Greddy Vspec FMIC install w/ bumper reinforcement 56k BEWARE
 

Installed my greddy vspec 2 row fmic over the weekend. Overall everything was pretty straight forward except getting the bumper reinforcement to fit. Alot of threads I have read people have said there is no way to keep the reinforcement or so much must be cut that it wouldnt even matter if you had it or not. I'm sure a select few have made a great attempt to keep it but not sure how many have succeeded since there isnt much mention of it.

Took me about 12 hours over 2 days and required ALOT of cutting and ALOT of test fitting. Here's some pix:

up and mounted
http://img119.exs.cx/img119/3043/4482.jpg

How much of the bumper I cut and where to cut the reinforcement (cut out the bottom of the reinforcement so so you fit it against the IC like in the pictures and cut out a V where the top bracket goes; measure to be sure). In retrospect I cut too much of the bumper because I didnt expect the reinforcement to fit.
http://img123.exs.cx/img123/2194/4858.jpg

Cut the bumper reinforcement brackets about 40% (just mark and test fit so it doesnt interfere with the core)
http://img107.exs.cx/img107/6356/4818.jpg
http://img14.exs.cx/img14/4506/17135.jpg

The bracket must sit slightly farther out on both sides since the core is so thick so I used some extra nuts I had laying around that slipped over them (didnt have enough washers) and it was enough clearance to clear the core.
http://img14.exs.cx/img14/4473/17136.jpg

Bumper test fitted over core and reinforcement
http://img107.exs.cx/img107/4817/4821.jpg

All done, except I need to fix my possessed headlights
http://img107.exs.cx/img107/9848/4822.jpg

Notice I didnt take any pictures of the engine bay. It's because I am still running the TMIC because I need a flange welded for my BOV and a nipple welded for my BAC so I didnt install pipe 1 and 5. I let the car idle for 10 minutes after warming up and dindt notice a temperature change at all with a Blitz aftermarket electric water temp gauge with the sender in stock position and underbody tray. Didnt drive it around so I'll let you know how the water temps have changed if any. I have a stock clutch fan and can feel air being pulled through the IC. Also have AC and PS still. Any questions feel free to ask. The whole project wasnt as bad as I thought, but I highly recommend having a sawzall. :bigthumb:

Installation looks pretty good. Can't wait to see your car fully tuned and see what kind of numbers it pushes out. :D

looks great you made it look easy when i get my fmic i hope i don't have to take it somewhere to be installed

Thanks guys.

Yea Dan I cant wait to have Dave tune my car. I'm getting an AVCR so I need to set that up. Maybe we'll have another dyno day before the end of the year.

Nice man. Love the color.

Nice!!! :D
we still gotta run our cars one of these days.

I <3 big intercoolers.

Looks like you did a pretty good job cutting out the bumper too, looks nice :bigthumb:

i got some questions on the greddy intercoolers can someone answer them for me whats the difference between the r spec and v spec how much hp can each one handle and what one is the better one to get

I never knew the kit came w/worm clamps.

I used tin snips to cut the bumper and it turned out pretty well. I wish I had a grinder to smooth out some of the jagged edges.

The only difference that I know of between the V spec and R spec is that the v spec is for the stock turbo and the R spec is for the greddy turbo kit. I'm not sure how much hp they can handle but even guys like 1fastt2 with over 500whp did fine with this IC. There are are 3 row greddy fmic kits but those are a little overkill for what most people are looking for and even more difficult to fit in.

Thanks for all the compliments guys.

R and V spec have different core designs, afaik.

News to me. Thank you for the correction.

Of the Two, Two Row Greddy Kits
The cheaper is recommended for Less than 15 pounds
The more expensive for Above 15 pounds

These are only recommendations, and i'm sure it will still handle over 15 pounds.

good work Ilike2eatricers. I have the same kit and you will find in the summer that the highway temps will raise on you. I took a dremel and cut the side molding out of the front to give it more air. Dropped temps down as per my aftermarket guage. And I also went back to the clutch fan.

I dont want to cut anymore of my bumper out. Too much of the reinforcement will be visible haha. If I was gonna do it again I would find some thick metal plates and drill holes in them instead of using washers. It should be alot more effective in the event of a crash.

I have a feeling you will change your mind in the summer and get more air in the front of that thing.

Nice job-looks aggressive! Is that a dent in the bottom of the new cooler? I traded the Greddy 3 core kit for the one you have. Then I decided I didn't want to cut up the front end and lose the foglights, so I sold it and am going custom.

That is a dent. :( I thought no one would notice. The jack I have lowers really quickly and to slow it down I pump the jack down slowly while loosening it and it still dropped too fast and the bar put a nice dent on the core. I'm not sure if there is anything I can do to make it look a little better but I'm reluctant to try since I may mess it up even more.

I also need to get a radiator panel as well as a nice lip.

thanks for clearing that up for me everyone just one more question what fmic would be good for me i think im going to get a bnr stage 3 or 4 turbo and plan to run around 8-12 psi while just driving but want to push 15-20 psi while going to the drag strip and to race what ic do you's reccomend me to get

Well, for the price, unless you wanna go custom (not always cheaper), you can't beat the GReddy V-SPL..

Finally got the flange welded on the pipe for my bov. Here's a pic of everything all done.

http://img72.exs.cx/img72/7580/bling14zo.jpg

Damn, that looks really good!! The photo of the intercooler from the front in your driveway looks really good!!!!!

Thanks. I had to put put #5 (throttle body pipe) on a bench vise to get less than a 1/4" of clearance to fit next to the PS.

Looks great! Nice to see an install that still has the battery, fan, shroud, a/c, and p/s under the hood. Everyone seems to like getting rid of all the accessories in their street car these days :boring:.

I like comfort ;) I just dont care for the environment :rlaugh: