Mishimoto Build Thread: BRZ/FR-S Silicone Induction Hose

[Mishimoto]

Hey guys,


We put together a neat build-thread for our silicone induction hose for the BRZ/FR-S. Check it out below!


As always, follow this or any of our other awesome projects on our Engineering Blog!

2013+ Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S Performance Induction Hose, Part 1: Product Introduction and Goals

When we initially set out to begin product development for the BRZ/FR-S, we had a few key products in mind. Naturally, we would be developing a performance aluminum radiator and silicone hose kit. Additionally we ended up with a killer direct-fit oil cooler kit, some very slick oil caps, and a low-temperature thermostat. As you may have seen in our other build-log, we are also developing a performance cold air intake, which we estimate will provide a nice increase in power and really bring out some of the engine tones being baffled by the factory system. This article is not about the full intake system we have planned. It’s about the silicone induction hose we developed in the mix with all the products listed above.


Somehow, this very unique and valuable product got lost in the mix of our other projects and we never really properly portrayed what this hose can do for your BRZ. The amount of product testing and development put into this project was quite extensive, and we have a ton of really neat information that the average consumer may want to know. If you are not interested in data, we also have plenty of neat behind-the-scenes images that should keep you entertained!


So, why would we want to develop a product like this? The answer is simple. Inlet, induction, and throttle body hoses are an easy upgrade in both durability and performance. Hoses from the factory are normally made from a rubber material. This rubber is exposed to oil and heat that begin to degrade the hose over time. We see a lot of rubber hoses with cracks or splits that can cause the check-engine light to appear. This is a result of unmetered air entering the engine, which will affect how the vehicle runs. So our first reason for upgrading will be general reliability, longevity, and durability. The factory hoses normally have some form of restriction, whether it be in the inner diameter of the tube or unnecessary bends. By eliminating restrictions, we should be able to provide some performance benefit. So, our secondary reason for upgrading will be to attempt to provide an increase in either airflow or power. In the process of creating this new hose, we determined it would be wise to perform extensive testing on numerous varying combinations of intake setups to see what worked best and provided the most power output.


Additionally we saw a ton of complaints on the forums and from enthusiasts regarding the use of a noise generator. Most see this unit as a foolish component that is completely unnecessary, and I would have to agree. To the true enthusiast, a noise generator is a gimmick. So the third reason for developing this component was to provide a clean solution for removing the noise generator. That being said, we would need to provide data to prove that removing this component would not negatively affect performance. Testing would be required to confirm this, and that’s the fun part.


Check out our initial goals for this project below.


Goals

1. Silicone material should be used for increased durability.
2. Potentially include ports for resonator and/or sound generator.
3. Test the effects of the sound generator and stock intake resonator.
4. Hose should install like the factory unit.
5. Offer in a variety of colors.

These goals seem rather simple, bet let’s break them down a bit.


Silicone
We use silicone for several of our product lines, from heater hoses to vacuum lines to intercooler couplers. You may be wondering why. The first and main reason is durability. Silicone has been proven to outlast rubber counterparts significantly. Oil, fuel, coolant, and varying temperatures all play a role in the degradation of rubber engine hoses. Our silicone hoses are embedded with layers of heat-resistant fibers, and they are thicker than factory rubber hoses. These features provide significantly improved resistance to expansion or damage. Mishimoto silicone hoses also have greater heat and pressure tolerances than EPDM rubber. This allows for years of service and repeated temperature cycling. We consider this upgrade as a nice safeguard against the dangers of a blown hose. In the event that this hose is carrying coolant, this could easily ruin a day at the track or add an expensive tow bill to your monthly expenses. Furthermore, an overheated engine can result in blown gaskets, warped heads, and ruined cylinder walls. Avoiding this is one of our main reasons we are attracted to silicone products. In this instance, the inlet hose is simply supplying a volume of airflow to the engine. Although this hose will not see extreme temperatures, it will certainly see its fair share of contaminants such as oil particles. These particles will expedite the breakdown process of rubber and lead to its eventual failure. The factory rubber hose also has an accordion portion that is meant to flex; however, it does create a restriction. So, the simple answer is that we are interested in replacing rubber components with silicone products to increase durability, reliability, and in this case performance.


