SR Motorsports SMIC install help
02-27-16, 07:03 PM
#1
SR Motorsports SMIC install help
Hey guys, I'm having a little trouble installing my SR Motorsports SMIC in my FD.. I was expecting it to just bolt right in, but it seems prior modifications are making it a bit tricky.
I'm trying to re-use the stock IC mount brackets. When I line up the bracket holes with the holes in the mount bar, the front of the SR smic hits the rear of the radiator fan motors, with the IC brackets still a couple inches from the mount bar.
I think it's because of the aftermarket alum radiator on the car, as I've heard other people install it no problems. Anyone have any experience with installing this unit? Hoping I'm not just doing somehing stupid here.
I thought maybe I could try lowering the front of the rad but the ac condenser is there. Or maybe I could mod the brackets so the IC sits farther back or something? Wanted to get some input on here before just starting to do stuff in case there was a better way.
Thanks!
I'm trying to re-use the stock IC mount brackets. When I line up the bracket holes with the holes in the mount bar, the front of the SR smic hits the rear of the radiator fan motors, with the IC brackets still a couple inches from the mount bar.
I think it's because of the aftermarket alum radiator on the car, as I've heard other people install it no problems. Anyone have any experience with installing this unit? Hoping I'm not just doing somehing stupid here.
I thought maybe I could try lowering the front of the rad but the ac condenser is there. Or maybe I could mod the brackets so the IC sits farther back or something? Wanted to get some input on here before just starting to do stuff in case there was a better way.
Thanks!
02-28-16, 01:01 AM
#5
Thanks for the replies, guys!
I do want to have this thing solidly mounted in there... if I need to make up some custom brackets or something, thats not a problem. I just finished making some brackets for my Blitz intakes that I bought used and didn't come with any. I do want to modify the stock IC duct and use it (saw someone else do this on here before), if possible. It may be hard to tell in the photos, but moving it towards the intakes will not solve the problem. The front edge of the IC will hit one/both of the fan motors.
After studying the layout more, I think the problem is that the aftermarket radiator is mounted too high. It does sit in the stock lower radiator mount brackets, but because the radiator is larger, it seems like it may be sitting higher (you can see the curved mount bracket extend below the radiator, see pictures). I'm not sure what the stock upper radiator mount position is, but it looks like it may be in the stock position. There is a mount bracket that sits on a rubber part (I assume for vibration damping). Can someone look at the photos I post and verify? Narfle--I'm not sure what radiator it is. It looks like the Koyo, but it is unmarked (copy?).
I did take measurements for ground clearance for the aluminum radiator and AC condenser, as well as measured the clearance between them (passenger/center/driver and upper/lower points).
The ground clearance for the AC condenser was 7 3/4" (passenger) to 8 1/4". The ground clearance of the 'red bar' (what is this called??) is ~6 1/8" on my car, FYI. What is a minimum safe ground clearance for these components (or at least what is typical)? Would it be safe to lower the AC condenser by adding spacers in?
The gap in between the radiator and condenser ranges from 15/16" to 1 5/8" (the mounting is sketch on the passenger side.. the upper mount is not connected and the lower mount looks semi-rusted through so it hangs lower). The bolts for the condensor mount brackets have less clearance, but I could modify the brackets so this wouldn't be an issue. Is there a minimum gap that should be maintained between the AC condensor and radiator (or what is typical)? Would it be safe to just lower the radiator without lowering the condenser?
Hope all this makes sense... I tried to take a bunch of pictures, especially since I'm not familiar with what the baseline is for these components as my car came modified like this.
I do want to have this thing solidly mounted in there... if I need to make up some custom brackets or something, thats not a problem. I just finished making some brackets for my Blitz intakes that I bought used and didn't come with any. I do want to modify the stock IC duct and use it (saw someone else do this on here before), if possible. It may be hard to tell in the photos, but moving it towards the intakes will not solve the problem. The front edge of the IC will hit one/both of the fan motors.
