Yo delPrads 97 Jetta semi-build

the 3" stainless ones I made work great for me. IAT’s are chilly no matter what under hood temps are. BUT my wa/ic does most of that work. The stainless doesnt wick the under hood temps like aluminum does. So if the pipes are cooler than said aluminum ones under the hood, and the air charge is cooler from my IC, I win over aluminum pipes.

But yeah they are heavier than aluminum. But again, I only have like 4 or less feet total, instead of alot longer with a fmic. but even so, I dont think stainless FMIC tubes would weigh more than 1-2 lbs more over aluminum. Take the tool kit out of the trunk and your back to square one.