Anyone want to share their thoughts, tips, stories, warnings, opinions for installing a new pair of Alta intercooler silicone couplers?

Thanks!

 

A lot of Patience, you will need.




I don't remember how I did it but all I remember is it was a pain in the a$$.

 

Have a bucket of curse words ready. As much as you want to use sharp pointy objects to pry the things on there, be careful so that you don't ruin the silicone. Just keep working with them and they will go on.

 

/\ +1 The first few times are a pain in the @ss. But it does get easier.

Make sure you have a good seal when you get them on. Double check the underside of the coupler to make sure it didn't get pinch. You'll know if it's not on right, it'll be louder then hell and popping if you don't have it on correctly and the rev will not stay steady.

Take your time.

I think I read a few people have warmed it up in water to get a little bit more elasticity out of the silicone. But I can't find the thread.

 

The best thing to do is warm em up first. Either use some VERY HOT water and let them soak, or some people have microwaved them (I am not condoning that!) Also, the use of a NICE bent awl will be a lifesaver!

Let me know if I can help further!

 

+1

I used a heat gun to warm them up. Slid right on.

 

i took mine to my local dealership and had them replace the defective OEM piece with this one.....my OEM boot split at a track day and i used lots of duct tape to run one more session, then get home. my favorite MINI tech did the cussing for me. i love those guys!

 

Anyone notice the driver side boot to be a MUCH tighter install relative to the left? The passenger side is fairly loose - currently letting my intercooler dry out after cleaning and considering whether the left boot will work or not since it's so loose...

 

Yeah, I noticed that when removing them. I was also surprised at how much difference there is the thicknesses between OEM and silicone.

BTW, I simply placed the silicone couplers in boiling water for a few minutes and they went on with no hassles... heat is definitely the answer!

 

just use lots of cuss words and many empty threats of ending thier existence if they won't slide on, that always seems to do the job for me

 

anyone try them with the alta V2 intercooler, I can only get the passenger side on, havent tried boiling water yet though.

 

Hey motorer03,

Don't know if this helps, but (on the driver's side)try putting the hose on the intercooler first, then attach the driver's side. Then repeat on the passenger side. Placing these in boiling hot water for 5-10 minutes really works.

Just don't use an expensive pot... it won't do any damage, but my wife freaked!

Good luck!

 

Another hint is to loosen up the front IC mount bolts. It allows a bit more movement of the IC and can make it easier.

 

Lube up the insides with some oil or dish washing detergent. They will slide right on. Only problem is you have to be careful tightening the clamps before they slip off. Im always taking them off on my other car and eventually got it down to an art!
And you are lucky there are only two on the Mini and they arent under the front bumper!