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I wanted to post a response about a couple of comments that have been made by Smart Car Performance on their "Hyper Pipe" thread and did not feel it was right to butt in his thread. So, instead I am making those comments here.
In his thread Smart Car Performance makes several statements and I would like to address them.
Statement #1:
"After performing many road tests, the difference between a silicone hose and a stainless steel pipe is that the stainless steel pipe tends to get hotter just a little bit quicker."
Response - That is absolutely correct! The stainless pipe gets and stays hotter. However, we are the only ones that offer this hose and I know EVERY single customer that purchased one. Smart Car Performance never purchased one of these items and it would have been impossible for him to do a side by side comparison. Performing many test? How? The hose stay cooler than a metal pipe. Cooler air, better results.
Statement #2:
"As I mentioned before, air flow and the durability of the walls is much more important than the actual material of the pipe when it comes to this application."
Response - Smart Car Performance has never tested our hose against their tube! The walls of the hose are probably just as smooth as their pipe. In fact, since the hose is one piece and their pipe has two additional couplings to make the connection one can say that the hose is actually smoother. However, there is sooooo little difference that it cannot be measured.
Durability? Silicone hoses are used in race cars that generate 500,700 and 1000hp. I think it is more than adequate for our smart.
Statement #3:
"The sides are smooth but the diameter of the pipe is not as consistent as the stainless steel pipe. Silicone has a tendency to be inconsistent in the diameter."
Smart Car Performance never compared our hose and in fact the only time they ever seen the hose is when they stopped by our shop and one was sitting on a shelf. He looked at it and made a comment on how they would really impact his Cold Air Intake sales.
We disagreed since we still believe the Cold Air Intake will give you more performance gains. We decided to offer this hose to our customers as an option. Something for everyone! Some want a Cold Air Intake and some are happy with the hose and a better filter.
Statement #4:
"Stainless Steel has a great look and is not at risk for puncture."
Yes, it looks great! I agree. More risk for puncture? You would REALLY have to try hard to puncture this thick Silicone hose. It is very, very durable. There is probably more of a chance the steel pipe would come loose from its two spacers/adapters than someone puncturing this hose.
Statement #5:
"I know there is the Silicone version that is similar in function but not similar in quality. "
Not true! The Silicone hose we offer is of great quality and I think those that have purchased one will agree. I am sure the steel pipe is also of good quality and those that decide to purchase it will also say the same.
In closing I would like to state something. Cisco of Smart Car Performance and us decided to go our separate ways. We felt there were areas in some of the products that needed some improvement and in order for us to continue working together they would have to be addressed and fixed. Smart Car Performance decided that instead they would be simply better off dealing directly with the public and at the same time also offer their products to us. We decided to simply go our separate ways and part on friendly and professional terms.
This new product they decided to launch was to directly compete with the Silicone hose we offered to the community. I have no issues with this and consider competition a good thing. I think the product he offers is a good product at a fair price. However, I think that the Silicone hose we offer is a product that is simply superior due to the material. The reason Smart Car Performance decided to make a similar product in steel is simply based on cost and investment. We had a commit a larger sum of money to tooling and production since you cannot make a specific silicone hose that will only work on a smart car in single quantities. The stainless steel pipes can be made in very small numbers without the needed for much investment.
Both are good products and I am sure we both think the product we offer is the "better one". To make it fair to everyone that is in the marketplace I suggest we stick to the facts and not make statements that are not factual and have not been proven in any way.
If you are in the market for a product like this take a look at both options and make your own call. If you are not sure ask the folks that have one and see what they say.
Thanks everyone....
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Check out www.SmartMadness.com for the largest selection of smart car Parts and Accessories in stock at the lowest prices.
--Ordered last Saturday afternoon
--Received via UPS this evening
--Looks to be 4-ply, reinforced, silicone tubing of good quality.
--Installed and ran the car around the 'hood a couple of times to check clamp snugness
--Plan to take it out on US-50 tomorrow and try to note any performance differences (it's currently coupled with a clean tri-foam filter and DTH exhaust).
---A+ for customer service, by the way; As described, well-packaged, and promptly received.
Thanks for all of the posts and concern, I must apologize, I tend to get carried away when I come across a product that works really well in many areas. In my case it was an old hack saw, cause' I'm an old hack. As SM said, the cold air intake is a better way to go. I went with the TURBOTUBE because I already have a K&N filter in mySmart and I am a cheap old guy, I don't throw things away,except that nasty old black plastic air box. I don't plan on going back again, either. Once you have the POWER you can't go back. Post your experiences with the TURBOTUBE. ALL of you thats going to the DRAGON, look out, Sporty Shorty is coming. Cheerz, SmartChip
'Chip, did you happen to reuse your existing clamps or buy replacements?
'Chip, did you happen to reuse your existing clamps or buy replacements?
If you opt to replace, the OE "German" style clamps are available at German auto and bike shops. I've had the best luck with size selection at my local BMW bike shop.
I've had the silicone tube installed on the car for a couple of days. But, I've only been able to drive back and forth to work-- a distance of a few short miles. I won't be able to take the car out this weekend. So, here's a short take (the comments are simply my humble opinion, of course):
Immediate impressions--
1. a conspicuous increase in engine noise. I attribute that to not only removal of the stock baffle box's noise reduction design--but also the absence of the simple noise insulation properties that a rather large box provides in the compartment ( ...there's now a big space where the box used to be, so more noise soaks through). I actually enjoy the DTH/Tri-foam filter/ silicone hose sound. But, my ride is one of my toys and not a daily driver. Some may find the combo tad too loud.
2. The silicone composition hose requires rolled-edge, smooth- interior hose clamps--typical worm clamps will bite into the silicone-- and the narrow stock ones aren't suitable for re-use (they'll also cut the material).
3. I'm getting some ABA clamps to replace the stock ones when I have time.
Performance--
Up in the air, for me. I don't have a scanguage setup for this car and really don't need one. I'm not concerned about an increase in fuel economy. I do note that there seems to be a tad bit better acceleration and shifting performance, during this short test-drive period.
Would I buy it again--
Yup. And I'm pleased with the vendor service. No complaints. A relatively inexpensive mod and easy install.
I had my Remus exhaust on before the smart performance/smart madness cold air intake. Car sounded and performed just like a stock Brabus...After installation of the C.A.I. big leap in sound level almost too loud ( complaining wife loud) I did get a noticeable bump in power. So I went on a noise reduction campaign. I installed Dynamat on top of engine cover/cargo areas and on the C.A.I. tubing/airbox. Big improvement I can hear my stereo again and wife is happy.
This is good to know. I worry about adding-noise but it's nice to know that some judicious-use of Dynamat can remedy any increase in noise-levels.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dustoff44
I had my Remus exhaust on before the smart performance/smart madness cold air intake. Car sounded and performed just like a stock Brabus...After installation of the C.A.I. big leap in sound level almost too loud ( complaining wife loud) I did get a noticeable bump in power. So I went on a noise reduction campaign. I installed Dynamat on top of engine cover/cargo areas and on the C.A.I. tubing/airbox. Big improvement I can hear my stereo again and wife is happy.
Don't think I ever thanked you for the assistance with the DTH Exhaust issue... the replacement will arrive via UPS tomorrow.
Rock on!!!
Just ordered my ScanGauge II from SmartGurl (Rachel: I got the spelling correct!) and I found her to be helpful, courteous, patent and cost saving. She even found time to flirt with me, low level stuff, but just the kind we old men covet.
Now, I caveat: I have yet to recieve my order, as this is a long weekend, but I have every reason to predict doing repeat business with SmartMadness, in no small part because of Rachel.
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