Pipercross launches new custom intake system for Ford ST250
Leading filtration specialist Pipercross has launched a beautifully-engineered induction set-up for the current darling of the hot-hatch set; the Focus ST250. Fully developed in-house at Pipercross’ factory, by the same team that create the filtration solutions for the Motorbase BTCC NGTC and S2000 Focus racecars, this exquisitely-finished, British-manufactured system offers tangible gains over the standard parts.
Starting with the filter, the Pipercross design team developed a motorsport-quality, three-stage filter, that offers an impressive surface area of some 985 cm2. This is supported by galvanised and epoxy-coated mesh to ensure that the filter cannot collapse, irrespective of the airflow requirement of the recipient vehicle. Featuring a large 150mm outside diameter body and a large open mouth for optimum airflow, the filter has been designed specifically for this application.
The intake pipework itself has been CNC mandrel bent to maintain a constant diameter throughout and is of 76mm diameter lightweight aluminium construction. This pipework also features race-proven ceramic-based cam-coating technology to help reduce intake temperatures even further. This is essential as the Ford design runs the intake close to the exhaust manifold and turbo. Each of the 90 degree bends have been sculpted to the largest possible radius to ensure that gas speeds are kept as high as possible. Not only does this make for a lighter, easier installation, but it also eliminates airflow losses caused by non-stepped joins between aluminium and silicone pipes. The stepped silicone pipework also ensures a smooth transition from the aluminium tubing, and also uses a relaxed diameter bend to maintain optimum gas speeds.
The final touch is a laser-cut aluminium heatshield that bolts to the chassis using OEM mounting points and powder coated steel brackets. Ensuring that the filter is well insulated from ambient underbonnet temperatures, the shielding has been cleverly designed with an integral soft foam element to seal against the underneath of the bonnet liner to prevent heat-soak.
The result of this hard work and exemplary engineering is a system that offers over 25% less restriction than its closest competitor. Under independent dyno testing, on a car running custom software, this intake achieved an increase of 19bhp. This is an essential engineering solution for remapped or significantly tuned cars, but also makes a very worthwhile upgrade and under-bonnet enhancement to any cherished, standard car.
Prices have yet to be finalised but will be in line with other Pipercross full induction systems.
For more details on the Pipercross range, visit pipercross.com.