After studying the layout more, I think the problem is that the aftermarket radiator is mounted too high. It does sit in the stock lower radiator mount brackets, but because the radiator is larger, it seems like it may be sitting higher (you can see the curved mount bracket extend below the radiator, see pictures). I'm not sure what the stock upper radiator mount position is, but it looks like it may be in the stock position. There is a mount bracket that sits on a rubber part (I assume for vibration damping). Can someone look at the photos I post and verify? Narfle--I'm not sure what radiator it is. It looks like the Koyo, but it is unmarked (copy?).
I did take measurements for ground clearance for the aluminum radiator and AC condenser, as well as measured the clearance between them (passenger/center/driver and upper/lower points).
The ground clearance for the AC condenser was 7 3/4" (passenger) to 8 1/4". The ground clearance of the 'red bar' (what is this called??) is ~6 1/8" on my car, FYI. What is a minimum safe ground clearance for these components (or at least what is typical)? Would it be safe to lower the AC condenser by adding spacers in?
The gap in between the radiator and condenser ranges from 15/16" to 1 5/8" (the mounting is sketch on the passenger side.. the upper mount is not connected and the lower mount looks semi-rusted through so it hangs lower). The bolts for the condensor mount brackets have less clearance, but I could modify the brackets so this wouldn't be an issue. Is there a minimum gap that should be maintained between the AC condensor and radiator (or what is typical)? Would it be safe to just lower the radiator without lowering the condenser?
Hope all this makes sense... I tried to take a bunch of pictures, especially since I'm not familiar with what the baseline is for these components as my car came modified like this.
Last edited by photoresistor; 02-28-16 at 01:16 AM.
02-28-16, 01:14 AM
#6
So this is what I'm thinking could solve my problem:
1. Lower radiator (reducing gap between radiator and AC condensor) -- modify upper radiator mount brackets to allow radiator to sit lower so radiator fans sit lower. I might only be able to lower it 1/2" or so before running into the AC condenser mount brackets/bolts or get too close to it.
2. Lower radiator (as above) AND lower AC condensor -- Add spacers/modify AC condensor mount brackets to lower it. Then lower radiator. This would only work if it is okay to reduce the ground clearance for the condenser...
Besides the SRM IC being thicker, it does not have the chamfered top and bottom endcaps like the stock one does.. this is why the SRM is having fitment issues on my car.
Does this seem like a reasonable plan of attack? I'm new to working on cars in general, let alone FD's, so looking for any kind of feedback here! Thanks!
1. Lower radiator (reducing gap between radiator and AC condensor) -- modify upper radiator mount brackets to allow radiator to sit lower so radiator fans sit lower. I might only be able to lower it 1/2" or so before running into the AC condenser mount brackets/bolts or get too close to it.
2. Lower radiator (as above) AND lower AC condensor -- Add spacers/modify AC condensor mount brackets to lower it. Then lower radiator. This would only work if it is okay to reduce the ground clearance for the condenser...
Besides the SRM IC being thicker, it does not have the chamfered top and bottom endcaps like the stock one does.. this is why the SRM is having fitment issues on my car.
Does this seem like a reasonable plan of attack? I'm new to working on cars in general, let alone FD's, so looking for any kind of feedback here! Thanks!
02-28-16, 01:15 PM
#7
You may be able to use the Koyo radiator installation write-ups as a guide for installing a thicker radiator. Looks like both radiator and condenser mounting needs to be checked readdressed. If doing so doesn't address the intercooler interference, could you angle the intercooler in a more forward position (top forward and bottom back) and then remount with new brackets?
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02-28-16, 04:50 PM
#8
Yeah, I've been doing some extensive searching and reading threads on koyo radiator installation.. seems like most people have it installed as mine is (basically stock positions). Wondering if I'm running into this issue specifically because of this SMIC I'm trying to use (its a bit less common).
I'm going to take off the upper radiator mount brackets and try to just let the radiator down and see how far I'd have to lower it to get the SMIC in.. then I'll figure out if I need to also lower the condenser, etc. I'll look at replacing the rusty bracket, etc. also..
