Boost Tube Replacement

[AllLostThings]

I just got some used Street Unit Silicone boost tubes. I'm sorry for stupid questions but the inside of these are lined with a kind of sticky grease. I was thinking I should clean them out before I install but I really don't know. Also how hard is the install? I think I read before that it's easier to remove the intercooler, 4 bolts? Thanks for any help!

 

[MM BOOST]

+1, I am about to order mine today and would like to know this too!

 

[AutoEuphoria]

3 Bolts to remove the intercooler. Simple install...shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour if you really take your time. Just be VERY careful not to bend any of the fins in the intercooler. Remove the 3 bolts holding the intercooler on and loosen up the hose clamps on the "to" and "from" stock hoses. Unbolt the bypass valve from the intercooler. Pull the intercooler straight up, and wiggle it a bit and it should come right off. Loosen the other hose clamps, replace with the aftermarket ones, and follow the same procedure in reverse. Very simple. As for the grease, you should probably clean that out...probably just a byproduct of the manufacturing process.

 

[AllLostThings]

3 Bolts to remove the intercooler. Simple install...shouldn't take more than 1/2 hour if you really take your time. Just be VERY careful not to bend any of the fins in the intercooler. Remove the 3 bolts holding the intercooler on and loosen up the hose clamps on the "to" and "from" stock hoses. Unbolt the bypass valve from the intercooler. Pull the intercooler straight up, and wiggle it a bit and it should come right off. Loosen the other hose clamps, replace with the aftermarket ones, and follow the same procedure in reverse. Very simple. As for the grease, you should probably clean that out...probably just a byproduct of the manufacturing process.

You rock man thank you!! I was hoping to get a response before it got too dark outside today!

 

[AutoEuphoria]

I should mention that you'll want to remove the intercooler shroud (the black piece covering the intercooler), too, which is just the two bolts in front. Take the bolts out, lift up slightly on the front and push back. That should free it...just lift up and take off...then proceed as mentioned.

 

[AllLostThings]

Install finished! Thank you for the quick response. It took a litle over 30 min (I've got big hands) but it was as easy as you said.

 

[PCspeed3]

what is the puropse of this new tubing? Stiffer? Thicker?

 

[AutoEuphoria]

Probably for looks, mostly. The stock tubing isn't ribbed, and they're both fairly short, so I don't think they increase flow. They might do a better job of keeping the heat out.

 

[LoeyTheBeat]

they're a lot stiffer and improve throttle response from what i've heard

the stock ones are softer so they flex under heavy acceleration

AllLostThings, you feel any difference with them? I've been considering some and if the install is this easy i might get 'em.

 

[AllLostThings]

I got them from a member on here who ditched them when he got his FMIC. I took it for a spin today after the install (which was VERY easy by the way). I thought at some points I noticed a bit better response when taking of in first but I never really hammered on it. Bottom line for me, they were $65, are known to improve throttle response, and look better than stock.

 

[AutoXRacer]

The stock ones are crap...too soft.

The silicone ones deform less under boost... I doubt you'll feel a difference in performance. Its just one of those mods you do to have better quality parts on your engine. Though, the purpose of changing boost tubes, is to also change to T-bolt clamps, instead of the weak stock worm gear clamps which tend to leak.

 

[AutoEuphoria]

I've noticed that the stock tubes have the clamps attached to them somehow...is it just glue or what? I wanted to replace them with T-bolt clamps, but I don't want to inadvertently tear them

 

[AllLostThings]

The stock hose clamps are phillips head and 10mm and the ones that came with the new tubes are flathead and 8mm. They were kind stuck on there but I'm not even sure it was glue. I think the stock tubes are just so soft that they wore into the sides.

 

[AutoEuphoria]

Hmm...If I were you I'd replace the worm clamps with these:

 

[mazdaspeedster3]

Stock tubes break down over time, they are fine for a while but can soften when hot and in the long term. No major gains though.

 

[AutoEuphoria]

Anyone know the OD of the tubes? Thinking about replacing the clamps, but need to know what size to get.

 

[AllLostThings]

3 1/8" for the big one and 2 1/2" for the small one. I tried to measure the stock ones the best I could without caving in the sides.

 

[AutoEuphoria]

Thanks for the info. That will definitely help later!

 

[AllLostThings]

Glad to help