ACT Induction Kit - Worth the money??

[russ_chim]

Hi,

I've got a 4l Chim which performed well on a recent RR session and is generally running fine. The air hose is starting to perish and needs replacing.

I know the induction upgrade is a popular mod, but have people noticed a benefit from fitting over a standard replacement? I'm not too worried about any performance upgrade, but I would be keen to know if the upgrade has resulted in a smoother/more responsive engine?

I've seen one or two previous responses which have been positive, but wondered if it was the worth the cost? I spoke to the insurance co. and they said the upgrade would also load my insurance by another £40 a year!!!!!!!!!!!

Any comments gratefully received.

Russ

[s5tvr]

I recently fitted the ACT induction kit to my Chim 500 and definately noticed a small improvement in the cars performance, most notably that it pulls more smoothly through the rev range and now only runs out of steam at over 6k rpm. The engine and exhaust also sound slightly better too.

[2Munkys]

russ_chim said:

Hi, I spoke to the insurance co. and they said the upgrade would also load my insurance by another £40 a year!!!!!!!!!!! Any comments gratefully received. Russ

....Here's a comment: I think your Insurance Co. are havin' a larf! Perhaps they think your 'induction mod' includes one of those whirly things that blows air into your engine!

[pullingpower]

Nope, it's true I'm afraid. I go via Sunninghill and there is a 15%load for any induction modification appaerently. This loaded a 3 figure sum onto my insurance!!!
I have the smooth ACT pipes and they are ace.

[Nuggs]

Definitely worthwhile - car seems to have more energy, keener to rev and gives better induction roar

As has been said, £40/year on your insurance is bloody ridiculous. Try explaining that you drive a hardcore sportscar that had a none-too-shabby performance air filter fitted in the first place - IMO this shouldn't be treated as a performance 'upgrade'.

[richb]

pullingpower said:

Nope, it's true I'm afraid. I go via Sunninghill and there is a 15%load...

Well I know what I'd tell Sunninghil to go and do! I'm with Peart and have loads of mod's including the ACT stuff and all they have ever charged me was a £25 admin fee when I first notified them of some mod's. Why put up with it? Shop around! Rich...

[griffter]

2Munkys said:

....Here's a comment: I think your Insurance Co. are havin' a larf! Perhaps they think your 'induction mod' includes one of those whirly things that blows air into your engine!

To be fair, it is claimed to enhance bhp though, isn't it? And all such mods must be disclosed...

[seasider]

griffter said:

2Munkys said: ....Here's a comment: I think your Insurance Co. are havin' a larf! Perhaps they think your 'induction mod' includes one of those whirly things that blows air into your engine! To be fair, it is claimed to enhance bhp though, isn't it? And all such mods must be disclosed...

Is it enhancing over manufactures claimed power figures

[Wildfire]

The kit is definitely worth the money, just from a longevity stand point if anything. The fact that it does make the car run better is even better. And at £40 per year? Really that's not too much. I would try and not pay it, but it's hardly a King's Ransom.

[2 sheds]

Some insurance companies are thieving ******** imo especially as ACT don't market these as performance upgrade kits, they are purely replacement parts that because of the deterioration of the dreadful original hoses can increase power when fitted, if you are replacing a perfect original pipe you might see a few bhp but not much.

Be careful that they are clear as to what you mean by ACT induction kit, some companies are familiar with the carbon fobre plenum kits which can also be described as induction kits.

[GreenV8S]

You're saying it improves the performance noticeably, surely then it's entirely reasonable to reflect this in the premium.

[richb]

GreenV8S said:

You're saying it improves the performance noticeably, surely then it's entirely reasonable to reflect this in the premium.

I don't think it's ever fair to say insurance companies are entirely reasonable Pete! R...

[PeterC]

The reason why insurance companies can seem unreasonable is that too often they have been stiffed by herberts telling half truths about mods made to their cars.

If any modification alters the performance OR the appeal and likelyhood of the car being stolen OR involves desireable equipment fitted that is easily removed, you are changing the level of risk.

If you increase the risk being carried by the insurer you can expect them to increase the premium. Whether you think this is far or not.

The moral of the story is to be totally open with your insurer and talk to them before making any changes not after. However, make sure that you get any agreements made confirmed in writing.

[petea]

Hi Tim

I got a K&N filter off you a couple of months back and noticed more induction noise and a slightly better throttle response / better breathing - if not an increase in bhp.

How much is down to say a better / new filter and how much down to the silicone tubing?

Is it a case that to get meaningful increase you would need the filer, silicone tubing and one of your plenums? Then don't you need the re-map the ECU, etc etc, blah, blah