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Smooth Bellows....Need?

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Old 12-28-2004, 12:44 PM
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Default Smooth Bellows....Need?

I got a S3 ported TB on the way (one of these days I hope!), will I need a smooth bellow to make it work? Any gains?

I really don't want to spend 50 bucks on a sawed off hose. Anyone make their own? Seems like it would be easy and cheap.

Lemme know guys.....

Thanks.
Old 12-28-2004, 12:48 PM
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I think you can find a piece of tubing at your local hardware store that will work. I dont really think its that big a deal, and definitely not worth $50.
Old 12-28-2004, 12:55 PM
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If my calculations are correct, you will gain exactly .000001 in the 1/4 mile, and just about the same number of horsepower.
Old 12-28-2004, 12:55 PM
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you really don't need one...but might as well since you can make your own for 5$
Old 12-28-2004, 12:57 PM
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- Tips: if buying a ferco, bakerhose, airflow systems bellow cutting and fitting may be required. Heat up the tubing in the microwave to soften up the material for easier cutting and fitting. It will also prevent the stiff bellow from cracking or loosening up your lid.

- Pretty good deal here...

Less than $6 for a smooth bellows.

Step one: Go to home depot and buy a 3"x3" Fernco rubber coupling.. It should be around $5-6.



Then Proceed to remove all clamps and labeling, and put it in boiling water for about 10 minutes to soften the rubber. After softening, trim approximately 1/4" to 1/2" off of ONE side of the coupling to make a better fit.



After you've trimmed it and are satisfied with it, put it back in the hot water for 5-10 minutes. Otherwise you'll have trouble getting one end over the throttle body.





I did this, because I originally had my nitrous nozzle in the bellows, and now i'm spraying in the airbox.

Hope this helps someone, because it took me almost an hour to put it all together (the info) The job only takes about 15 minutes.
Old 12-28-2004, 12:57 PM
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Frenco from home depot
Old 12-28-2004, 12:58 PM
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^that's from jrp's sticky in the external section...there are a couple of pictures on there if you need further information...
Old 12-28-2004, 01:35 PM
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LOL.. My stock one is running 10's

IMO, don't change it till you step up to a 90mm intake.
Old 12-28-2004, 01:40 PM
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Wow, some swift responses here, thanks dudes.

Some of the websites claim 5 RWHP!



I think I will wait, but thanks for the "how-to." I saved it for later use

Last edited by 1ScrudeDude; 12-28-2004 at 01:55 PM.
Old 12-28-2004, 01:48 PM
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no problem...
Old 12-28-2004, 01:57 PM
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Use your stock bellows. It's not worth the money for a $50 one and w/ the $6 solution you may not have something that is an exact fit and you don't want any leaks in this area. I've had experience with stock & aftermarket. I'd recommend stock.
Old 12-28-2004, 01:59 PM
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Thanks again.

I forgot about that huge sticky at the top of this section. Very well done.

This site >*

Old 12-28-2004, 02:15 PM
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haha I have a S3 on my way too and was thinking about buying a SLP Smooth bellow as well. I should of known it was a waste of money.
Old 12-28-2004, 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by freakynipples69
haha I have a S3 on my way too and was thinking about buying a SLP Smooth bellow as well. I should of known it was a waste of money.
SLP Smooth High Flow Bellows Kit 1998-02
Add this High Flow bellows kit to your late model Camaro or Firebird and pick up some easy horsepower! Up to 5 additional horsepower can be found by smoothing out the airflow between your throttlebody and the MAF sensor with this piece. The factory bellows creates turbulence and restricts airflow. SLP designed a piece with a single rib for -flex" as the engine moves on its mounts the single rib disrupts the flow as little as possible. This bellows is constructed of high quality, fiberglass-reinforced silicone and works with the SLP or stock MAF sensor.


LOL.

Hey when did you order your S3? Mine's been ~3 weeks
Old 12-28-2004, 03:02 PM
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Originally Posted by 1ScrudeDude
Some of the websites claim 5 RWHP!

There is no conclusive evidence at all that the smooth bellows mod adds any horsepower or benefit. This is just one of those mods that many would like to believe does something and that several venders have made lots of money on.

If you must do this, go to Home Depot as many have said and buy a Fernco Hose for 4.99 plus tax, heat it up in the microwave for 2 minutes and install. Hell, I'll sell you the one bought in the very beginning for a $1.00 plus shipping.
Old 12-28-2004, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by 1ScrudeDude
SLP Smooth High Flow Bellows Kit 1998-02
Add this High Flow bellows kit to your late model Camaro or Firebird and pick up some easy horsepower! Up to 5 additional horsepower can be found by smoothing out the airflow between your throttlebody and the MAF sensor with this piece. The factory bellows creates turbulence and restricts airflow. SLP designed a piece with a single rib for -flex" as the engine moves on its mounts the single rib disrupts the flow as little as possible. This bellows is constructed of high quality, fiberglass-reinforced silicone and works with the SLP or stock MAF sensor.
5hp, HAHAHAHAHA
There's also the issue of cracking your lid if your motor mounts allow more than acceptable movement of your engine under acceleration (or even at idle).
I like the stock one too.
Old 12-28-2004, 03:34 PM
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hmm...i guess slp forget to mention that the 5hp was with their lid...haha
Old 12-28-2004, 03:39 PM
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Originally Posted by 777
hmm...i guess slp forget to mention that the 5hp was with their lid...haha
Old 12-28-2004, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by LS1LT1
5hp, HAHAHAHAHA
There's also the issue of cracking your lid if your motor mounts allow more than acceptable movement of your engine under acceleration (or even at idle).
I like the stock one too.
In actuality, ever since I did heads-cam, I have 2 obvious "abrasion marks" on top of my lid from contact from the hood. I guess the extra shake and bake was just enough to get the lid to rub the hood.

But to me, the lid was never a true perfect fit to begin with. The bottom lip of the lid does not go over the bottom frame of the airbox like I think it should have.

Both lips meet which puts the air lid a little higher.
Old 12-28-2004, 04:13 PM
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I just bought one for cosmetic purposes. Just makes the engine bay a little cleaner looking IMO...



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