Let's talk more about this accordion bend. This normally helps to aid in providing a flex point so the rubber hose does not tear when the engine is twisting during acceleration. Although this is a great feature, it does promote a restriction for airflow. By smoothing out the interior of this hose, we can theoretically provide improved flow and maybe some extra power! We will have to let our testing prove this point!


Resonator and Noise Generator
These two intake components are finding their way onto numerous factory intake setups from several manufacturers. The topic has become a bit of a debate and it seems that most enthusiasts prefer to not have a noise generator unit. The resonator is a key component however, and our team will be testing to see what value keeping this resonator will have on overall performance. We surveyed several forum members and found that as a group, the noise generator is removed by most. We will be taking this into consideration with our design.


The resonator provides a pocket for a volume of air and its function is not so easily explained, but I will try. Intake air moves past the filter, through piping, into the manifold, and eventually past a valve into the combustion chamber. This air brings with it a pressure wave. Unfortunately not all the air/pressure actually makes it into the combustion chamber, which results in the pressure bouncing backwards and reversing direction through the intake manifold and piping. This pulse of air can result in a high-pressure area where the pressure coming in and pressure going out are fighting for space. So why is this a bad thing? This can result in limited airflow, not what you want with your performance engine. By including a resonator assembly, this pressure wave moving backwards now has a cavity for expelling its energy, therefore reducing its effect on the air moving towards the engine. So in short, the resonator is actually beneficial when it comes to airflow and performance.


Testing
We have quite a bit of data collection up our sleeves so we can fully test our product as well as the factory components. Our facility now features a Dynojet dynamometer, so we are able to capture power data for each of the intake combinations we would like to test. Our plan is to capture three runs with each combination in order to obtain a comparable average. More on this later on!


Installation
Our goal here is to provide a quick-installing product that requires little modification to the vehicle. If we choose to eliminate either the noise generator or the resonator, we will need to include hardware/plugs to do so. Access to the induction hose is rather simple, so installation should take a matter of minutes.


Colors
Everyone has differing opinions and tastes regarding engine bay accents. Although our primary goal for this project will be performance related, we are also anticipating this product as an upgrade in engine bay style. Normally we offer our silicone products in black, blue and red. At times we have recommendations for additional colors, so feel free to voice your opinion if you would prefer orange, purple, white, or any other color!


Development Time
Now that we have our goals set it was time to remove the factory induction hose and inspect it for improvements and development ideas. Luckily we have several contacts in the BRZ/FR-S world and had several vehicles to work with on this project. Take a look at the factory hose.


FR-S stock engine bay


FR-S stock engine bay with intake removed

Once removed, it was easy to see the general features of this hose. The factory hose utilizes three ports: one for the PCV system, one for the noise generator, and one below intended for the resonator. Otherwise this hose follows a simple shape and would be a simple task for our engineering team to develop. First, we worked up a hose with all factory ports. This prototype featured five-layer silicone as well as internal metal support rings to prevent collapse. Compared to the factory hose, our unit features a huge improvement in airflow thanks to a smooth interior surface.


Mishimoto BRZ/FR-S induction hose fully installed


WRX/STI induction hose with metal support rings

Above is an example of the internal metal support rings we use on our silicone induction hoses, specifically in our WRX/STI induction hose. These rings are necessary to avoid any chance of the hose collapsing under pressure.


Check back with our next installment of this build-thread, where we conduct extensive testing on the factory induction hose as well as our prototype unit!


Thanks!

[calibrz]

price on this?

[Mishimoto]

Originally Posted by calibrz

price on this?

