[hwntime]

So, I'm trying to squeeze a little more power out of my 228i M-Sport. I currently have a Dinan Performance tune and swapped out to a 235i muffler. I will be adding an Injen intake shortly and was wondering if there is a noticeable gain with upgrading to the charge pipe by VRSF. They state "increased throttle response and decreased turbo lag." Is that statement true? Is it actually noticeable, and is it worth the $220? Thanks in advance!

[delvec03]

charge pipe won't get you and performance. it's more of a piece of mind upgrade so that the stock plastic one doesn't bust on you at the higher boost of a tune.

careful tho, I didn't see any vrsf charge pipes for a 228i when I was looking. I think they still a TIC (turbo to intercooler) pipe that doesn't have issues with higher boost.

would hate for you to make the same mistake I almost did!

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by delvec03

charge pipe won't get you and performance. it's more of a piece of mind upgrade so that the stock plastic one doesn't bust on you at the higher boost of a tune.

careful tho, I didn't see any vrsf charge pipes for a 228i when I was looking. I think they still a TIC (turbo to intercooler) pipe that doesn't have issues with higher boost.

would hate for you to make the same mistake I almost did!

Thanks for the response. They actually do make one specifically for the 28i's now http://www.vr-speed.com/performance/...0-n20-n26.html As mentioned, they claim increased throttle response and decrease in turbo lag. The N20 does have a bit of lag so I was looking at this as an option but if there is no performance gain, I'll pass.

[delvec03]

oh nice find!

there probably is a small performance gain, or else they're false advertising, honestly. will you notice it? probably not.

though, if you're doing bolt ons, you're probably gonna want a tune, thus you'd want the charge pipe.

best of luck!

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by delvec03

oh nice find!

there probably is a small performance gain, or else they're false advertising, honestly. will you notice it? probably not.

though, if you're doing bolt ons, you're probably gonna want a tune, thus you'd want the charge pipe.

best of luck!

I don't think I'll be doing anything more besides the Dinan Performance Tune, Injen intake, and axle back muffler as far as performance goes. I was originally interested in the charge pipe because if it did help with the turbo lag, I totally would get it because it is inexpensive. But, until I hear from someone saying that it does give an actual real world performance gain, I'll have to pass. Thanks for the response.

[SteveInfante]

Originally Posted by hwntime

I don't think I'll be doing anything more besides the Dinan Performance Tune, Injen intake, and axle back muffler as far as performance goes. I was originally interested in the charge pipe because if it did help with the turbo lag, I totally would get it because it is inexpensive. But, until I hear from someone saying that it does give an actual real world performance gain, I'll have to pass. Thanks for the response.

The reason the solid aluminum pipe will help with those issues is that it won't expand under increased pressure like the stock molded plastic one.

[Quicksilver_M235]

Originally Posted by hwntime

I don't think I'll be doing anything more besides the Dinan Performance Tune, Injen intake, and axle back muffler as far as performance goes. I was originally interested in the charge pipe because if it did help with the turbo lag, I totally would get it because it is inexpensive. But, until I hear from someone saying that it does give an actual real world performance gain, I'll have to pass. Thanks for the response.

Up front, it is a 'piece of mind' upgrade.

From a performance standpoint, you could utilize Meth Injection down the road, since the VRSF pipe has a bung built in.

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by SteveInfante

The reason the solid aluminum pipe will help with those issues is that it won't expand under increased pressure like the stock molded plastic one.

Steve, do you know if it actually does help reduce lag in a real world application or is this in theory?

[SteveInfante]

Originally Posted by hwntime

Steve, do you know if it actually does help reduce lag in a real world application or is this in theory?

It's science. Plastic is more flexible than solid metal tubing. If you plan to up the boost later it's insurance. I'm having high boost pressure issues now on the stock plastic piping.

[hwntime]

Originally Posted by SteveInfante

It's science. Plastic is more flexible than solid metal tubing. If you plan to up the boost later it's insurance. I'm having high boost pressure issues now on the stock plastic piping.

What type of problems are you having and how much boost are you at?

[SteveInfante]

Originally Posted by hwntime

What type of problems are you having and how much boost are you at?

I have the JB Stage 1 so +3psi. There has been boost leak at the charge pipe connections causing the DME to go into limp mode for a bit. Then I have to turn the car off and it resets. It caused a CEL because of the fluctuations in boost pressures. I'm at almost 77,000 miles. I've been tuned since 49,000 miles.

[RoundelM3]

I'm running MPPK and JB+ in my 335i for a total of 5.5 PSI over stock boost. I completed adding my VRSF chargepipe yesterday after the stock one finally broke at the throttle body side. The kit I bought included a new o-ring and clip for the throttle body connector, all for around $250. The fit is good and the design is smoother and straighter than the stock unit, so all in all it's worth it. Regarding any sort of performance enhancement, I'd say it enables you to get all of the benefits of other modifications that could be mitigated by a CP leak or outright failure. The metal pipe will withstand higher boost much better than the OEM.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Picture of the charge pipe installed

[hwntime]

I'd like to do the charge pipe as a precautionary but the install looks pretty involved.