www.chirpthird.com: Smooth Bellows Question

This is topic Smooth Bellows Question in forum SSOA: "Back Porch" at www.chirpthird.com.

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Posted by BigBlueSS (Member # 2173) on :

I just ordered the SLP lid and I want to get the smooth bellows to go along with it. Does anybody know if there is a performance difference in the $50 bellows from SLP and the $20 ones being sold on ebay?

Posted by Hawk196 (Member # 2175) on :

Don't bother......

I guess I have the $20 one, but I bought it from a truck-parts company for like $11. Its hard rubber and I've heard it breaks the 'tabs' on the back of the lid when the engine 'moves'(torque). Mine is still in the box.

They say guys running 10/11 sec 1/4 mile....are running with the stock 'flex-hose'

I'd save my $$$$$$

Tom

Posted by chrisL (Member # 97) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Hawk196:
Its hard rubber and I've heard it breaks the 'tabs' on the back of the lid when the engine 'moves'(torque). Mine is still in the box.

Ive seen the tabs on lids crack when folks have swapped out the hose and maf ends.

As Tom said, you need some give because the motor flexes. The lid assembly is fixed to the radiator support. When the motor moves, if there's no give, something will eventually crack and/or break. Thats why the stock hose is a "flex" hose.

Posted by BigBlueSS (Member # 2173) on :

Thanks for the feedback Hawk196 and ChrisL. I'd like to hear some more opinions for or against this mod. Is it worth it?

Posted by 35TH ED/ed (Member # 1709) on :

Have the bellows on and am thinking of taking it off just for the fact is I got the performance lid painter and it does make it a little stiffer. Have a mark on the lid because I didnt have it pushed down enough, So I now have a small mark on the lid [Frown]

Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :

My $.02.

I opted for the SLP smooth bellows, a few years ago, for the reasons ChrisL stated. I remember a post by JeffY on the SLP board about material used in the bellows, and the benefits of the bellows being able to flex to compensate for engine vibration and torque. Having the bellows able to flex seems logical. I typically go the safe route with any mod, and the SLP bellows seems the safe way to go with this mod.

Posted by Hawk196 (Member # 2175) on :

quote:
Originally posted by JohnS:
My $.02.

I opted for the SLP smooth bellows, a few years ago, for the reasons ChrisL stated. I remember a post by JeffY on the SLP board about material used in the bellows, and the benefits of the bellows being able to flex to compensate for engine vibration and torque. Having the bellows able to flex seems logical. I typically go the safe route with any mod, and the SLP bellows seems the safe way to go with this mod.

.....and maybe for $20, but $50 [Roll Eyes]

Posted by TimeLord (Member # 1389) on :

We went the $4.99 route from ACE hardware[or Home Depot etc.etc.].

It is on my car since 99,on KenC's[Wolfman]since 98 and Injuners since the 19th century[JOKE].

No cracking or any other problems and I have about 1500 1/4 mile runs with it on.

[ 01. July 2004, 12:40 PM: Message edited by: TimeLord ]

Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Hawk196:
.....and maybe for $20, but $50

It is pricey. I guess, looking back, I went for the smooth bellows for the same reason I bought a pair of FRC's - appearance. Both the bellows and and FRC's look good and I think add to the appearance of the engine compartment. I seldom drive my SS to the extreme, and probably have not realized the max performance gain changing out the bellows. Going the safe (and expensive) route with SLP prevented possible damage to the even more expensive air box. [Smile]

Posted by killabee (Member # 860) on :

Makes a 1hp difference at best.
Mine pulled my lid of several times so
I sold it. Put the money towards a
suspension goody where you can see a gain.
My .02

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