Pricing direct from Mishimoto can be found at the link below.

http://www.mishimoto.com/silicone-in...ru-brz-13.html

Be sure to check with any of our vendors for the most competitive pricing.

[Mishimoto]

Hey guys,

Check out part two of this build below or on our Engineering Blog!

2013+ Subaru BRZ / Scion FR-S Performance Induction Hose, Part 2: Testing and Development Completion

Thanks for returning for the second portion of this build! As mentioned in the previous post, our team was prepared to conduct extensive testing on this induction hose. Our main goal with testing was to determine the particular combination of components that would provide the most power output. Power output collection would be via our Dynojet. Each combination of components received an average output based on three consecutive runs all completed on the same day with essentially similar conditions. The variations of testing are below.

1. Resonator and noise amplifier both installed
2. Resonator plugged with noise amplifier installed
3. Resonator attached with noise amplifier disabled
4. Resonator and noise amplifier both plugged

We would be testing each of these conditions with both the Mishimoto prototype induction hose and the factory induction hose to provide a variety of results for all combinations.


Our test vehicle is the 2013 BRZ you see below. This particular example was stock (engine-wise) and featured a manual transmission. A big thank you to our test vehicle donor for the use of this BRZ!



2013 Subaru BRZ test vehicle

Once we had the BRZ strapped to the dyno, it was time to get the vehicle warmed up and to check that all our readings were functioning. Check out the engine bay shot below with the Mishimoto hose installed!



Mishimoto prototype induction hose installed

It was quite a day! We made pull after pull and swapped components in between each set of runs to provide the information you see in the chart below. As mentioned earlier, this testing was going to be a learning experience for our team. We also wanted to educate the community about the differing power outputs based on the removal of the noise generator and resonator. Enough talk, check out the chart!



Testing results for Mishimoto silicone induction hose

So let’s break down this data in an easy-to-digest fashion! First portion: OEM intake with altering intake components.



Stock induction hose testing results

The completely stock setup put down consistent runs of 167 whp and 133 wtq. This is around what we expected from the BRZ. Also note that we are capturing noise level in terms of decibels (dB). This was captured in the cabin of the vehicle for comparison purposes. Despite the purpose of the resonator, it appears that the most power output returned from the factory induction hose occurred when the resonator was removed and the noise generator was retained. The removal of the resonator increases intake noise quite significantly as well. Although horsepower was unchanged, torque showed a slight increase, and dB measurements increased significantly. It should also be noted that we saw a 2 whp power loss when both the resonator and noise generator were removed. Now, take a look at the chart for the Mishimoto induction hose testing.



Mishimoto induction hose testing results

This is the fun part! With the Mishimoto induction hose installed and all other factory equipment remaining, we made 2 whp and 2 wtq compared to the factory hose. This is an impressive increase! Our continued testing showed an additional horsepower increase with the noise generator removed, bringing our total gains to 3 whp / 2 wtq. For a component that installs in minutes, this was an easy way to achieve bolt-on power. We could have stopped at this point, but we decided to perform some additional testing. All previous testing was completed using the factory paper air filter. We installed an aftermarket high-flow air filter to see what further increases we could obtain from testing. Check it out below.



Induction hose testing with high-flow air filter

As you can see the filter alone adds 2 whp to the factory setup. We tested this with the Mishimoto induction hose and were pleased to report a 6 whp and 3 wtq gain compared to the completely stock setup. All our testing results point to the resonator as a supplement for performance with the Mishimoto induction hose. We found that removing the resonator had a negative effect on power output with our induction hose.


With our findings from testing it was time to decide on a final iteration of this hose to move it toward mass production. We decided that our hose would provide provisions for the resonator, but we would be eliminating the sound generator. We knew that in general, the enthusiast community prefers to eliminate the noise generator. This strategy provides the best power output, which was our primary goal. Additionally, we will be providing a plug for the resonator for those who wish to eliminate the resonator and gain some additional intake noise.


