Background:
Blaze Performance offers several intake configurations for the Mk7. These range from a turbo inlet hose and turbo adapter (in place of a turbo inlet pipe), all the way to a full intake system, the Blaze ATOM V2 induction kit.
In the product range, there are two options that will work with the Racingline R600 intake; a 4″ inlet hose and filter and a 3″ inlet hose that attaches to the Racingline air filter, and likely other stock location filters as well.
Note: The 3″ inlet hose option is equivalent to the more common turbo inlet hose and turbo inlet pipe packages.
This test will compare airflow measurements from several Blaze intake configurations as well as a couple of alternative setups. All testing will be of left-hand drive models through an adapter that simulates the compressor housing of a hybrid turbocharger. The hybrid turbocharger adapter has an inside diameter of 56mm compared to the IHI IS20/IS38 turbo inside diameter of 49mm.
These configurations are as follows:
- ATOM V2 / Blaze 100mm inlet hose / Blaze turbo adapter
- Blaze R600 cotton filter / Blaze 100mm inlet hose / Blaze turbo adapter
- Racingline Foam Filter / Blaze 76mm inlet hose / Blaze turbo adapter
- Racingline Foam Filter / MST inlet hose / MST turbo inlet pipe
- Racingline Foam Filter / VWR inlet hose / Generic turbo inlet pipe
- Racingline Foam Filter / 034 inlet hose / Generic turbo inlet pipe
- Modified Stock GTI
Note: Previous flow testing was done with the ATOM V1. The V2 used for this test has a different design for the intake duct.
Test Procedure:
The flow bench is first checked with a calibration plate to ensure readings are accurate.
An adapter is attached to the flow bench that simulates the compressor housing inlet of a hybrid turbocharger.
Note: During additional testing of the Blaze intake parts it was found that using the silicone hose to attach the turbo flange to the flow bench produced some variation in measurements. It was found that the depth of the silicone hose within the adapter plate caused changes to the airflow reading. Likely due to the plate pressing in slightly on the silicone hose and this constriction point then changing the airflow characteristics. To eliminate this source of variability a new adapter was made. Results between prior measurements made with the silicone hose and the new adapter are similar, but not exactly the same. All measurements during this test were made using the new hybrid adapter.
The intake components are next attached to the flow bench. Then the flow bench is operated at a depression of 28″ of H2O and the airflow through the intake is recorded.
Test Results:
The Blaze ATOM V2 induction kit flows 490 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.
Note: All tests with the Racingline parts included the Racingline enclosure. The enclosure is not shown in the pictures.
The Blaze cotton filter and 100mm inlet hose flow 491 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.
The Racingline Foam filter with 76mm Blaze inlet hose flows 488 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.
The Racingline Foam filter with MST hose and TIP flows 495 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.
The Racingline Foam filter with Racingline inlet hose and generic TIP flows 499 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.
An additional test was configured the same as the prior test with the exception of using a 034 Motorsport inlet hose in place of the Racingline hose. Airflow measures 495 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.
A stock GTI intake was modified by: 1) replacing the air filter with an aFe dryflow panel filter, 2) removing the snow grate/air baffle, 3) replacing the stock accordion with MST turbo inlet hose, 4) replacing the stock TIP with MST TIP, 5) opening drivers side of the duct, 6) covering passenger side of intake duct to the engine compartment.
The modified stock intake flows 462 CFM @ 28″ of H2O.
All results are summarized in the table below:
| Configuration | Airflow Reading (CFM @ 28″ of H2O) |
|---|---|
| Blaze ATOM V2 induction kit | 490 |
| Blaze cotton filter / Blaze 100mm inlet hose | 491 |
| Racingline Foam filter / Blaze 76mm inlet hose | 488 |
| Racingline Foam filter / MST inlet hose & TIP | 495 |
| Racingline Foam filter / Racingline inlet hose & generic TIP | 499 |
| Racingline Foam filter / 034 inlet hose & generic TIP | 495 |
| Modified Stock | 462 |
Conclusions:
Several intake products available from Blaze Performance were tested to measure airflow.
Because Blaze Performance offers some products for the Racingline R600 intake an R600 intake was tested using several parts available from Blaze.
A couple of other products that can fit with the Racingline R600 intake were also flow tested.
Aside from a modified stock intake all configurations that were tested performed similarly. Excluding the modified stock intake, the flow rate difference between the highest and lowest readings was 2%.
In a previous post, a claim that the Blaze ATOM V2 flows 50% higher than the R600 intake was analyzed. Measurements made during this test do not support the claim.