Are turbo pipe and charge air pipe the same thing?

Yes. "Turbo Pipe" and "Charge air pipe" refer to the same car part. Other common names include Charge air pipe, Charge Air Pipe, Intercooler Pipe. The part is the same regardless of which name is used.

How do I check if Turbo Pipe parts fit my car?

Use your vehicle details (make, model, engine) to confirm fitment before ordering Turbo Pipe parts. Matching the exact engine/variant helps you choose the correct part first time.

OEM vs aftermarket Turbo Pipe parts: what's the difference?

OEM parts match the original equipment specification, while aftermarket parts are compatible alternatives from trusted manufacturers. Compare brand options and OE references to reduce return risk.

How can I find the OE/OEM number for Turbo Pipe parts?

Check the part removed from your vehicle, your service history, or the manufacturer documentation for OE/OEM reference numbers. Matching those numbers is one of the fastest ways to narrow down compatible Turbo Pipe parts.

How do I get Turbo Pipe parts quickly?

Prioritise in-stock items when you need fast delivery, and review the shipping promise during checkout. Availability is updated regularly from the TecDoc catalogue.

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Turbo Pipe buying guide — what to know before you buy

Turbo pipes (also called charge air pipes or intercooler pipes) carry pressurised air between the turbocharger outlet, the intercooler, and the intake manifold. A cracked or disconnected turbo pipe causes an immediate and significant loss of boost pressure, resulting in poor acceleration, black smoke on diesels, and a dramatic reduction in power output.

Materials and construction

Turbo pipes are manufactured from silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, reinforced plastic, or aluminium depending on the temperature of the air they carry and the section's position in the circuit. The outlet from the turbocharger carries the hottest air, so this section typically uses a reinforced silicone or metal material. The intercooler outlet to the manifold carries cooler air and is often plastic or a softer rubber compound.

Hose clamps or turbo-specific clamps with locking features secure the pipes at each end. Incorrect clamp torque is a common cause of pipe detachment — too loose allows the pipe to blow off under boost; too tight cuts the rubber and causes cracking.

Common failure modes

Rubber turbo pipes crack and harden with age and heat cycling. Small cracks can be difficult to find by visual inspection alone — a smoke test or boost pressure test identifies leaks more reliably. Silicone pipes are significantly more durable than standard rubber and are a popular upgrade on vehicles where the original pipe is a frequent failure point.

Plastic turbo pipes often crack at their moulded connection points or at the resonator chambers that are designed to reduce intake noise. A crack here causes a hissing sound under boost and can be located by running the engine at idle and listening carefully around the charge air circuit.

Hissing or whistling under acceleration
Significant power loss with or without EML
Black smoke on turbocharged diesel
Boost pressure fault codes
Visible cracks or disconnected pipe

Replacement

Turbo pipes are vehicle-specific in their routing and connection diameters. Silicone upgrade kits are available for many popular performance and diesel vehicles. Use the registration lookup to find the correct replacement pipe for your vehicle's engine and position. Free UK delivery on orders over £99.