MST Performance Intake Parts Analysis

MST Performance provided me with several intake components that they manufacture for the Mk7 GTI.  They were interested in learning how the Turbo Inlet Pipe designed for the IS20 and IS38 turbocharger would compare with the Turbo Inlet Pipe that they build for Hybrid Turbochargers, ones that may use a larger compressor inlet path.

The two inlet elbows are shown below:

The MST turbo inlet elbow is larger at the entrance than other TIPs that I have tested and is paired with a large silicone hose that comes as part of the inlet kit.

To complete the MST Intake System they provided me with their R600 adapter kit so that I could use MST components with my Racingline R600 airbox.

How the MST Performance replacement air filter kit compares with the R600 foam filter was evaluated previously.

Parts are next moved to the flow bench to begin testing.

The first test is a comparison of the two inlet elbows using an adapter that simulates the intake to the IS20 and IS38 turbocharger.

Measurement of the airflow at 28″ of H2O was the same for both of the elbows, the larger TIP did not make any difference on the overall flow of the intake.  The maximum reading by both was 397 CFM.

The next test involved using an adapter that is approximately 7 mm larger in diameter than the inlet to the IS20 and IS38 turbochargers.

With the larger adapter being used an airflow difference is present.  The larger MST inlet elbow flows 7% more air than the smaller MST inlet elbow.

The results from both tests are shown on the chart below:

The most interesting finding from this test is the gain that is produced when the larger MST Performance inlet elbow is matched with a larger compressor inlet, possible with an aftermarket turbocharger.  Airflow through the entire system increases by approximately 21% versus the same intake system attached to an IS20/IS38 size turbo compressor housing inlet.