Why Upgrade To Aftermarket Charge Pipes?
If you want to optimize airflow and boost reliability in your turbocharged vehicle, upgrading your aftermarket charge pipes is a smart move, especially if you’re swapping for a larger turbo or tuning your ECU. With more vehicles coming turbocharged from the factory and more enthusiasts opting for turbo swaps, the demand for stronger, more efficient charge pipes is growing. Factory charge pipes, often made of plastic or rubber, can crack or fail under increased boost pressure– even on stock vehicles. AFE Aftermarket Charge Pipes provide a high-performance, durable solution built to withstand extreme temperatures and high boost levels—whether you’re daily driving, hitting the track, or towing heavy loads.
What are Charge Pipes?
Charge pipes– also known as boost tubes or intercooler pipes– are an essential component in turbocharged engines, directing compressed air from the turbocharger through the intercooler and into the intake manifold.
The Problem with Plastic & Rubber Charge Pipes
Factory charge pipes are built for cost efficiency, not performance. These stock parts degrade over time and are prone to cracking and leaking, especially under high heat and boost pressure. Vehicles running 20+ PSI of boost are particularly at risk, and diesel trucks, which can see 30–40 PSI from the factory, put even more stress on stock components. When failure occurs, you may face long wait times for OEM replacements, and if the stock part has already failed, that’s a good sign you don’t want to replace it with the same thing.
AFE Aftermarket Charge Pipes Vs Factory Charge Pipes
AFE aftermarket charge pipes are engineered with a larger diameter and are made from mandrel-bent aluminum. The increased diameter ensures a consistent cross-section, allowing for more incoming air volume and faster turbo spool. Unlike plastic or rubber tubes, which can swell or deform, aluminum maintains air pressure and durability, preventing pressure drops and improving turbo boost. And with constant airflow, heat soak is not an issue.
Key Benefits:
- Optimized airflow
- Improved turbo spool
- Quicker throttle response
- Better engine efficiency
- Increased reliability
Each application tested for increased airflow guarantee. On the 2.3L Bronco, when tested, data shows our Charge Pipes flow up to 9% more on the hot side and nearly 70% more on the cold side compared to stock pipes.
Product Details
Depending on the application, we offer hot or cold sides or both. All black pipes are wrinkle powder-coated, and red pipes have a textured red finish.
Made In The USA
We do everything in-house at our Corona, CA facilities. The R&D process can be pretty quick. We take all necessary measurements, design everything in CAD, then send out for samples. We even 3D print fixtures for initial testing, so we can ensure everything fits perfectly before finalizing the design. The whole reason we made the push on charge pipes was because it’s a core competency for us. We’re experts in tube bending, manufacturing, and TIG welding, so it’s something we really want to keep in-house and expand.
Couplers and Hardware
Our charge pipes are designed with better-than-factory materials. For diesel trucks, we use spring-loaded T-bolt clamps, but for newer gas trucks and cars, we’re moving to stainless steel SmartSeal clamps. They’re easier to install and prevent over-torquing, which can cause silicone couplers to wear down. Depending on the connection’s location, the included O-rings are made from either Buna or Viton. The use of Viton, for instance, is specifically for areas exposed to high heat, such as turbo connections.
Installation
Installing AFE BladeRunner Charge Pipes is a straightforward job that can be done by any DIY enthusiast with basic tools in about an hour. However, some vehicles may need extra steps (like removing parts of the subframe or fender wells) for better access.
In the box, you’ll receive the tubing, all necessary hardware, couplers, clamps, an instruction sheet, and O-rings. Some parts from the original equipment (OE), like clips for Quick Connect adapters or sensors, may need to be transferred to the new charge pipe. The included instruction sheet offers step-by-step instructions with detailed images. You may also call or email our in-house tech team for additional support.
Helpful Tips:
- Clean mating surfaces: Ensure any oil or residue is wiped clean from the mating faces before installation to prevent leaks.
- Proper O-ring installation: Grease O-rings to prevent tearing during installation.
- Clamp placement: Place clamps near the bead of the pipe to prevent slippage and avoid over-tightening.
- Retighten after 50–100 miles: After installation, check the pipes again after a few hundred miles to make sure everything is still tight and secure.
- Avoid over-tightening: Over-tightening risks bending the tube and damaging it, causing leakage later.
Time To Upgrade?
Stock charge pipes are a weak link in turbocharged engines. Don’t settle for failure-prone factory parts—upgrade to AFE BladeRunner Charge Pipes and experience better performance, durability, and reliability.
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Popular Applications
AFE BladeRunner Charge Pipes are designed for a wide range of vehicles, including diesel trucks, gas trucks, and turbocharged cars. Here are some of our top-selling charge pipe applications:
Top Selling Truck Charge Pipes:
