I just received my K&N Typhoon SRI for my 09 SS/TC and noticed the aluminum air pipe is rather thin. Is it normal to have part of the turbo inlet side slightly bent in? I didn't see any impact markings so I was wondering if they did this on purpose? It isn't totally round.

The aluminum is very very thin!

 

The aluminum they used on the piping is very thin, is it new or used? if you tighten the clamps too much you can bend the piping with simple worm clamps.

 

It is brand new. The part that is slightly bent/dented is at the very end of that pipe at the turbo inlet side (where the silicone coupler fits over). It didn't look right to me.

 

Mine came bent in on both sides brand new, it's because it's so thin, bend em back.

 

yep its normal to see them bent. the aluminum they use is pure junk. just about everyone i ever take off a car here is bent and some dont even have a lot of tension on them.

 

Geez. It sounds like the K&N is a piece of junk? Should I return it and stay stock, or just be careful with the hose clamps?

 

once you have it on you wont want to take it off, believe me!

It will be fine, and there are thousands of cobalts with them without an issue.

 

Just straighten it out and don't put it on too tight. It's the best SRI for our cars.

 

Pictures would help a lot. K&N doesn't throw off AFR's much depending on how the filter is put on. Mine has a smaller bend which is thin to go onto the turbo. I would think if it was a defect K&N would handle it, they're a pretty reputable company. Post pics if you can, that will help.

 

its the best for the car....just wish they used better aluminum with thicker walls

 

Are the included washers and bolts all stainless?
They included some cheap hose clamps with non-SS worm gear screws.

 

no,they are not stainless. if you bought a brandnew intake,you get what everybody else has used for hardware. i have it and didnt have any trouble installing and i have not had any problems with anything.

its kind of a pain in the ass taking the stock intake pipe off haha make sure your car is cooled down

 

I spent a few bucks and got all stainless washers, lock washers, fender washers, and spacer washers. K&N included stainless bolts and nylock nuts, but skimped on the rest. The hose clamps aren't even all stainless, they still have zinc plated bolts.