I could look into tilting the IC like that, but I think something like that would be a last resort for me.
I'm going to take off the upper radiator mount brackets and try to just let the radiator down and see how far I'd have to lower it to get the SMIC in.. then I'll figure out if I need to also lower the condenser, etc. I'll look at replacing the rusty bracket, etc. also..
I could look into tilting the IC like that, but I think something like that would be a last resort for me.
02-28-16, 06:07 PM
#9
Looks like a combination of things are working against you. I'd start with the making sure the radiator and condenser are mounted securely and out of harms way. It would suck to modify the mounts of those two parts when the real issue is an aftermarket intercooler that was either modified or not properly thought out from the start. But that's just me.
For reference, here is a shot of how the M2 medium intercooler sits. The M2 medium is larger than the intercooler in your pictures but a) sits on the cross bar as opposed to in front of it and b) has a little more forward angle.
For reference, here is a shot of how the M2 medium intercooler sits. The M2 medium is larger than the intercooler in your pictures but a) sits on the cross bar as opposed to in front of it and b) has a little more forward angle.
02-29-16, 03:39 AM
#12
Alright, well I was able to move some stuff around so I could unbolt the radiator brackets and then lower the radiator... I had to lower it ~1.5" in order for the SMIC to fit, and that's with the intercooler being shimmed about a 1/4". Of course I also had to undo the condenser brackets so it could be lowered as well. I need to figure out if it is reasonable to lower these parts this much and, if so, make some new mounting brackets, etc. to mount them there.
There is definitely something wacky about the condenser/radiator mounting... I am interested in getting it up in the air and having someone take a look at the lower radiator mount brackets, etc. to see if we could figure out why it is the way it is. For now, I'll probably go ahead with lowering the condenser and radiator to make way for the SMIC. I could modify the stock IC brackets so the SMIC sits a little further back, which would give a little clearance. I can't go too far back, though, because of the lower 90 degree pipe being close to the belts, etc. I'd probably have to modify the stock air pipes or go a custom route with it.
There is definitely something wacky about the condenser/radiator mounting... I am interested in getting it up in the air and having someone take a look at the lower radiator mount brackets, etc. to see if we could figure out why it is the way it is. For now, I'll probably go ahead with lowering the condenser and radiator to make way for the SMIC. I could modify the stock IC brackets so the SMIC sits a little further back, which would give a little clearance. I can't go too far back, though, because of the lower 90 degree pipe being close to the belts, etc. I'd probably have to modify the stock air pipes or go a custom route with it.
02-29-16, 05:45 AM
#13
Seems like a lot of work for something that wouldn't go anywhere with the intercooler pipes attached. I have an M2 large intercooler just sitting in my engine bay only being held in my the intercooler pipes as well as hundreds of others. But if you want to make a job out of it then more power too ya.
02-29-16, 08:09 PM
#14
If you haven't already done so, remove the rubber lord mounts for each upper corner of the radiator. That will drop it down about have an inch. You can also bend the bottom mounts to get it down further. And get a duct on there ASAP. Without a duct the intercooler will just be heating up the intake air. I believe the stock duct works with that one, possibly with some minor trimming.
03-01-16, 01:54 AM
#15
I got everything to fit!! I'm not totally satisfied with where its at, but I'm just glad I at least was able to button it back up.. I was working in the dark in the rain yesterday night and tonight to get it done, but it feels great to have made it work! 
I lowered the AC hard-line 1/4" on the passenger side, 1/2" on the driver side with spacers. I also lowered the upper condenser mount bracket an entire 1" on the driver side with a spacer. I removed the other bracket and still need to reinstall it.. may need to modify it still so the screws that go into it don't interfere.
Then I made custom mount brackets for the radiator.. basically, I just copied the existing ones but extended the leg down at an angle and made a long slot for adjustment. I made a template out of cardboard and feel pretty lucky I basically got it to work the first time (with some grunting). Everything actually feels very solid right now, even with missing a couple brackets on the condenser.
