[floridaorange]

I think I figured it out... will report back.. but the c-clamps dont want to disconnect from the tubes attached to OEM IC. I was told the black part that holds the clamps actually slides toward the front of the car to disconnect completely? Anyway will try again tomorrow.

View post on imgur.com

[the dope steez]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

I think I figured it out... will report back.. but the c-clamps dont want to disconnect from the tubes attached to OEM IC. I was told the black part that holds the clamps actually slides toward the front of the car to disconnect completely? Anyway will try again tomorrow.

View post on imgur.com

Ya those dumb black clips slide toward the open end of the pipe if I recall correctly. I was able to get one off cleanly for the TIC, then I mangled the other one on the charge pipe. Doesn't matter they don't need to be reused.

[floridaorange]

Why don't they need to be reused?

[the dope steez]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Why don't they need to be reused?

If we're talking about the same thing, the black clips that kind of hold the C clips in place, no they don't need to be reused.

The metal c clip performs the function of seating the charge pipe in place. On my aftermarket charge pipe there aren't even tabs that would accommodate that black plastic clip

[sspade]

I was nervous at first as well... had to mangle the black clips to get off (because I didnt know the proper way to remove).

Fast forward about 30k miles and zero issues.

I was urged from the forum that the black clips are not necessary to re use... I trusted and everything has been fine.

[floridaorange]

I still need to get a charge pipe... in the meantime I'll break those clamps off and buy a hose clamp I guess. Thanks!

[sspade]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

I still need to get a charge pipe... in the meantime I'll break those clamps off and buy a hose clamp I guess. Thanks!

Look into Treadstone Performance (Miami)

I rock charge and TIC pipe from them (both sides).

EXCELLENT quality and fitment. Great pricing.

Id get both, do it once and be done with it knowing you're entire charge air system is super tight and leak free.

[alohasurftoad]

the plastic retainer covers the c-clip. there are two tiny anvil shaped tabs. pull/push on each side of the retainer equally, towards the intercooler to unclip the retainer. breaking it is unnecessary.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...arge+pipe+clip

[the dope steez]

Originally Posted by alohasurftoad

the plastic retainer covers the c-clip. there are two tiny anvil shaped tabs. pull/push on each side of the retainer equally, towards the intercooler to unclip the retainer. breaking it is unnecessary.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...arge+pipe+clip

But what if you're 6 beers deep and can't get the f'in thing off and your knuckles are all bloody?
I would say breaking that part is very necessary

[floridaorange]

C-clamps definitely were needed - reused - just to be clear. Definitely noticing better response in the 4/5 rpm range and the car seems to be staying cooler, it's a hot night in Florida and I drove it fairly hard. Now I need the new pipes, bm3 and new spark plugs .

Thanks for the help!

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by sspade

Look into Treadstone Performance (Miami)

I rock charge and TIC pipe from them (both sides).

EXCELLENT quality and fitment. Great pricing.

Id get both, do it once and be done with it knowing you're entire charge air system is super tight and leak free.

SICK THANKS!

[Steakpizza]

Originally Posted by floridaorange

After finishing and realizing there was a leak, I put my car back up on the ramp I built , and re-used the c-clamps. The black plastic part did not break but are not needed as someone pointed out. I also used hose clamps for reinforcement. Definitely noticing better response in the 4/5 rpm range and the car seems to be staying cooler, it's a hot night in Florida and I drove it fairly hard. Now I need the new pipes, bm3 and new spark plugs .

Thanks for the help!

You didn't have to take the bumper off right? How long overall for the install?

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

You didn't have to take the bumper off right? How long overall for the install?

No bumper removal necessary. I did my FMIC in like 45 minutes, the only thing I took of was the belly pan.

[floridaorange]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

You didn't have to take the bumper off right? How long overall for the install?

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

You didn't have to take the bumper off right? How long overall for the install?

Definitely no need to remove bumper!
Make sure you have around 1.5 ft under it helps for leverage. It's a really simple process. Once belly pan is off - unscrew 1 screw on either side of IC. Then pull the c-clips off completely with flat head. They need to come out of the little slot they stick in. This is what keeps the hoses connected to IC - Then just a little pry with flat head and the oem IC hoses disconnect - use the flathead though to pry. Then just pull the oem ic out — It's garbage you'll be amazed. Cheap piece of junk - well mine was anyway. The new one you just push up and in with some pressure - screw the same screws - attach hoses - re-insert clips - re attach pan - done. Took me an hour - but I'm getting over pneumonia and I'm extremely cautious not to do anything wrong.

I'm noticing better throttle response and even a throatier exhaust note from inside cabin - I only expected cooler temps so this has been a really fun upgrade. And it makes sense because I'm pretty sure the original ic wasn't doing much.

[floridaorange]

Anyone know of my f30 N20 is Flange TYPE: SQV SSQV?