a turbo inlet pipe make the turbo louder?
Are turbo inlet pipes price it?
Contemplating the comparatively low value, a turbo inlet pipe is a worthwhile funding if you happen to’re seeking to enhance your automobile’s efficiency and engine effectivity. It’s particularly helpful if you happen to plan on making extra upgrades.
Conclusion
In case you’re enthusiastic about giving your BMW N55 a little bit enhance, the CTS Turbo N55 Turbo Inlet Pipe would possibly simply be the improve you’re on the lookout for.
Although becoming it into your automobile would possibly take a little bit of effort due to the tight house within the engine bay, the perks you get afterward are completely price it!
As soon as the brand new inlet pipe is put in, your engine will get to breathe extra freely. This implies it responds faster once you hit the fuel, feels extra highly effective, and doesn’t lag as a lot – it simply feels zippier and extra enjoyable to drive.
You may not discover the inlet pipe a lot once you pop the hood, nevertheless it’s doing its job, making your automobile extra of a pleasure to drive.
So, if you happen to’re questioning whether or not this improve is price it, the reply is a convincing sure!
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