Ebay matched inlets - any good?

[Sideways182]

Just found these on Ebay - are they any good? And would they fit a 182?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-C...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4d241190f0

 

[Chip-mk1]

Matched inlets makes very little difference. I just can't see why anyone would pay over 200 quid for a set personally.

 

[Mikeyjp]

If you already have a RS stamped lower inlet, the gains are minimal, as said above

 

[Sideways182]

Aha, o.k. Been reading some previous posts on here and many have suggested gains of around 5-8 hp?

 

[Rob669]

I got mine matched about six years ago after reading such posts. I expected to notice a small difference, as 8 hp is about 5%. It felt no different. Taken as a package with supporting changes, improved flowing exhaust, decat and a remap (plus a healthy engine etc) then a 5 - 8 hp might be possible. My Ph1 went up from 165 to 173 with all those changes (and some more) so I can't see a matched inlet doing that on its own.

 

[Sideways182]

I got mine matched about six years ago after reading such posts. I expected to notice a small difference, as 8 hp is about 5%. It felt no different. Taken as a package with supporting changes, improved flowing exhaust, decat and a remap (plus a healthy engine etc) then a 5 - 8 hp might be possible. My Ph1 went up from 165 to 173 with all those changes (and some more) so I can't see a matched inlet doing that on its own.

I'll give it a try I think. Already have 197 cams, full decat exhaust and ktr style induction kit. Map will be fiddled with once the inlets have been done. Every little helps I guess.

 

[Rob669]

Go for it! They do at least look nicely finished. If you can, take a trip to Surrey Rolling Road afterwards for a reliable rolling road test. Would be good to see what it makes.

 

[Sideways182]

Go for it! They do at least look nicely finished. If you can, take a trip to Surrey Rolling Road afterwards for a reliable rolling road test. Would be good to see what it makes.

Knowing my luck it'd be less than 182

 

[Rob669]

With 197 cams and assuming it's been set up correctly timing wise then it should be more than 182. It would be good to get a reliable power graph after spending so much, it's only another £40 plus fuel to Farnborough.

 

[Sideways182]

I was thinking of going to Powerstation. Not too far from Dan at SJM. Not sure what the rollers are like for accuracy there though?

 

[Rob669]

I've always used SRR so it would be worth asking someone like Dan about Powerstation.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Aha, o.k. Been reading some previous posts on here and many have suggested gains of around 5-8 hp?

Utterly no chance at all.

 

[Westyfield2]

I was thinking of going to Powerstation. Not too far from Dan at SJM. Not sure what the rollers are like for accuracy there though?

PowerStation's rollers are very accurate and highly respected! Not the cheapest place for a run though.

 

[Sideways182]

PowerStation's rollers are very accurate and highly respected! Not the cheapest place for a run though.

Thanks mate

 

[Chip-mk1]

There is NO point doing a rolling road run to see what gains you have made unless you do a before and after both on the same set of rollers, after alone is utterly useless.

 

[RSTuning]

Every single set of matched inlets we have tested before and after have given no gains, some even lost power!

 

[Sideways182]

Every single set of matched inlets we have tested before and after have given no gains, some even lost power!

Were the cars remapped in between tests? I agree it would be pretty pointless without mapping to suit - but can't see how improved breathing would lower power if the cars been mapped to suit?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Were the cars remapped in between tests? I agree it would be pretty pointless without mapping to suit - but can't see how improved breathing would lower power if the cars been mapped to suit?

Improved breathing?
Is it though?


Get a 40mm tube and breathe through it.
Now get a 50mm tube and do the same.

Are you feeling fitter with the 50mm tube, or are both way bigger than you need compared to the size of your windpipe?

 

[RSTuning]

Were the cars remapped in between tests? I agree it would be pretty pointless without mapping to suit - but can't see how improved breathing would lower power if the cars been mapped to suit?

The car wouldn't need mapping to see if there was a gain, more air into these means more power, the only conclusive test would be to do it on the same map, no variables then.

 

[Sideways182]

The car wouldn't need mapping to see if there was a gain, more air into these means more power, the only conclusive test would be to do it on the same map, no variables then.

Wouldn't it run lean without the fuelling being adjusted? I'm not baiting by the way, everyday's a school day.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Wouldn't it run lean without the fuelling being adjusted? I'm not baiting by the way, everyday's a school day.

yes, if there was a significant change in airflow, it would lean out, but being a bit leaner with more airflow would make more power from the same amount of fuel, so as paul says it would show a change in power if it actually flowed more air, then you would of course remap to suit, but what he is saying is that when people fit these there is no change and hence no map needed, it still makes the same power it did as it still flows the same air it did.

 

[Sideways182]

yes, if there was a significant change in airflow, it would lean out, but being a bit leaner with more airflow would make more power from the same amount of fuel, so as paul says it would show a change in power if it actually flowed more air, then you would of course remap to suit, but what he is saying is that when people fit these there is no change and hence no map needed, it still makes the same power it did as it still flows the same air it did.

Aha, understand. Think i'll give matched inlets a miss. If you and RS tuning agree that's it's pointless then i'm sold. I'll spend the money on refreshing the suspension instead.

 

[ALD]

I would recommend doing the inlets if the head is done at the same time as they respond well to head work

On there own its not really worth it, i will do them if people ask me but only with the head now

 

[mac1979]

I recently had my head skimmed, ported, polished and had the inlets matched (cam belt skipped and a mate sorted a good price for the head work) and have to say the only difference I have found is that it is a bit revvier.

After it was done, I fit a decat pipe and the difference that just the pipe made was awesome.

If I was you, I would get your suspension and brakes sorted and take it on the track. You will benefit more from learning how to drive fast and brake properly than spending a lot of money making a car fast that you cant make fast without spending a lot of money.....

#justsaying lol

 

[Sideways182]

I recently had my head skimmed, ported, polished and had the inlets matched (cam belt skipped and a mate sorted a good price for the head work) and have to say the only difference I have found is that it is a bit revvier.

After it was done, I fit a decat pipe and the difference that just the pipe made was awesome.

If I was you, I would get your suspension and brakes sorted and take it on the track. You will benefit more from learning how to drive fast and brake properly than spending a lot of money making a car fast that you cant make fast without spending a lot of money.....

#justsaying lol

No problem mate, all opinions welcome. TBH i'm going to listen the advice i've been given and it's something i'm going to skip. I agree that my money would be better spent elsewhere.

Thanks everybody for the replies. Much appreciated.