[Raptor]

Chris, your thinking isn't far off at all, SS is also better for intake piping. As far as the piping between the compressor and the IC, it should still be SS, reason being that it will also prevent heat soak from the exhaust system in most cases. The other thought is that before the IC, it would be worth while to keep the temp from fluctuating from the compressor outlet as much as possible so the velocity doesn't change and no energy is lost to help fill the IC. If the IC is efficient, it will do it's job and make the air colder and more dense and the better thermal properties of the SS will keep the charge as consitant as possible to the TB. As far as the weight advantage of aluminum, everyone by now knows how much into weight reduction I am, I would never sacrifice better power in the name of weight savings. The difference in weight is not nearly enough to justify the loss of efficiency of the intercooler and piping.

The only other thing I want to say and it isn't to slam anyone or otherwise, just a personal belief that I have and feel pretty strongly about. When Shane mentioned the fact that many racers run alluminum what I have to say about that is this, following the same ideas that faster cars do is smart to some degree but then you are relying on their decisions and logic and it won't allways be right (not that anyones always is). A lot of the things I see even 8 second cars doing isn't always optimum. To find things that work better and be able to run faster, sometimes you have to do your own research and dig into things that maybe they have not considered important and in the end be the leader yourself rather than the follower. Following the typical standards is a good way to hit known performance levels, you have to choose your battles, do the things that are proven 100% for sure, but if you follow the same things everyone does, the bar will never get raised. Someone always has to be pushing for more.

And after saying all that, I will also say Shane is a very smart person and a good leader in this field, No disrespect is intended whatsoever. And I know he does more than his fair share of research into going faster and has a proven setup that speaks for itself, that comment just made me want to put the last thoughts out there to hopefully make people think about progress in our hobby/trade rather than a lot of blind following.