Has anyone tried the VRSF High Flow Silicone Inlet Intake Kit? Is it worth it?

[Valor1]

For $250 I can purchase the VRSF OEM Location High Flow Silicone Inlet Intake Kit. Is it worth it? They claim it adds 60 hp???

I am in the process of making these modifications to my car.

JB4
catless down pipe
uprated intercooler
Ignition Coil Update/upgrade
Chargepipe
Dual Cone Air Filters

Is the Silicone Inlet Intake Kit worth it? Has anyone here tried it?

Any guess as to the HP with these modifications?

Thanks!

 

[Matt64]

If an air intake (any intake) makes 60bhp then it must be magic, actual magic, that is.
You might make 5 or 6 ponies but the car will probably 'sound' faster.

 

[Valor1]

If an air intake (any intake) makes 60bhp then it must be magic, actual magic, that is.
You might make 5 or 6 ponies but the car will probably 'sound' faster.

Does sound too good to be true but turbo motors are a bit different from normally aspirated ones so ya never know. Here's the dyno sheet from their website.

 

[Matt64]

Not wishing to rain an your parade.
Once upon a time I bought all this stuff. I spent a small fortune, generally speaking parts lived up to maybe less 10% (generous estimate) of manufactures' claims. They want to sell stuff, it's the nature of the beast.
I do have plenty experience with turbos, mapping & dyno testing btw. That sheet doesn't really show anything conclusive. Perhaps they just turned up the boost/gain threshold. In which case all it is telling you that the intake is able to maintain that level of flow, not produce it.

 

[Maniac]

Proper BS this. Air intake kits are proven to add very very little.

 

[Tumnus]

With a turbo you've already got forced induction, a kit may make it breathe a little easier but about 5bhp is the most you'll get from it.

 

[Maniac]

With a turbo you've already got forced induction, a kit may make it breathe a little easier but about 5bhp is the most you'll get from it.

I'd be amazed at that even... most tests show no to -ve benefit.

 

[Valor1]

Interesting.

 

[R.E92]

Filters will have little to no effect on power but replacing the air intake piping has a proven benefit on this platform, that dyno will be legitimate, plenty of owners with upgraded pipework that can show you increased airflow data, lower times on drag slips and higher dyno readings. The benefit of this mod is that it reduces restriction so you get more airflow with less stress on the turbos, a real win/win.

The 60whp gain is based on cars running high boost, not stock vehicles. If you are into modding you need to start reading elsewhere for your information. Try BimmerBoost for N54 discussion. While you are there look into the downsides of the JB4, especially on a vehicle with a DCT transmission.

You can also upgrade the turbo outlets for additional performance gain. On RHD vehicles the gains are even larger as the turbo pipework is bent around the steering shaft.

 

[Tumnus]

Just noticed that dyno isn't from a stock car, which makes it a little misleading to your average Joe who thinks they'll get 60bhp gain on their standard engine. If your going for large power gains you'll also need to factor in injector flow ratings, clutch, charge temps, and EGT on turbo engines - it can get expensive!

 

[Matt64]

The 60bhp increase is not coming from the intake it's from the other mods then. EBC settings etc. An uprated or repositioned intercooler would make more sense IMHO.
If you think the intake piping is restrictive, take it all off and stick a cone filter straight onto your turbo inlet, or onto a short hose attached to the turbo inlet if room is tight. You'll be able to see a dyno'd difference (if any) straight away, with zero restrictions and virtually zero outlay.

 

[R.E92]

The 60bhp increase is not coming from the intake it's from the other mods then. EBC settings etc. An uprated or repositioned intercooler would make more sense IMHO.
If you think the intake piping is restrictive, take it all off and stick a cone filter straight onto your turbo inlet, or onto a short hose attached to the turbo inlet if room is tight. You'll be able to see a dyno'd difference (if any) straight away, with zero restrictions and virtually zero outlay.

You might change your mind after seeing what the inlets look like on a RHD 35i/s :rofl:

The data is out there. Flow comparison charts from plenty of sources. This one is impartial enough, these are LHD inlets, ours are worse: http://www.bimmerboost.com/showthread.php?66280-N54-Pre-Turbo-Inlet-Comparison-Thread&p=639306#post639306 (Post #15)

 

[Matt64]

It's true! I can honestly say I am not familiar with the Z4 turbo engines, I'm only applying general turbo logic, which I'm sure (Hoping :-D.) must be in the ball park somewhere

 

[Valor1]

The 60bhp increase is not coming from the intake it's from the other mods then. EBC settings etc. An uprated or repositioned intercooler would make more sense IMHO.
If you think the intake piping is restrictive, take it all off and stick a cone filter straight onto your turbo inlet, or onto a short hose attached to the turbo inlet if room is tight. You'll be able to see a dyno'd difference (if any) straight away, with zero restrictions and virtually zero outlay.

You might change your mind after seeing what the inlets look like on a RHD 35i/s :rofl:

The data is out there. Flow comparison charts from plenty of sources. This one is impartial enough, these are LHD inlets, ours are worse: http://www.bimmerboost.com/showthread.php?66280-N54-Pre-Turbo-Inlet-Comparison-Thread&p=639306#post639306 (Post #15)

Thank you!!!! This was extremely helpful.