I changed my standard hoses to Samco items yesterday and noticed that the pipes were quite wet with oil - especially the y-piece under the intercooler. There didn't seem to be much oil elsewhere around the pipes, just on the pipes themselves.

Is this "normal"? I appreciate that engines are oily places but I was surprised by the amount of oil on these pipes. Any ideas where it's coming from?

Yes - it is oil droplets and vapour from the crankcase breathers which feed back into the induction - very common - it is why tuned cars fit Oil Catch Tanks to stop this - expecially at higher boost levels. I used to get liquid oil lying in the bottom of my intercooler.

More rarely it could be turbo oil seals - although less likely on the induction side.

Another tip - I started using MOTUL 15/50 oil which has greatly reduced this - another top tuner had the same experience when he changed to MOTUL. If it is good enough for Tommi then it is good enough for me.

Trout :D