ic pipe diameter question

[pitchy]

ive been looking at routes for piping my new fmic and i think its gona be slightly longer than standard, plus the intercooler is bigger, so my question is what size is the smallest diameter i can use safely to compensate for these differences for lag issues etc. one reason i ask is we have a cnc pipe bender at work that i could use to get a complete pipe each side of the intercooler in one piece instead of joins etc, problem is its only tooled up for 2" max, would it be restrictive for 230bhp? i personally would imagine it should be ok as long as i dont go any higher than stg2?

[golf-sib]

If I remember correctly smallest pipe is 50mm, which is the same size piping in the a4 1.8T's Typically people go with 57mm, which I have never understood as I though smaller cubic area would be more effective.

What I can do is measure the turbo inlet and outlet up for a confirmation about 50mm as I got a spare k03, as my one broke then magically fixed itself, but I'm keeping it handy, for just incase.

Also what route you taking as I am planning some 50mm pipework soon, I got an idea of a few routes, but I am also tempted by just doing the typical over the top route by the battery, just getting the typical 57mm+ piping made in a 50mm setup if the sizes are correct in my head.

[pitchy]

cheers mate that would be good, il av a quick measure of mine today too, im sure it goes down to 50mm too so 50mm through shouldnt be a problem as for routes im looking to get an s3 inlet to make things easier but cant find 1

[Purely VAG]

My ebay IC has 2.5" outlets. Yet uses 2.25" piping on inlet side.

2.5" is best use,What im changing to anyway. Shame i can't find a DIY 2.5" pipe bender, gotta go pay some monkey.

[pitchy]

2.5" is very hard to bend diy, 50mm is very hard manually, hopefully im gona get mine done on the cnc pipe bender thats if i can talk the gaffer into it being a very good cause
unless im after massive bhp then i reckon 2" should be fine