For those who’ve obtained a turbocharged BMW engine just like the N55, you most likely know that there are many aftermarket upgrades accessible for it.
Amongst these upgrades, the cost pipe is a vital element, albeit typically ignored.
The VRSF Charge Pipe Upgrade Kit is designed to exchange the plastic OEM (Authentic Tools Producer) cost pipe, which may simply crack beneath stress, particularly after tuning your automobile.
I made a decision to put in it in my F20 BMW M135i, and I’ll share my experiences beneath!
Overview: VRSF Cost Pipe Improve Equipment (for BMW N55)
First issues first, a cost pipe is a element in your turbocharged engine that carries the air out of your intercooler to the engine.
Now, you may suppose, “It’s only a pipe, how vital can it’s?”
Properly, the inventory cost pipe that comes along with your BMW is made out of plastic, which, to place it mildly, isn’t essentially the most sturdy materials, particularly once you begin tuning your automobile and pushing extra increase via it.
And that’s the principal factor that the VRSF Cost Pipe Improve Equipment fixes:
The VRSF Cost Pipe is made out of T6061 grade aluminum, which is a flowery manner of claiming it’s powerful, sturdy, and constructed to deal with no matter your turbo can throw at it.
Not like the inventory plastic pipe, this aluminum pipe received’t crack or burst beneath stress, which is the very last thing you need once you’re gunning it down the freeway.
Right here is an instance of what can occur with the OEM cost pipe:
However it’s not nearly sturdiness.
The VRSF cost pipe is designed to enhance airflow, which interprets to higher throttle response and decreased turbo lag.
Now, you is likely to be considering, “Will this match my automobile?”
For those who’ve obtained a 2012-2018 M135i, M2, M235i, 335i, or 435i, you’re in luck.
This equipment is designed particularly for these fashions, though VRSF additionally gives cost pipes for many different BMWs.
The VRSF cost pipe comes with a wrinkle-black powder-coated end that appears nice and blends seamlessly along with your engine bay.
Within the subsequent sections, I’ll share my expertise with putting in this equipment and its advantages in my M135i.
Putting in the VRSF Cost Pipe
Let’s get our arms soiled and discuss putting in the VRSF Cost Pipe on a BMW N55 engine.
First up, I’ll be sincere – the set up isn’t a stroll within the park, but it surely’s positively doable, particularly in case you have a little bit of persistence and a few fundamental mechanical abilities.
As a comparability, I additionally put in the VRSF HD Intercooler and the VRSF Catless Downpipe on the identical day, and I might say the cost pipe was essentially the most difficult to put in between the three.
However don’t fear should you’re not a seasoned mechanic; with some cautious steps, you will get this performed.
The problem primarily lies in getting the cost pipe positioned accurately.
As a result of the equipment features a versatile silicone coupler, there’s a little bit of room to regulate and rotate for the proper match:
Whereas this flexibility is nice for getting a comfortable match, it additionally means you’ll must experiment a bit to seek out the most effective configuration.
Eradicating the OEM cost pipe is simple. Merely take away the TMAP sensor and loosen the 2 C-clips, one on the engine aspect and one on the intercooler aspect:
As you’ve seen earlier, the VRSF cost pipe contains a number of particular person components:
When becoming the VRSF cost pipe, I attempted varied configurations to make it match.
For instance, first becoming the pipe from the intercooler, then the coupler, after which then prime piece.
Nevertheless, after a number of tries, I wasn’t fairly pleased with the fitment.
Ultimately, what labored greatest was a bit counterintuitive.
I began with becoming the highest pipe first, then including the unfastened silicone coupler, then becoming the intercooler pipe into the unfastened coupler and securing it to the intercooler, and lastly securing the silicone coupler clamps.
I discovered that this technique resulted in a fantastic match of the VRSF cost pipe.
Right here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Connect the highest pipe. Begin by becoming the highest part of the cost pipe and attaching it with the C-clip.
- Place the silicone coupler. Subsequent, connect the silicone coupler to the highest pipe however go away it unfastened. This half permits some flexibility, so that you don’t must safe it simply but.
Notice: The extra black adapter between my TMAP sensor and cost pipe is a part of my boost-actuated exhaust valve system and isn’t required for a typical cost pipe improve.
- Connect with the intercooler. Now, take the underside a part of the pipe (the longer pipe) and match it into the unfastened silicone coupler. As soon as it’s in, connect the opposite finish to the intercooler with the C-clip. This takes a little bit of adjusting to get all the pieces lined up completely.
- Safe the t-bolt clamps. With all components linked, return and tighten the t-bolt clamps across the silicone coupler. Be certain that each connection is safe to forestall increase leaks.
Right here is how the longer pipe ought to match:
Keep in mind, the equipment comes with all the required parts, so that you don’t want to fret about working to the shop for additional components.
Nevertheless, the equipment doesn’t embrace directions, so take your time and possibly preserve a laptop computer or cellphone helpful to reference on-line guides or movies should you get caught.
Though it’s not absolutely seen, right here’s how the VRSF cost pipe appears as soon as it’s put in:
5 Advantages of a VRSF Cost Pipe
Putting in the VRSF Cost Pipe in your BMW ought to provide the following advantages:
- Security and reliability. Realizing that the OEM plastic cost pipe is a standard failure level, particularly after tuning, the improve to a VRSF aluminum pipe considerably improves reliability. It’s reassuring to drive with out the fear of a sudden cost pipe failure!
- Enhanced throttle response and decreased turbo lag. Because of the optimized airflow, you may discover a barely improved throttle response and decreased turbo lag.
- Superior building. I may really feel the standard of the T6061 aluminum holding the VRSF Cost Pipe in my arms. It appears strong and constructed to final. The mandrel bending course of ensures the pipe maintains a constant diameter all through, which improves airflow. TIG welding provides to the pipe’s power and ensures it will possibly stand up to increased pressures.
- Nice end. The cost pipe is completed in a high-quality wrinkle-black powder-coating. It not solely appears nice but it surely additionally protects the aluminum from corrosion and put on. Plus, the included 4-ply silicone connectors and chrome steel t-bolt clamps guarantee a safe match.
- 1/8″ NPT bung. This small function is a giant deal should you’re contemplating water injection for extra cooling and efficiency or must carry out increase leak testing.
FAQs about upgrading your cost pipe
For those who’re doubting about upgrading your cost pipe, listed here are some continuously requested questions:
What does a VRSF cost pipe do?
The VRSF cost pipe transports the air from the intercooler to the engine. Constituted of sturdy supplies, it’s designed to face up to increased pressures and temperatures, offering a dependable and stronger different to the delicate OEM cost pipe.
Does a cost pipe make your automobile quicker?
Whereas a cost pipe alone doesn’t immediately improve horsepower, it will possibly enable for a safer, extra dependable software program tune, which makes your automobile quicker.
Does a cost pipe make your automobile louder?
Usually, a cost pipe received’t change the sound of your automobile. Its main function is to enhance reliability.
Do you want a brand new tune for an upgraded cost pipe?
Putting in an upgraded cost pipe just like the VRSF doesn’t essentially require a brand new tune. The cost pipe is designed to suit with out altering the engine’s tuning.
Conclusion
Having put in this equipment alone BMW M135i, I’ve skilled firsthand that the VRSF Cost Pipe isn’t only a piece of steel connecting two factors.
It’s a well-thought-out improve that addresses the weaknesses of the OEM setup.
With its mandrel bent and TIG welded T6061 aluminum building, it gives a sturdy answer that’s constructed to final.
Sure, putting in the VRSF Cost Pipe could require some persistence and energy, however the payoff is simple!
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