[Aqid]

Hi All. I've been looking in the DIY section here on a good guide to install my new 5" VRSF FMIC. I'm fairly new to most of this and really like to have a guide to follow along. I found one for another brand, but it seemed to need a lot of cutting in the bumper - which from my understanding shouldn't be necessary with the 5" stepped model. Also, I read the fittings are non oem, so I'm a little confused about how to make that fit as well. Does anybody know of a good DIY guide, preferably for this particular FMIC? Or can someone who installed this model give me pointers on how this install might differ from the guide that I did find? I'd really appreciate it!

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

I don't know if one specific for VRSF is available but the concept is pretty simple.

You have the intercooler core, inlet and outlet couplers, clamps for the couplers and 2 screws at the bottom.

That's it. Replace the old with the new. Oh and you'll have to remove the under-shield panel which is 10+ 8MM bolts to gain access to the intercooler. Also I believe the stock intercooler might have some tabs you need to clock to remove it. You'll see. It's pretty simple.

[xyaaeg234g234]

Not VSRF - but the procedures should be the same or close enough to get you through it.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Dont think a DYI is needed for an intercooler ... Once you remove the bumper you will figure out how it is done fairly easily

[Aqid]

Thanks for the replies all, that makes me feel a little better about it

[Aqid]

Okay so after watching those movies I feel that the actual swap is not too bad. The one thing I'm uncertain about is the couplers. Both of those videos showed FMIC's that fit onto the stock pipes. These seem a different size and don't have the same connectors. Do I place the rubber hoses that come with the VRSF over the stock metal connectors on the car side? Or do I remove the stock metal connectors in order for the rubber VRSF hoses to fit? Sorry I know this is probably a stupid question and it will probably speak for itself once I'm under the car, but I like to go in prepared and know what to expect.

[gabylonfive]

you're going to need to cut the lower band clamps off the stock IC couplers as those connect via spring clips. The silicone hoses on the VRSF intercooler connect via worm clamps so that'll be the biggest difference for you. use a dremel or other rotary tool and you should be fine.

[joshe92]

subscribed

[Tsujen]

Exactly as gabyonfive said, just cut off the stock bands and the vrsf ones are kinda easy to put on. I was in the same boat as you, no diy anywhere but the videos above are pretty similar and helped a lot. It gives you the general idea on how to do it.

One thing, just take your time. Even if it takes you 3-4 hours what should take 1-2 hours its better you did things right and took your time because it's going to be on your car for months/years. Enjoy it after you're done and take pics

[MDORPHN]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Dont think a DYI is needed for an intercooler ... Once you remove the bumper you will figure out how it is done fairly easily

FWIW, I've installed several intercoolers on N54-powered BMWs and never even considered removing the front bumper cover.

Neil

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by MDORPHN

FWIW, I've installed several intercoolers on N54-powered BMWs and never even considered removing the front bumper cover.

Neil

It can definitely be done without removing the bumper

I recommend doing the extra work for 1st time installers because it makes the install process much easier

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Removing the front bumper is a real pain.

A 5" FMIC doesnt need it removed. It wont even help as everything is done from underneath. I'd recommend not removing it as it just adds time and annoyance to the install.

[Billit335]

Just did my ATM Intercooler, no need at all to remove the front bumper. Like other suggest use a rotary tool to cut those bands on, I did some minor trimming so the Intercooler would fit snug. Nothing bad thought, fits like a glove.

[Aqid]

I'm glad I asked, I wouldn't have brought my dremel otherwise Thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate it. Going to try it at a colleague's house on Sunday, I'll post the results!

[Rocko123]

[Aqid]

Originally Posted by Rocko123

Thanks for the support

[Jonah335]

I'd suggest using a deep welled socket and tighten the clamps to the max. I used a regular socket the first time and had to get back under the car after it came off

[Jklad]

As others said no need to remove the bumper. It's nice to have an extra set of hand from a friend help you slide it over the bottom edge of the bumper while you align it and clamp it down though.

Also, back when I got my 7in, the oem passenger side tube tubing from the turbo to the ic had a rubber portion of tubing which attached to the stock ic. I had to use a Dremel (others used a flat head screw driver) to split open the stock band clamp that held the rubber portion to the hot side Cp. Then I replaced the oem rubber portion with the supplied rubber tubing from vrsf and clamped both ends down with supplied clamps (one clamp to the hot side Cp connection, another clamp for the ic connection.)

Also, make sure the clamps are placed past the beads, and clamp them down tight or they will pop off after some time.

[theweebabySeamus]

Originally Posted by Aqid

Hi All. I've been looking in the DIY section here on a good guide to install my new 5" VRSF FMIC. I'm fairly new to most of this and really like to have a guide to follow along. I found one for another brand, but it seemed to need a lot of cutting in the bumper - which from my understanding shouldn't be necessary with the 5" stepped model. Also, I read the fittings are non oem, so I'm a little confused about how to make that fit as well. Does anybody know of a good DIY guide, preferably for this particular FMIC? Or can someone who installed this model give me pointers on how this install might differ from the guide that I did find? I'd really appreciate it!

Echoing the sentiment of others here, it really is very simple. Once you get under the car you'll see why.

[Kevinl]

I just installed my vrsf 5" intercooler it went pretty smooth will find out tomorrow if there are are any issues

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Kevinl

I just installed my vrsf 5" intercooler it went pretty smooth will find out tomorrow if there are are any issues

Pics?

[Aqid]

Thanks for the additional tips! I ended up not doing it last weekend due to sudden temperature drops and having to work outside. I can only do it during the weekends and I'll be out of town next weekend, so now I'll have to wait until the weekend after that Either way I'll post some pics when it's done