Our engineers also evaluated the decibel readings based on the components installed to the induction hose. We found that there is a definite pattern in our test results: The resonator works to eliminate noise, while the noise amplifier adds noise. We saw this essentially as a 1:1 ratio; the noise generator added 2–3 dB of sound while the resonator removed 2–3 dB. Essentially these two components cancel each other out when installed.



With all our testing complete, it was time to assemble a final prototype and ensure perfect fitment. Check out a few installed shots below!



Mishimoto BRZ/FR-S induction hose fully installed


Mishimoto BRZ/FR-S induction hose fully installed with resonator

The fitment was perfect and it was time to move these hoses into production! Now, let’s recap the project goals and see how we did with this one.


Goals

1. Silicone material should be used for increased durability.

The final design of the Mishimoto induction hose features five-ply silicone with internal metal support rings. The five-ply silicone provides unmatched durability compared to the factory counterpart and will provide improved resistance to heat, pressure, oil, and fuel. The internal metal support rings will eliminate any chance of this hose collapsing under pressure. This hose is built to last!

1. Potentially include ports for resonator and/or sound generator.

Our testing showed that the noise amplifier consistently reduced power output while the resonator provided increased power. With this information we designed our induction hose to eliminate the noise amplifier, yet still have provisions for the resonator. For those who wish to eliminate the resonator as well for greater intake noise, we include a CNC-machined plug for the hose.

1. Test the effects of the sound generator and stock intake resonator.

Our testing results showed that the sound generator hampered performance while the resonator supported performance. We tailored the design of our hose to the results from this testing.

1. Hose should install like the factory unit.

The Mishimoto BRZ/FR-S induction hose installs just like the factory unit and is an easy way to add horsepower in minutes!

1. Offer in a variety of colors.

After a lengthy discussion our team decided to move forward with black, red, and blue options for the induction hose.
With our goals met, this project could finally be closed. Our team has deemed this product a complete success, with the hose being a great upgrade to the factory unit. Either alone or when combined with a high-flow air filter, this induction hose provides a nice increase in power that is certainly noticeable. Check out a few of the major benefits of this hose below!

• Proven gains of up to 5 whp
• Internal metal support rings protect against high vacuum and collapse
• Direct fit for the FR-S, BRZ, and GT86
• Installs in a matter of minutes
• Multiple configurations using the included CNC-machined resonator plug
• Five-ply silicone for added strength
• Available in black, red, and blue
• Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty

And check out a few more images of the completed product!



Mishimoto BRZ/FR-S induction hose and CNC-machined plug


Mishimoto BRZ/FR-S induction hose pcv connection


Mishimoto BRZ/FR-S induction hose

Along with all this development and testing, our team put together a few neat videos for this particular hose. Check them out below!


Features and Benefits
[ame]http://youtu.be/2eLJEnZP9i4[/ame]


Installation Guide
[ame]http://youtu.be/oeBRMo0Nqlo[/ame]


Thanks for following along with our build-thread! Feel free to follow-up with any questions or comments!

[F1fletch]

Looks very nice! A couple questions.

What did the AFR's look like before and after? Which high flow filter were you using?

Thank you

[Mishimoto]

Originally Posted by F1fletch

Looks very nice! A couple questions.

What did the AFR's look like before and after? Which high flow filter were you using?

Thank you

Thanks! AFR's remain unchanged with this particular component and follow the factory curve. We used a generic high-flow oiled panel filter for testing.

[phobos512]

Hey thanks for putting the install video up. I wasn't sure what to do with the CNC plug but now I understand based on having read everything on the resonator and watched the video (I've already got my sound generator deleted end to end so they'll both go in my parts bin). I'm going to keep my resonator on your pipe when I install it to eke out those few extra horsepowere...Every little bit counts! My pipe showed up in the mail today yay! (something good happened today! amazing! ).

