Intercooler piping size--2", 2.25", 2.5"--Which size?!? + other questions

[MarkEmark]

I'm wondering what size you guys think is the best for intercooler piping.

I'm going to be running 10 psi on a KA.

The compressor outlet is actually smaller than 2" OD---But it seems everyone uses at least 2.5" intercooler piping.

My question is--what size should I opt for if I'm trying to keep lag to a minimum, and throttle response to a maximum?

Is 2" too small if 2" is still bigger than the compressor outlet?

Would 2.5" tubing cause too much lag from decreased velocity in the piping?

What about running 2" on the hot-side, and 2.5" on the cold side?

Is 2.25" a good compromise to run the whole way around?

Also, what do you guys think of the 90 degree multi-ply silicone connectors (that incidentally are pretty expensive) to use when plumbing the intercooler? I've seen/heard of people who used nothing but straight piping and silicone elbows/connectors to plumb an entire intercooler system, and I've seen people only run the silicone connectors at the intercooler inlet/outlet, compressor outlet, and TB.

Logically, it seems that the less silicone connectors, the better, because it prevents any possibility of the connectors blowing off (which I just read about in a thread in the KA-T forum). For 10 psi is the use of multiple silicone connectors with the correc t-bolt clamps adviseable or would running almost all welded pipes be the better alternative? The reason silicone connectors appeal to me is that they could eliminate quite a bit of piping because their bends are tighter--but are the tighter bends more restrictive to flow to the throttle body? Is the general rule of thumb the less-piping, the better? I wanted to try to keep the amount of bends minimal for the intercooler piping, although this seems unavoidable. Whether I went through the battery tray or right up near the radiator, the number of bends from the cold side intercooler outlet to the TB would still be 4, for a total of 360 degrees.

Which brings me to my other question--would running the cold side piping near the radiator, instead of through the battery tray, effectively heat up the pressurized air before it goes to the TB?

I want to do the piping right the first time and not worry about any failures during spirited driving.

Also--Does anyone know where to get ALUMINUM mandrel-bent piping for good prices besides from http://www.projectsilvia.com?

Project silvia only caries 2.5" and 3", and doesn't carry 180 degree mandrel bends in aluminum, except in their intercooler-piping kit, which I don't need.

Sorry for the multiple questions--Thanks for any insight.

Marc

[knightrider]

project silvia does carry 180 bends. look at the feature brand. under power upgrades, doesnt really help with the size, but they do offer the pieces individually

[NateDogg]

Do a search for "Bell"

[NateDogg]

Do a search for "Alexander Bell"

[Nathan]

Dont forget that a sharp bend is also a restriction, even if it allows you to use less IC piping, it might not be worth it. Also, silicone couplers are damned pricey. I have placed an order for mine from http://www.sporthoses.com and I know that the 2-2.5 90 degree reducer alone is $40. I'm using all 2.5 inch mandrel bent piping with that reducer going to the compressor, a straight 2.5 coupler on either side of the IC, and a 2.5-2.75 coupler going to the TB. I also will have about 5-6ft. of piping when I'm done, which I consider pretty good.

[MarkEmark]

Do a search for "Alexander Bell"

What?!?

Nathan---I'm trying to figure out if it's better to have more piping (actually not that much) but less sharp bends (with mandrel bent piping) or have more restriction/less piping (with a tight silicone bend).What do you think?

Bakerprecision.com has some pretty good prices for silicone connectors as well--it beats turbohoses.com's prices by quite a bit.