[mashimarho]

My new intercooler came in. I'll be swapping it out this coming Saturday. I have done simple maintenance procedures (muffler, brakes, bulbs, etc). I have not done anything like the intercooler though. Any advice on tackling this? What's the best DIY; I've seen a few helpful ones.

Thanks guys,

[AGO 530]

Originally Posted by mashimarho

My new intercooler came in. I'll be swapping it out this coming Saturday. I have done simple maintenance procedures (muffler, brakes, bulbs, etc). I have not done anything like the intercooler though. Any advice on tackling this? What's the best DIY; I've seen a few helpful ones.

Thanks guys,

I’ll be installing a 5” ETS Friday morning; if it’s not a straight forward process, I’ll let you know.

[mashimarho]

Originally Posted by AGO 530

I’ll be installing a 5” ETS Friday morning; if it’s not a straight forward process, I’ll let you know.

Sounds fair. Mine will be Friday evening. Keep me posted.
Hopefully it's straightforward bolt-on. Literally.

[melloww22]

which IC from what vendor? Their is a lack DIY for FMIC, however Helix has very good DIY for theirs, and some members have posted partial steps (trimming) during their IC installation...

I havent seen an ER FMIC DIY other than the paper one they distribute with the order. COBB FMIC comes with a print out as well. Perhaps this documentation exist and needs to be put in the DIY section...

[mashimarho]

Originally Posted by melloww22

which IC from what vendor? Their is a lack DIY for FMIC, however Helix has very good DIY for theirs, and some members have posted partial steps (trimming) during their IC installation...

I havent seen an ER FMIC DIY other than the paper one they distribute with the order. COBB FMIC comes with a print out as well. Perhaps this documentation exist and needs to be put in the DIY section...

Thanks for the reply. I have the VRSF 5" cooler.

[emre]

I can confirm ETS 5" fits without any cutting or trimming.

I had it installed last Saturday. Remove the fan first, makes it much easier.

[Acekid187]

Im looking to get the VRSF 5" since the 7" seems to be on back order. would like to know details on the installation process

[Acekid187]

o and mashimarho your car looks amazing

[Speed6]

I just did my Helix FMIC over the weekend. No cutting and the install was pretty straight forward. I'd recommend taking your time and getting a friend to help you fit the core (its a bit heavy to hold up, align, and mount by yourself). I also ended up uninstalling/reinstalling my charge pipe to help fit the lower charge pipe that came with the FMIC. Made the process a bit easier when making sure everything was fit correctly. Otherwise, nothing terrible, no specialty tools required. I did use a dremel to cut the hose clamp off the stock piping on the passenger side though.

Good luck!

[madmanhiker]

I did the ER Competition FMIC - I took my front bumper off - piece of cake. then... the install is straight forward, and I did have to cut to stuff mine in, but I don't mind at all.

[Tiago@VRSF]

The bumper can stay on the car. If you can do brakes and the basic maintenance, a FMIC install is pretty straight forward. It generally takes first timers 1.5-2 hours to install the first time.

[Acekid187]

So I pulled the trigger and order The VRSF 5" Intercooler. Im very excited. First performance mod Im buying for her.

[Tiago@VRSF]

You're gonna love it

[melloww22]

Originally Posted by madmanhiker

I did the ER Competition FMIC - I took my front bumper off - piece of cake. then... the install is straight forward, and I did have to cut to stuff mine in, but I don't mind at all.

What did you cut? Not the shrouding?

[mashimarho]

Just installed mine!
Love it!

You just cut one of the existing clamps thing.

[AGO 530]

Budgeting for at least two hours if it’s your first time is good advice. The O.E.M hose clamp on the passenger side to the intercooler needs to removed and cannot be salvaged (don’t try to) some cut it, I just used a flat head screwdriver to pry up and separate the metal band at the pre cut section. A little lubricant in the hoses and end fittings also helps with proper alignment (you will adjust and re-adjust). I did my intake and charge pipe all at the same time as well. Took about 3.5 hours to get everything aligned and secured the way I liked it. I could probably cut that working time in half if I had to do it again.

[Jdub679]

Who makes the largest intercooler that doesn't require any cutting/trimming?

Also, is there any significant power difference between the 5" and 7" cores? Or does the 7" core just have better ability to keep temps lower for longer?

[ForgedDistributing]

Originally Posted by Jdub679

Who makes the largest intercooler that doesn't require any cutting/trimming?

Also, is there any significant power difference between the 5" and 7" cores? Or does the 7" core just have better ability to keep temps lower for longer?

You will have to cut the existing passenger clamp for MOST intercoolers.
5" intercoolers will not require you to shave off behind the bumper. The 7" will require it because it is larger.

Most 5" intercoolers will support around 500 whp. The 7" Will support more than that.

To answer your question, most 5" intercoolers will be appropriate for your use. There won't be much difference in power between the two for your case. I would find the best bang for the buck.

Sean.

[ronny214]

I have a AA FMIC. It is used and the seller told me the cutting had already been done to it...does cutting occur on the FMIC or on the car? I want to install this tomorrow, hopefully, but I want to know what I'm getting myself into first. I already have an ER Chargepipe on the car.

[mashimarho]

Originally Posted by ronny214

I have a AA FMIC. It is used and the seller told me the cutting had already been done to it...does cutting occur on the FMIC or on the car? I want to install this tomorrow, hopefully, but I want to know what I'm getting myself into first. I already have an ER Chargepipe on the car.

You'll need to cut it off the car. The front mount should fit perfectly, but the clamp is what needs to go, and that's on the car.

[ronny214]

Originally Posted by mashimarho

You'll need to cut it off the car. The front mount should fit perfectly, but the clamp is what needs to go, and that's on the car.

On a scale of 1 to F'ed My Car Up if I were to try to do it myself?

[mashimarho]

Originally Posted by ronny214

On a scale of 1 to F'ed My Car Up if I were to try to do it myself?

Haha
It's straight forward. I would say 8 for 1-10 on easiness. 10 being doing it in your sleep.
Just need to get everything off and literally swap it.