I decided to add some reinforcement, install some needed maintenance items, and tuck in a little bling on the way. After like an hour of cursing, scraped knuckles, and minor lacerations, I gave up. What did I do wrong? I followed the instructions, attaching the passenger side boot and clamp to the horn, and the driver side boot to the intercooler. Intercooler slid right in to the boot on the horn, seated all the way. The driver’s looked me in the eye in defiance and would not go on. Some combination of the stuff boot and the small gap kept me at bay.

Any tricks to share on how to do this? I tried softening the boot a bit but it would have to fold backwards in half to roll on. Physics seems to prevent this.

 

Yep, I have an idea, leave the toy parts to the show car guys,
Stick with real parts, parts that have a proper design and manufacturing process.
The black, stock boots may not look pretty, they do have a solid design and work properly.

Mike

 

Good advice but I already purchased the boots and installed one, so I would like to see it through. I kept the stock boots so I can take the one off, but then I’m not using something I already paid for.

 

Buy the DDM Work ones if you want silicone intercooler boots. I originally had the Alta and I never wanted to murder a puppy that bad... Warm water didn't help and it was a pain all around. They went on, but I had to take the intercooler off again a couple times over the years and the last time, one of them was slightly cut, so I decided to replace them while I was there. DDM boots are softer and went on without a problem.

 

I had read a number off threads on the Alta ones which is why I bought the DDM Works ones. I feel like I’m maybe doing something wrong, but cannot see how.

 

I've taken my M7 boots off and reinstalled them 3 times now. The key is a bit of soapy water and not tightening anything up until both sides are on. I slide the big side on first - a bit too far, then I get the small side started on the horn, push it a bit farther in than it should be, then insert the IC into the bigger boot as far as it'll go. Then I pull the middle of the right boot upward as I push the IC down into the top part of the boot - it starts pretty easily that way - then it just pops in. Then adjust the boots back to where they should be. I'll try to remember to take pictures next time I pull it off.

 

i will give this a try. I have some more work to do around the inter cooler and intake in a few weeks so hopefully that will make this part easier to do. It still amazes me how much can be packed into such a small engine space. I am understanding more why it takes hours upon hours to do things that would seem to be ‘simple’ in many other cars!