Which Carbon Fiber Intake System - AWE, IE, or APR

[audi_s5]

Please help me choose and why? Car will remain relatively stock for first year or so.

Leaning towards APR cast inlet with AWE closed system.

ECU and TCU will most likely get APR stage 2 down the road.

Thanks for your feedback


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[Arin@APR]

The main restriction in this system is the turbo inlet pipe. Fix that, and get the power. So, go with the APR Inlet and rear inlet tube attached to the factory airbox (if you want to keep it quiet on a budget). If you want more sound and more flow, pick up the front filter too.

[audi_s5]

Arin -

Thanks - placed order for inlet system at this time

On back order - any ETA?




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[signde]

you could always order it from another vendor if the backorder takes a long time.

https://www.uspmotorsports.com/APR-2...-and-TTRS.html

[timmyzr1]

UNITRONIC!!!

[Lemongrease]

I am selling an Integrated Engineering intake with less than 500 miles on it if you are interested shoot me a text at 561-789-9493

[o1turbo30v]

We all know these $1000 intakes make like no power right?

[Brian@Unitronic]

We all know these $1000 intakes make like no power right?

Disagree 1000%

Uni 4" inlet and intake would be my suggestion
All the flow figures are posted and Dyno figures by end users to back it up

Brian

[Arin@APR]

Arin -

Thanks - placed order for inlet system at this time

On back order - any ETA?

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In stock I believe. All orders list as "backordered" until the order is entered in our system.

[OE2]

We all know these $1000 intakes make like no power right?

Unless you have at least 1 dyno to back up your statement you’re wrong as proven by independent customer dynos already posted. Stock turbo cars absolutely benefit from an upgraded intake.

[Jeff_Jeske]

To the OP.... congrats on the order. Where in Wisconsin are you located? There are Lots of WI people in here if you need help or advice just reach out.

[o1turbo30v]

Disagree 1000%

Uni 4" inlet and intake would be my suggestion
All the flow figures are posted and Dyno figures by end users to back it up

Brian

Unless you have at least 1 dyno to back up your statement you’re wrong as proven by independent customer dynos already posted. Stock turbo cars absolutely benefit from an upgraded intake.

Sorry guys, i guess we all have different opinions of "improvement", spending `$1000 for 6-10hp and 10-12ftlbs gains on a stock tuned car i guess technically is an improvement i stand corrected, one could argue you'll see that much change just in switching gas stations but i digress

[speeddemon69]

funny how one of the best intake that makes more power than most mentioned was not on the list lol rookies.

[S3DUDE]

Sorry guys, i guess we all have different opinions of "improvement", spending `$1000 for 6-10hp and 10-12ftlbs gains on a stock tuned car i guess technically is an improvement i stand corrected, one could argue you'll see that much change just in switching gas stations but i digress

I am not going to say that I disagree with you but beside the ECU tune what makes more power after that? the downpipes are as expensive and they are a PITA to install plus you have to go to stage 2 at that point. The inlets are proven to make power but don't cost as much as the air filter. The complete air intakes are also proven to make power.

[OCTA1NE]

funny how one of the best intake that makes more power than most mentioned was not on the list lol rookies.

Which one are you referring to?

[speeddemon69]

Which one are you referring to?

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[TheContrarian]

Sorry guys, i guess we all have different opinions of "improvement", spending `$1000 for 6-10hp and 10-12ftlbs gains on a stock tuned car i guess technically is an improvement i stand corrected, one could argue you'll see that much change just in switching gas stations but i digress

$1000? Try $1500+

Unfortunately everything has to be blinged-out with CF these days (even when you drive around with your interior removed)

[SLOW 77]

I am not going to say that I disagree with you but beside the ECU tune what makes more power after that? the downpipes are as expensive and they are a PITA to install plus you have to go to stage 2 at that point. The inlets are proven to make power but don't cost as much as the air filter. The complete air intakes are also proven to make power.

I went from a 3" inlet and 3.5" HG Motorsports inlet tube / stock airbox to a UNI 4" inlet and AWE intake system. Picked up a real 2 mph in the eighth mile and a solid 3mph in the quarter on all passes.

That is way over 6-10hp gain...

Just my results - these where on E85

[xliv]

$1000? Try $1500+

Unfortunately everything has to be blinged-out with CF these days (even when you drive around with your interior removed)

Lol exactly. Would like to see a comparison between these $1000+ full CF intake systems w/ inlet and just buying the forgeline inlet and hardpipe for <$500 and leaving the stock airbox in place

[SLOW 77]

I had a 3" Unitronic Inlet and a bigger inlet pipe and stock airbox. Mine is a pretty good example is it not? It picked up a real 30+ whp to trap 3mph higher...

[Ross_T_Boss]

Sorry guys, i guess we all have different opinions of "improvement", spending `$1000 for 6-10hp and 10-12ftlbs gains on a stock tuned car i guess technically is an improvement i stand corrected, one could argue you'll see that much change just in switching gas stations but i digress

The intakes will make those small gains on an 'OTS' tune at Stage 1, for many people. They are not calibrated with an intake in mind.

Go stage 2, and you need it to get the most out of the tune. Or fine a stage 1 tune that takes advantage of the extra headroom, or go custom, you'll see a fair increase. If you gain 90-100mbar at the inlet with a PR of 2.5-3.0 that's 3-4psi in theory at the outlet

If you want best bang for the buck, spend out and stay at stage 1 with an intercooler. Or go stage 2 and fit the lot and gain about +60% of the stage 1 increases, but with 2k+ more hardware (in my opinion it's well worth it). Personally I'd go Uni full set or AWE.

The IE intake with stock turbo inlet gave me most of the measured gain, I did fit a turbo inlet but not much in it, at some point I want to explore that a little more as most claim the inlet should give a big gain but at least at stage1 it didn't. Quite possible at stg2 it's alot more restrictive, but i didn't care to refit and measure stock again.

[mtwallace85]

funny how one of the best intake that makes more power than most mentioned was not on the list lol rookies.

My thoughts exactly lol

I just picked up the Unitronic 4” inlet/intake myself, can’t wait to install it. It’s the best setup on the market in my opinion. Although, I think it still remains to be seen if the stage 3 Eventuri intake is best for 1000+ hp applications. The original kit was a flop from what I’ve read.

[ReallyNotHalvie]

Hello fellow Halverson. Would sell you my IE intake, too :)

[audi_s5]

To the OP.... congrats on the order. Where in Wisconsin are you located? There are Lots of WI people in here if you need help or advice just reach out.

In Appleton area

I have 3 other Audi’s with stage 2 or 3 APR setups

Just learning on 8v 2.5 platform

I had opportunity to purchase new AWE cf intake setup for $1100 - retail $1400

Also have ability to order iPe full exhaust for 1/2 off - also new

Promised wife this one would remain relatively stock for a bit

Ordered APR inlet system and shipped today

Glad to see some good discussion across the board

My car doesn’t even have 500 miles on it yet ;)


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[usaf655]

Does anyone have any argument against AWE? Because from looking into these options as well, I saw AWE as:

-Cheapest option
-The largest diameter (even if it wont necessarily be fully utilized on OEM turbo, but why limit oneself?)
-Granted new, no issues reported

The first item alone was realistically enough to drive me to this intake, I purchased mine for $1100 as well. If competitors are able to beat this, I would have considered an alternative to AWE.

[mtwallace85]

Does anyone have any argument against AWE? Because from looking into these options as well, I saw AWE as:

-Cheapest option
-The largest diameter (even if it wont necessarily be fully utilized on OEM turbo, but why limit oneself?)
-Granted new, no issues reported

The first item alone was realistically enough to drive me to this intake, I purchased mine for $1100 as well. If competitors are able to beat this, I would have considered an alternative to AWE.

I don’t know if I have an argument against AWE, but I’ll share my logic in going with Unitronic over AWE as those were my 2 options. The price of the Unitronic is actually cheaper:
Uni $1299 + $69
Vs
AWE $1395 + $100

And that’s actually a sale price as well. Looks like the normal price is $1468.

If you look at the Unitronic site vs the AWE site, it goes into a lot of detail into the research and development and also the testing. Both of the these intakes dropped at more or less the same time I think, but the Unitronic intake is sold out while the AWE intake was released with a sale price and is easily attainable. Larger doesn’t necessarily mean better and their intake could potentially be less efficient. I’ve seen proof the Unitronic intake improved performance from the IE intake which has been used in setting plenty of records by Iroz Motorsport. So if I had to guess, the bigger intake isn’t necessary until you’re north of 1000hp.

It is pretty, though. Maybe it’ll outdo the competition, until we get somebody on the dyno/to the track with one, we won’t know. A lot of the more active guys out there are done testing intakes too, so hopefully somebody steps up eventually.

Either way, I think you’re definitely getting a great intake. None of them are going to be that much better than the rest. And it also mainly depends on your end goals that’ll decide what’s best for you. I know somebody that drilled a giant hole into the side of their IE intake box to allow more air into the motor because it became a restriction. But that was over 900whp.

[cseaman]

Lol exactly. Would like to see a comparison between these $1000+ full CF intake systems w/ inlet and just buying the forgeline inlet and hardpipe for <$500 and leaving the stock airbox in place

I'l let you know half of that comparison. I went 11.4 @123 on the APR Stage 1 91 tune. Just went to 1+ after adding the Forge inlet & hard pipe..pretty confident the car will go 11.0. I'm not in the camp willing to pay another $1200 for a 10.9 instead.

