Do I need to jack up the MS3 to install CAI, or can I use ramps?

[ch77]

I haven't got a jack, and the cheapest one I found that will get under the MS3 was $120.. I've already got ramps, and likely all the tools I need.

I have not read through the instructions yet, as a time to do the work has not yet come up, but I have some days off coming up soon..

 

[mhrebin]

ramps should be fine. there should be pics of the install in the MS3 section somewhere. shouldnt take much time at all.

 

[Rotus8]

I haven't got a jack, and the cheapest one I found that will get under the MS3 was $120.. I've already got ramps, and likely all the tools I need.

I have not read through the instructions yet, as a time to do the work has not yet come up, but I have some days off coming up soon..

It really makes it easier to remove the left front wheel. You can use the car's jack, just put the wheel/tire under the side of the car so if the jack fails or slips you don't get squashed underneath it.

It can be done with ramps, it's just easier with the wheel off.

 

[jbiird317]

go to sears hardware. I got a low profile jack that fits under MY ms3 for $40. Seriously, if it will fit under my car, it can definitely fit under any other ms3 on this board

 

[chaos4]

Save a whole lot of work and remove the tire. Ramps will not let you have access to the wheel well area. Yes, as stated, if you jack it, also place a jackstand or other such device to keep from being crushed if the jack fails.(yippy)

 

[MM3Canuck]

Save a whole lot of work and remove the tire. Ramps will not let you have access to the wheel well area. Yes, as stated, if you jack it, also place a jackstand or other such device to keep from being crushed if the jack fails.(yippy)

IF you already have one that is too big!
Just put down put down a some wood the width of your tire and about 1.5-2cm thick then slowly built it up(don't put more than 2 or three pieces though) and drive up until you get your jack under it.

Also when jacking the car, use a somewhat heavy duty rubber mat to cover the jack top. The jacks metal top will easily scratch the bottom on the car and result in rust spots.

 

[Rotus8]

Me too. But as long as people are around, I feel a little more comfortable.

So they can lift the car off your torn and broken body? (ugh)

 

[gsrtype1]

i had to remove the left front tire

 

[Craighjr]

I took the wheel off as the dirrection say. It wasn't that bad to do. If your ramps allow you to place the bumper way sticking out over them you could probably do better with the wheel on. You really only need to take the undertray down and bend the flap down to remove the rain cover thing in the wheel well.

 

[Kosh]

It really makes it easier to remove the left front wheel. You can use the car's jack, just put the wheel/tire under the side of the car so if the jack fails or slips you don't get squashed underneath it.

It can be done with ramps, it's just easier with the wheel off.

Car falling on me is my greatest fear >.<; thanks for bringing that up

 

[tiny_riots]

Car falling on me is my greatest fear >.<; thanks for bringing that up

Me too. But as long as people are around, I feel a little more comfortable.

 

[ch77]

I got that little floor jack @ Sears, and some jack stands. Not bad, under $80..

But.. The first set of fasteners holding the bumper on the car are giving me too many problems. These dang little screws spin but they don't move! I need some tiny, tiny short screwdrivers, and I'm going to need new fasteners as well. Oh well, so it doesn't get done today. Maybe later this week.

 

[GoFast]

ramps will not work. jacks are not 120 bucks. you can get them at pep boys for half that. if you dont want to fork over the cash jack stands as well, then once you have hte front wheel off, put it underneath car behind the jack

 

[ch77]

It is done. Nice increase in power, and damn what a nice sound!

I didn't have any problems, but took my time, so it took about 3 hours. Amazing how quickly the tables fill up with removed parts.

Thanks all who replied. If it's not clear, I ended up getting a small, $60 jack from Sears and some jack stands. My little jack doesn't have rubber on the saddle, and it doesn't lift the car very high, but that posh jack was the $120 one - would be nice but not necessary.

 

[ZooMIN3]

cool, good job!!

Got Pics?

-J

 

[Sorax]

Not removing the tire would make removing that plastic "air director" even more difficult then it already is. I used $17 jack stands I got from AAP and the scissor jack that came with the car. 4 hours later I had more pull and a viscious sound coming from my ride. Good Times!

 

[guy_incognito]

Does the car even need to be jacked up?

I just ordered the MS CAI and have been previewing the instructions for when it gets here. Just for interest, I also looked over the instructions for the Injen CAI. It seems that one of the main differences for installation between the two is that Injen has you remove the front bumper and keep the car on the ground, and MS has you jack up the car, remove the wheel, but keep the front bumper on. Are these differences due to the design of the CAI, or are they due purely to preference? In other words, could you install the MS CAI without removing the wheel, and instead removing the front bumper?

It seems that the whole air deflector issue would be a lot easier with the bumper off. Also the prospect of not getting crushed by a car is a plus. What do you guys think?

 

[jbiird317]

Does the car even need to be jacked up?

I just ordered the MS CAI and have been previewing the instructions for when it gets here. Just for interest, I also looked over the instructions for the Injen CAI. It seems that one of the main differences for installation between the two is that Injen has you remove the front bumper and keep the car on the ground, and MS has you jack up the car, remove the wheel, but keep the front bumper on. Are these differences due to the design of the CAI, or are they due purely to preference? In other words, could you install the MS CAI without removing the wheel, and instead removing the front bumper?

It seems that the whole air deflector issue would be a lot easier with the bumper off. Also the prospect of not getting crushed by a car is a plus. What do you guys think?

I guess it is really up to you. I think it would work either way, but I would personally much rather take off a wheel and some splash gaurds than remove the entire front bumper, but thats just me...

 

[knowledge007]

(iagree)

I went the wheel off option. It doesn't really matter about the secondary air box. It is coming out anyway. Why take the whole front bumper off. You take the chance of scratching it and or damaging it.

 

[guy_incognito]

Thanks for the input. I guess I had just never even heard of anyone installing their CAI without jacking up the car, so I didn't know if that really was a viable option for the MS CAI. Reading these forums is both beneficial and confusing as I've read so many posts that either say removing the bumper is so easy, or like you guys say and point out valid downsides. But I've also read posts about jacking up cars; scratching the underside which could lead to rusting, and someone else bent the subframe a bit. Also, I don't have jackstands...yes I know they are cheap.