I really didn't lose much actual ground clearance (I attached a snapshot of before/after). I just lost some clearance on the driver side, but now the condenser actually sits much more level (the ground clearance is much more consistent). Also, the clearance between the radiator and condenser is much more consistent (it is closer than before, but I was told the gap should be ~1/2", which is what it is at the closest spot). I posted a before/after shot... you can really see how much I had to lower the radiator. Does this look too low? Anything I should be wary of? On the bright side, now it looks like I might be able to fit the stock duct in there..
If I was running the M2, then I might go that route.. even if it is done that way by most, something about it not being bolted down would bug me lol (don't know what that says about me...). With this IC, though, it doesn't rest on the mount bar, so I feel like it is a lot less secure than one that does, like the M2. I don't mind making up some custom brackets or something, anyways. I just did it for the first time a few days ago, so its still fresh and new to me.
Ah, I didn't think to do that.. that would have been easier than making these brackets. At least this way I have a fair amount of adjustment. I may look eventually at the lower mounts to see if I could lower those a bit so I wouldn't have to drop the front of the radiator so much. Sounds good on the ducting--I just picked up a stock IC duct that I'm planning on modifying to better fit the SR SMIC.. I'm also planning on making a heat shield beneath the intakes but I still need to figure out how to best do this.
I lowered the AC hard-line 1/4" on the passenger side, 1/2" on the driver side with spacers. I also lowered the upper condenser mount bracket an entire 1" on the driver side with a spacer. I removed the other bracket and still need to reinstall it.. may need to modify it still so the screws that go into it don't interfere.
Then I made custom mount brackets for the radiator.. basically, I just copied the existing ones but extended the leg down at an angle and made a long slot for adjustment. I made a template out of cardboard and feel pretty lucky I basically got it to work the first time (with some grunting). Everything actually feels very solid right now, even with missing a couple brackets on the condenser.
I really didn't lose much actual ground clearance (I attached a snapshot of before/after). I just lost some clearance on the driver side, but now the condenser actually sits much more level (the ground clearance is much more consistent). Also, the clearance between the radiator and condenser is much more consistent (it is closer than before, but I was told the gap should be ~1/2", which is what it is at the closest spot). I posted a before/after shot... you can really see how much I had to lower the radiator. Does this look too low? Anything I should be wary of? On the bright side, now it looks like I might be able to fit the stock duct in there..
Seems like a lot of work for something that wouldn't go anywhere with the intercooler pipes attached. I have an M2 large intercooler just sitting in my engine bay only being held in my the intercooler pipes as well as hundreds of others. But if you want to make a job out of it then more power too ya.
Originally Posted by IRPerformance
If you haven't already done so, remove the rubber lord mounts for each upper corner of the radiator. That will drop it down about have an inch. You can also bend the bottom mounts to get it down further. And get a duct on there ASAP. Without a duct the intercooler will just be heating up the intake air. I believe the stock duct works with that one, possibly with some minor trimming.
03-01-16, 01:59 AM
#16
Here's pictures with things buttoned back up a bit.. also test-fitted the amemiya AST I bought. It's not fitting perfectly level--is that a problem? Also attached a picture of my great work space haha.
Thanks everyone for the input! Please let me know if you see anything that looks off.. I took my best stab at it to what mechanically made sense to me, but I'm new to this!
Thanks everyone for the input! Please let me know if you see anything that looks off.. I took my best stab at it to what mechanically made sense to me, but I'm new to this!
03-02-16, 08:34 PM
#19
I also made the mistake of forgetting to tighten up one of my IC hoses after getting it in.. after I installed my PFC, I noticed the car was very sluggish. Then I noticed I was not getting any boost. Then I opened my hood and played the "where's my boost leak?" game for about .25 seconds (see attached photo). I also managed to over-tighten and break off the head of the bolt I was using to mount my AST to the IC.. not sure yet how I'm getting myself out of that one. :/ You live, you learn (I hope)?
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