[usaf655]

I don’t know if I have an argument against AWE, but I’ll share my logic in going with Unitronic over AWE as those were my 2 options. The price of the Unitronic is actually cheaper:
Uni $1299 + $69
Vs
AWE $1395 + $100

And that’s actually a sale price as well. Looks like the normal price is $1468.

If you look at the Unitronic site vs the AWE site, it goes into a lot of detail into the research and development and also the testing. Both of the these intakes dropped at more or less the same time I think, but the Unitronic intake is sold out while the AWE intake was released with a sale price and is easily attainable. Larger doesn’t necessarily mean better and their intake could potentially be less efficient. I’ve seen proof the Unitronic intake improved performance from the IE intake which has been used in setting plenty of records by Iroz Motorsport. So if I had to guess, the bigger intake isn’t necessary until you’re north of 1000hp.

It is pretty, though. Maybe it’ll outdo the competition, until we get somebody on the dyno/to the track with one, we won’t know. A lot of the more active guys out there are done testing intakes too, so hopefully somebody steps up eventually.

Either way, I think you’re definitely getting a great intake. None of them are going to be that much better than the rest. And it also mainly depends on your end goals that’ll decide what’s best for you. I know somebody that drilled a giant hole into the side of their IE intake box to allow more air into the motor because it became a restriction. But that was over 900whp.

When I bought my AWE, it was $1185 on sale from HS Tuning. So I would just wait to compare sale prices IMO. AWE is also on backorder, I put this order in shortly after black friday and just delivered a few days ago. AWE is build the intakes in batches and of course allocations to vendors is limited. At the end of the day, I doubt anyone will notice a difference except how much their wallet weighs.

[Dubonfire]

I don't see the point of a carbon fiber intake personally. My hood is always closed.
Assuming you have a 4-inch turbo inlet

My choice would be if I had to do it again:
CTS Turbo 4 inch intake
034 Heat Shield
CTS turbo or SRM Throttle inlet

Cost-wise it's pretty much the same and i think you would get better results than a carbon fiber intake on its own.

If you are going stage 2 you are gonna buy an intercooler which is probably the most important component to keep IAT down. (I'm no engineer so don't kill me).

[V8Bait]

Stay away from apr the turbo inlets are coming loose and their 4” carbon pipe is collapsing. They may replace the pipe when it cracks free or charge but you’re stuck with an Inlet system that will continuously come loose even with their “updated nordlock washers and using loctite“

[OE2]

Stay away from apr the turbo inlets are coming loose and their 4” carbon pipe is collapsing. They may replace the pipe when it cracks free or charge but you’re stuck with an Inlet system that will continuously come loose even with their “updated nordlock washers and using loctite“

I haven't heard about the pipe issue, any pics of where it collapses?

[Arin@APR]

I haven't heard about the pipe issue, any pics of where it collapses?

The inlets are not coming loose, and the pipes are not collapsing.

[V8Bait]

I haven't heard about the pipe issue, any pics of where it collapses?

Right where all the heat is. That’s where it connects at the turbo inlet on the bottom side where it sits above the turbo manifold. You can see how discolored it is in that area. Not sure why they act like there isn’t an issue I know of a few that this has happened to.

- - - Updated - - -

The inlets are not coming loose, and the pipes are not collapsing.

Hm see above. The poll says otherwise bud, 10 of 26 people have issues.

[OE2]

thanks, that's scary to see.

[Eat.Sleep.Race]

Yeah my APR intake cracked with VERY little pressure on the clamp. I have an AWE now, i love it, but slight hairline crack around where intake pipe connects to the box after a few runs.

[speeedfrk]

Just found a crack in my APR intake above the turbo also. I was very careful to not overtighten the clamps but it seems that it did not make a difference. Nothing loose on the inner portion of the intake so I'm not too worried about it...more just disappointed in the structure.

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[NelsDMAX]

UNI uses an embedded metal (SS?) sleeve in the ends of their CF tubing to prevent this collapse cracking


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[BzzzBom]

UNI uses an embedded metal (SS?) sleeve in the ends of their CF tubing to prevent this collapse cracking


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That’s good to know. Do they also use anything different than APR to keep their inlet from coming loose?

[mtwallace85]

UNI uses an embedded metal (SS?) sleeve in the ends of their CF tubing to prevent this collapse cracking


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It’s actually just one end, not all of them. The intake tube end that mates up with the turbo inlet has it, presumably because of the increased heat? The other ends do no have this. Was a little disappointed when I noticed this with my kit, but it’s still a very solid kit and I’ve yet to hear of people having any issues with the turbo inlet coming loose, or anything else for that matter.

[Don R]

It’s actually just one end, not all of them. The intake tube end that mates up with the turbo inlet has it, presumably because of the increased heat? The other ends do no have this. Was a little disappointed when I noticed this with my kit, but it’s still a very solid kit and I’ve yet to hear of people having any issues with the turbo inlet coming loose, or anything else for that matter.

The other ends are double beaded which adds structural rigidity.