[Dezoris]

I dont run any of your guys parts but this is seriously how you properly launch a product. Great work.

[Mishimoto]

Originally Posted by phobos512

Hey thanks for putting the install video up. I wasn't sure what to do with the CNC plug but now I understand based on having read everything on the resonator and watched the video (I've already got my sound generator deleted end to end so they'll both go in my parts bin). I'm going to keep my resonator on your pipe when I install it to eke out those few extra horsepowere...Every little bit counts! My pipe showed up in the mail today yay! (something good happened today! amazing! ).

Not a problem, the install should be very simple for you! Thanks for selecting our induction hose, I imagine you will be very pleased with the results.

Thanks again!

Originally Posted by Dezoris

I dont run any of your guys parts but this is seriously how you properly launch a product. Great work.

Thank you very much for the kind words!

[Peter1953]

I have just fitted a red version to my GT86. They had run out of the black. At least the car is red. The results are interesting. Obviously no big increase in power, maybe it finishes a little better above 6K. Unexpected was the car seems softer and quieter. Even the exhaust note from the Milltek primary cat back system seems slightly subdued, a better way to put it would be smoother. When I wrote softer I am referring the fact that it seems come to come off idle in a more controlled way. Hard to believe that an aftermarket product does a better job of controlling reflections, and possibly harmonics, in an intake tract but that is what it seems to have done. The result is similar to what happened when I fitted the exhaust, the car seemed tamer but with the exhaust I had picked up 8Kw ATW.

[Mishimoto]

Originally Posted by Peter1953

I have just fitted a red version to my GT86. They had run out of the black. At least the car is red. The results are interesting. Obviously no big increase in power, maybe it finishes a little better above 6K. Unexpected was the car seems softer and quieter. Even the exhaust note from the Milltek primary cat back system seems slightly subdued, a better way to put it would be smoother. When I wrote softer I am referring the fact that it seems come to come off idle in a more controlled way. Hard to believe that an aftermarket product does a better job of controlling reflections, and possibly harmonics, in an intake tract but that is what it seems to have done. The result is similar to what happened when I fitted the exhaust, the car seemed tamer but with the exhaust I had picked up 8Kw ATW.

Interesting results Peter, thanks for the feedback. Did retain the factory resonator or remove it?

-John

[Peter1953]

Originally Posted by Mishimoto

Interesting results Peter, thanks for the feedback. Did retain the factory resonator or remove it?

-John

I kept the resonator as recommended. After a week including a country drive the ECU seems to have changed slightly. The exhaust has returned to close to its previous note. I have become familiar with it as well so have lost the comparison. Car is running beautifully, the Milltek exhaust had already ironed out dips e.t.c, The intake takes it a little bit further.
Thanks

[Peter1953]

Just in case you check this again John. My last post reads as if I have watered down my opinion. This is not the case. The car is just ready to go all the time. It is now close to the way my Twin Cam Escort felt with its 4 accelerator pumps. When overtaking or making any change you are just there, it is amazing the difference it makes to your control and confidence when there is less delay. I had forgotten. Not something people check on a casual dyno tune.
Thanks

[Mishimoto]

Originally Posted by Peter1953

I kept the resonator as recommended. After a week including a country drive the ECU seems to have changed slightly. The exhaust has returned to close to its previous note. I have become familiar with it as well so have lost the comparison. Car is running beautifully, the Milltek exhaust had already ironed out dips e.t.c, The intake takes it a little bit further.
Thanks

Originally Posted by Peter1953

Just in case you check this again John. My last post reads as if I have watered down my opinion. This is not the case. The car is just ready to go all the time. It is now close to the way my Twin Cam Escort felt with its 4 accelerator pumps. When overtaking or making any change you are just there, it is amazing the difference it makes to your control and confidence when there is less delay. I had forgotten. Not something people check on a casual dyno tune.
Thanks

Great to hear Peter. Thank you very much for the detailed feedback. Enjoy the induction hose!