What Is A Charge Pipe And Why Upgrade It?

TIG welded titanium intercooler pipe

If you drive a turbocharged vehicle, you have a charge pipe, even if you have never seen it. It is the pipe that carries compressed air from the turbo, often through an intercooler, toward the throttle body.

Why Factory Charge Pipes Fail

Many factory charge pipes are made from plastic. Over time, heat cycles and boost pressure can cause them to crack, especially when boost is increased with a tune. A cracked charge pipe can cause boost leaks and a loss of power.

Benefits Of A Metal Charge Pipe

A custom aluminum, stainless or titanium charge pipe is far stronger than plastic and is built to handle higher boost. A properly designed pipe can also smooth airflow with better bends and correct sizing for your setup.

Custom vs. Off-The-Shelf

Off-the-shelf pipes work well for many popular vehicles. A custom-fabricated pipe makes sense when you are running a different turbo, intercooler or engine layout, or when you want a specific material and finish.

Get It Built Right

At The Shop we fabricate and TIG weld charge pipes to fit your exact setup. Reach out with your vehicle and build details and we will help you plan the right pipe.

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