i started the install today and came to a complete halt when i hit the vacuum hose install. i am leaving the flap open. i did the wiring without much trouble...but i don't see how i can get my hands into where that vacuum hose goes. can anyone either give me help and encouragement to do the hose....or, since i'm leaving the flap open do i need to connect the hose at all?? i thought i heard of someone putting a screw in the vacuum hose end. is this okay? any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

The only purpose of the hose is to provide vacuum to open the flap. The flap is normally closed until the combination of vacuum and the RPM signal from the ECU harness activate it. If you're going to either remove the flap entirely, or use something to block it in the "open" position, then you don't need to connect neither the vacuum line nor the wiring.

FWIW, it's much easier to get to the vacuum connection if you remove the intercooler cover. Just four torx screws. Easy.

 

i thought you might come to the rescue. yes i have it blocked so that i can use it as intended down the line. i read a thread where you mentioned taking the intercooler off....so i tried it and could only get three of the bolts off! another roadblock! (perhaps a slightly larger torx size than those used on the intercooler partition would do it?). since i didn't have anything else that fits (my other torx were too big) it came down to using the internet. are those bolts suppossed to be torx 25? 25 started to strip and 30 was too big

thanks blimey