[SubySal]

Back story... I'm building an 06 STI specifically for STU class autocross. This means two things... I have to adhere to the rules of the class and I'm building for maximum response over maximum HP.

I've searched for a while now. I bought an AMR inlet a while back thinking it would help in the response dept. However as I read more about them it seems all the fitment work may not be worth it. I plan on keeping the OE turbo and I have to maintain OE boost settings to stay class legal. I already have the engine out and apart (doing other things too), but I have no problem selling the hard inlet if it's not worth the apparent aggravation to install it or if the results simply would not be justified using the OE turbo. My gut tells me don't bother with it, but I'd really like to hear about some other member's experiences in this area. TIA.

 

[ImAmekanic]

I would install it since u got the engine out. ALOT easier. The OEM one is prone to cracking

 

[majik]

I honestly couldn't tell you, my tuner said that one would help as I want to make >300 whp with stock block and turbo reliably. So, if you do not end up using it then I call dibs haha

 

[candyfobreakfast]

You already have the engine out and the inlet with you, might as well install it. Not going to hurt performance by any means, but at the same time the gains are minimal.

 

[brfatal]

I honestly couldn't tell you, my tuner said that one would help as I want to make >300 whp with stock block and turbo reliably. So, if you do not end up using it then I call dibs haha

Inlets are not considered a power or support mod. The biggest reasons people install them is because they either tore their stock one when taking off the turbo or because they wanted an inexpensive mod that didn't need to be tuned for.

Might as well if the engine is out. It will be an aesthetic difference more than anything else.

 

[SubySal]

Thanks for the input guys. I appreciate it. This car is all about functional mods. No fluff here. I didn't realize until I pulled the old one that I'd be hacking up the vacuum/ emissions lines for this install. I want reliable/ consistant more than anything else. If I go back to the original I will probably buy a new one and cover the outside in gold foil. Still on the fence ...and majik "dibs" duly noted.

 

[TC SKATES]

I heard it makes everything a lot smoother and enjoyable when boosting, this could be a plus(an another modding bragging right when showing off your majestic monster)

 

[SubySal]

Well that's interesting. Smooth is good. I'm more concerned about bragging rights for where the car places as opposed to what's in it. Plus I'm trying to keep this one as stock-looking as possible. Besides it's an STI bragging rights come factory equipped

More-so with this build I'm just looking at changing what needs to be changed. The OE inlet really doesn't look that bad to me. It seems to maintain an area at least the size of the OE turbo inlet and it's smooth on the inside. It also weighs almost nothing. That and it was only after I bought the hard inlet that I saw so many complaints about it clearing the P/S banjo bolt on the 06. We'll see. I have some time. Plenty of other things still to do.