hello all. i just installed an alta front mount intercooler, downpipe, and catback exhaust. when i got it home it smelled like plastic burning and there was what seem to be smoke or steam coming from my upper grille. i was wondeing if anyone ran into the same problem? i kind of figured that the new cat would have a smell to it but thats out back by the tips. there were some issues with the heatshield install as i would assume everyone ran into that when putting the downpipe. i could only put in 6 out of the 10 bolts in. the bottom 3 and the top 3 but not the ones in the middle. could that be a factor? the heatshield does feel tight and there are no gaps in between upper and lower shields. also the intercooler was a tight fit. it seemed that the hoses weren't long enough, they just barely fit--i mean barely. with all this i did not get a hot light. so is it the intercooler since its larger than factory which could be taking away froms its previous cooling area or could it be the larger downpipe? also it is 28 degrees here and i am worried when summer comes. thanks guys for your input.

 

Its just burnout from the new system. Totally normal. It will stop after a few miles.

 

that makes me feel so much better. i was so worried i did something wrong. did you run into the same problems like the heatshileds? how does that ecu work for you, do you notice the gains? thanks again for the help!

 

the smell you describe definitely sounds like the exhaust which is normal for maybe a few hundred miles but definitely keep an eye on the steam up front. It may just be that powdery substance on the exhaust. I had the same difficulty with the heat shield but mine is on very solid even with a few of the upper heat shield lower bolts not reinstalled.

 

i was just thinking, i used the polishing cloth that came with the downpipe. maybe that could be burning off. thats good to hear about the bolts as the instructions say to install them but it seems impossible! did you have the steam or the smell? thanks

 

Sounds and smells normal. Should go away ASAP. Don't stress about the little bolts they are a PITA, but if you get a wee rattle, then you know where to look. Thanks again for the business!