FMIC Install

[ryant601]

Hi guys,

I've decided that a FMIC is to be my next mod and had a few questions re: the install. Is this something that an average DIY mechanic can take car of with the proper tools, or is it best left for a professional? I don't see any install posts, and reading on the web there's alot of variance among different cars - so I just want to get an idea.

Thanks

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[bluestang50]

 

[MAPerformance]

Thanks, I was just getting ready to post the same video ;). Here it is embeded in the forum though for easy access!

[ame]

 

[ryant601]

Seems like alot of little steps and ALOT easier with a lift. I'll have to do some more research. I do like the MAP unit though.

 

[MAPerformance]

Seems like alot of little steps and ALOT easier with a lift. I'll have to do some more research. I do like the MAP unit though.

Doing it on the ground isn't too much different, you can even drive the car up on ramps. Overall install time from the ground would be about 45 minutes. ScottP on the forums here should chime in when he sees this. He installed his MAP intercooler on the ground.

 

[neodark]

It's not too hard if you can keep track of nuts/bolts... just take you time, and double/triple check everything. You'll learn about your car in the process, and enjoy the fact YOU did it.

 

[ryant601]

It's not too hard if you can keep track of nuts/bolts... just take you time, and double/triple check everything. You'll learn about your car in the process, and enjoy the fact YOU did it.

That's kind of why I'm interested in DIY, upgrading from a corolla to a mustang I've got a serious connection with the car - I'd love to know more about it.

 

[Edwin]

I just installed my CAI myself a couple days ago and it was my first DIY install. Nothing beats the feeling of doing the work yourself. Just take your time and double check everything. No better way to learn more about your car than to get in there yourself! Good luck on the install, the MAP intercooler sounds like an excellent choice.

 

[Nihil]

Since I don't have the net where the garage is I am going to use to do mine I recorded the youtube video with my phone camera for reference lol.

 

[ryant601]

Since I don't have the net where the garage is I am going to use to do mine I recorded the youtube video with my phone camera for reference lol.

Godspeed haha

 

[EcoSwag1990]

Lol you couldn't just load the video on a laptop?

 

[Juben]

It's not hard at all. I did mine in freezing weather (32°) on my carport, so it took a bit longer than it would have on a day like today, but overall, it isn't bad and an average mechanic could do it with hand tools.

On Lethal's website, they have a bumper removal how-to for their aftermarket grill options. I followed those instructions and it gets you right to the point where you unbolt the factory unit (it doesn't show that part because it's a grill upgrade how-to), but again, it's really straight-forward and easily done.

With that said, you have to remove the bumper on some aftermarket FMICs and you don't on others. On the short, fat units like MAP, Mishimoto, etc., you don't have to remove the bumper (they say; I don't have experience with that kind). On the tall, thin units like Levels Performance, Full Race, MMR, etc., you have to remove the bumper. Removing the bumper is simple though, if you go that route.

The most time consuming part of the whole install process was removing the 1.4 million bolts on the belly (splash) pan. If you had access to some power tools, you could do it really quickly.

 

[Impulsed7]

I didn't have to take anything off from up top to get mine in. If you are pretty good with getting it to fit in there, you don't need to remove the intake, condenser, or top cover. I even have the Mishi oil cooler in the way.

 

[Juben]

I didn't have to take anything off from up top to get mine in. If you are pretty good with getting it to fit in there, you don't need to remove the intake, condenser, or top cover. I even have the Mishi oil cooler in the way.

I did the entire job from the bottom and didn't remove anything up top.

 

[Anthony@HTM]

Very easy! Just take a look at a few of these install videos!

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