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      07-01-2009, 08:29 PM   #1
JohnL135I
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How do I remove factory intercooler clamp

How do I remove the factory boost tube clamp that holds the stock tube that goes into the factory intercooler? It appears to be a pressed clamp, and I don't have much room to work with. Trying to install a code 3 intercooler.

Thanks
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      07-01-2009, 08:38 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnL135I View Post
How do I remove the factory boost tube clamp that holds the stock tube that goes into the factory intercooler? It appears to be a pressed clamp, and I don't have much room to work with. Trying to install a code 3 intercooler.

Thanks
You cut it. That's the only way.
If you want to ever go back to stock then put a regular clamp back on.
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      07-01-2009, 08:44 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. 5 View Post
You cut it. That's the only way.
If you want to ever go back to stock then put a regular clamp back on.
nope,


you can get it off w/ out cutting. It is a pressed on clamp so there is a keyed line where the clamp connects to itself. If your lucky the clamp is oriented on your car where you can see and get to that keyed line. Look for the line and use a long flathead screwdriver. Drive the screwdriver under the clamp right at that line and twist....HARD. If you get the screwdriver underneath right at that clamp and twist it will release and you can just take the clamp off.


If you cant get to the connection point....then like Mr. 5 said you'll need to cut it


once you have access to those clamps you can have those unclipped and ther intercooler out in less than 5 minutes.

I've done quite a few intercooler installs at this point and only 1 car needed a clamp cut off.
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      07-01-2009, 08:50 PM   #4
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Yah, I guess you're right, but it's not worth it.
Just cut the thing and don't worry about it.
Are you reusing these clamps then?

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Originally Posted by Sniz View Post
nope,


you can get it off w/ out cutting. It is a pressed on clamp so there is a keyed line where the clamp connects to itself. If your lucky the clamp is oriented on your car where you can see and get to that keyed line. Look for the line and use a long flathead screwdriver. Drive the screwdriver under the clamp right at that line and twist....HARD. If you get the screwdriver underneath right at that clamp and twist it will release and you can just take the clamp off.


If you cant get to the connection point....then like Mr. 5 said you'll need to cut it


once you have access to those clamps you can have those unclipped and ther intercooler out in less than 5 minutes.

I've done quite a few intercooler installs at this point and only 1 car needed a clamp cut off.
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      07-01-2009, 08:54 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. 5 View Post
Yah, I guess you're right, but it's not worth it.
Just cut the thing and don't worry about it.
Are you reusing these clamps then?
they can be reused but i wouldnt, most of the time they are mangled pretty good.

but using the screwdriver you dont damage anything else in the car including the stock couplings so they can be reused very easily.

that and most people won't have something to easily cut these clamps effectively.
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      07-01-2009, 08:54 PM   #6
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I can see the key, however I have very little room to work with (1 series), I'll try and get a screw driver under it, but at this point I'm not having any luck.

Thanks for the suggestions... this clamp is kicking my a$$$$$'s
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      07-01-2009, 09:00 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnL135I View Post
I can see the key, however I have very little room to work with (1 series), I'll try and get a screw driver under it, but at this point I'm not having any luck.

Thanks for the suggestions... this clamp is kicking my a$$$$$'s
use a hammer to drive the screwdriver under the clamp.....kick the clamps ass!
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      07-01-2009, 09:05 PM   #8
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Quote:
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use a hammer to drive the screwdriver under the clamp.....kick the clamps ass!
Ok, going back under with a Hammer.....
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      07-01-2009, 09:13 PM   #9
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Quote:
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Ok, going back under with a Hammer.....
best of luck
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      07-01-2009, 09:23 PM   #10
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Ok, going back under with a Hammer.....
famous last words..

get a Dremel with a carbide bit and cut that bitch like a snitch in jail!
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      07-01-2009, 10:03 PM   #11
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driver side took 5 second...passenger side took spent over 2 damn hours still couldn't get it out. At the end, asked my friend to stop by Home Depot buy me a long flat head screw driver 18" long, reach in twist and clamp pop out.
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      07-01-2009, 10:53 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sniz View Post
they can be reused but i wouldnt, most of the time they are mangled pretty good.

but using the screwdriver you dont damage anything else in the car including the stock couplings so they can be reused very easily.

that and most people won't have something to easily cut these clamps effectively.
The dremel worked perfect for me.
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      07-01-2009, 11:23 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. 5 View Post
The dremel worked perfect for me.

I thought dremel tools were only useful for ecu work!
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      07-02-2009, 05:22 AM   #14
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Intercooler install is now complete

Thanks for all the help, I had to get a 8 inch flat head, and It was just long enough.... A 10 inch would have been golden. I think I spent a good 2 hours on that clamp, but its dead now.

Cheers
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      07-02-2009, 08:00 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnL135I View Post
Intercooler install is now complete

Thanks for all the help, I had to get a 8 inch flat head, and It was just long enough.... A 10 inch would have been golden. I think I spent a good 2 hours on that clamp, but its dead now.

Cheers

excellent!

yes a good long flat head is needed.

glad you got it off and the new intercooler in
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      07-02-2009, 08:50 AM   #16
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I thought dremel tools were only useful for ecu work!
They are!

Here's my proof

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      07-02-2009, 08:55 AM   #17
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They are!

Here's my proof





love it, thats me on the left and Zax on the right.

too funny, only person to ever use a Dremel on his ECU.
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      07-02-2009, 09:02 AM   #18
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love it, thats me on the left and Zax on the right.

too funny, only person to ever use a Dremel on his ECU in Mexico.
Fixed
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      07-02-2009, 09:09 AM   #19
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Fixed
of course
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      07-02-2009, 11:25 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. 5 View Post
The dremel worked perfect for me.
+1 Dremel with the cutting tool. Nice and small...worked perfectly. I tried to pry the OEM clamp out as well but no luck. Not worth the hassle especially if you are not going to reuse them. Just cut slowly so you don't go too far.
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      07-02-2009, 11:38 AM   #21
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try this DIY ...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91461
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      07-02-2009, 12:29 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Septro View Post
famous last words..

get a Dremel with a carbide bit and cut that bitch like a snitch in jail!
+1 just don't cut to far, i have a nice cut in my oem tubing now!
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