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Does a smooth bellows really make a difference?

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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:16 PM
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Question Does a smooth bellows really make a difference?

I have a 2002 SS with just a TSP lid, Holley power shot filter, msd wires and adding a Hooker cat back this weekend. Will a smooth bellows really make a difference? My b/f says not really and that they make it harder to get the lid on and off because it's not as flexible as the stock bellows. Any input guys?
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:25 PM
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Yeah, its pretty much an appearance mod. You may pick up 1 or 2 horse. Nothin you'll feel though. As for the lid i really didnt notice anything harder about putting it on with the bellows.
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:25 PM
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Whether it helps or not, i say do it just because it really cleans up the the look of the intake. if you want to go cheap, just buy the 3x3 Ferco from the plumbing section of Home depot for $5. I have it and looks great.
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:26 PM
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like stated, its an appearance mod


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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:27 PM
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Just smooths out the airflow, fits perfectly!
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:29 PM
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As for appearance mods the Frenco isn't all that pretty...but Baker sells a silicon hose in several colors that looks great.
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:32 PM
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Thanks guys. I wasn't sure if it was just an appearance mod or what. I like the fact of not having the accordian look for dust and sand to get trapped in. I did read where it smooths the air flow out. I just wasn't sure if that was just a sales pitch bs line or not.

Keep those oppinions coming!
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 10:52 PM
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No...but I did it anyway.
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Old Jan 14, 2004 | 11:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Drew98TA
Whether it helps or not, i say do it just because it really cleans up the the look of the intake. if you want to go cheap, just buy the 3x3 Ferco from the plumbing section of Home depot for $5. I have it and looks great.
I bought this mentioned above... I had bought the TSP lid and when i did i got the Fernco bellows to look better then stock. Anyways, I had to cut mine at somewhat of an angle towards the MAF. Looked good when i was all done. Also, might put some lube or something slippery on the end that your going to put on the TB. It is a really tight fit, but once you get it on, its cool. Well, after i did that i bought the suncaost hood/air assembly and i had to cut some more off of it. Now its about 2 inches on top and 4 on the bottom. So, just keep in mind you might have to cut a little.. but, its fun if ya like tinkaling with your car... I used a case cutter with a new blade and it worked fine.. Hope it helps.. Have Fun!!
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Old Jan 15, 2004 | 09:16 AM
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She's got an SS so she's not going to have an aftermarket hood issue, but the slight trim on the end and something slippery are good ideas. You can even boil some water and dump it in there. Really softens it up and slides right on!
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Old Jan 15, 2004 | 10:49 AM
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Yup, like everyone said. More of an appearence mod.

I'm still running the stock one.

I have an SLP one for Tbyrne that I plan to try.

Gotta love those gift certificates from race winnings
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Old Jan 15, 2004 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by SixSpeed
You can even boil some water and dump it in there. Really softens it up and slides right on!
Thats what i had to do. Worked like a charm.
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Old Jan 15, 2004 | 05:49 PM
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Awesome. Thanks guys for all your responses!
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Old Jan 15, 2004 | 05:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Colonel
No...but I did it anyway.
ditto
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Old Jan 15, 2004 | 11:28 PM
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I installed one on my 98 T/A. It certainly looks better.

I feel absolutely zero increase in power from it.

Seems everyone is unanimous on this. That's rare...
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Old Jan 16, 2004 | 12:18 AM
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No performance, did it anyway, gives it a nicer look though.
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Old Jan 16, 2004 | 03:45 AM
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Originally Posted by 99 Black Bird T/A
As for appearance mods the Frenco isn't all that pretty...but Baker sells a silicon hose in several colors that looks great.
Baker is a joke I was on a list to get a black one for a year. I've still never seen it.
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Old Jan 16, 2004 | 11:51 AM
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seems to be a good mod for both looks AND performance (perhaps 1 or 2 HP)....
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Old Jan 16, 2004 | 02:22 PM
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I put my fernco in the microwave, to heat it, then put it on easily.
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Old Jan 17, 2004 | 01:38 AM
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Originally Posted by camaross383
I put my fernco in the microwave, to heat it, then put it on easily.
I did the same thing... Just make sure that U dont melt it.. I over did it and put some silicon underneith it... Damn.. wish i had a camera.. It turned out pretty good!!
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