ease of swapping the TMIC?

[SwampAss]

let's say someone ordered an aftermarket TMIC. Let's also say this person was concerned with his dealer having prying eyes during a routine service. Heading off any possible kinks in the warranty armor, how fast could you swap the TMIC out?

Spare me the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. I know, I know.


p.s. I know a service manager of my local dealer is a member here....so don't read this.

*simulation purposes only

 

[Haltech]

Every car ive owned since 1990 has been modded to some degree or another. From my experience, if you let them service your car on schedule, they look away from mods. Again, this is MY experience. Ive brought my 672 hp Lightning for service for the last 5 years. With all the noise, stares and mods, ive had my rear end replaced under warranty and 1 set of cylinder heads ( old ones had 4 threads the held sparks plugs in, they would pop out and launce into your hood ). The dealers have been cool about it. I know i told my mazda dealer that i am NOT keeping this car stock, but ill allow them to service it as long as they honor my warranty work. The service manager didnt have a problem with it. Car goes in monday for the MS CAI install that they threw in for me to purchase the car. From that point on, the BOV, TMIC, Engine Mount and Exhaust will go on in a couple of weeks. It will show up there with these mods and i dont think im going to have any issues. Ive owned Fords for 16 years, so im quite familar with the kind of s*** Ford pulls when they want to void your warranty. You gotta pay to play guys.

 

[tsunami]

from what i understand swamp its a simple change over takes like a half hour after you first time once you know what to do... some one like nutari should pop in here to confirm that but thats what i remember

 

[jbiird317]

im curious about this too... i have a "friend" whos been looking at the black powdercoated TMIC upgrade from protege garage

 

[Rotus8]

Takes me about 10-15 minutes.

I did do a modification to make it quicker. The cooler has a plate to mate up with the hood ducting, which is attached to the cooler core with nuts and bolts. I installed threaded inserts in the brackets so the four screws can be installed without fiddling with the nuts.

My procedure is:
Remove small hose and two screws from the BPV and push aside.
Remove four screws from the cooler plate and remove plate
Remove three nuts from cooler mounting, now easily accessible
Remove bolts holding the BPV adapter fitting from the bottom of the cooler
Transfer the rubber bushings from the cooler to the stocker
Put it all back together with the stocker.

Most of this is done with a 10m socket on a speed-wrench

A couple of cautions - the BPV has a sealing ring that is easy to dislodge and lose. Don't drop one of the nuts holding the cooler to the engine. If you do, add 30 minutes to the time to find it. Also, for the cooler not mounted to the engine, plug the open fittings so mice don't build a nest inside.

 

[SwampAss]

Thanks much Rotus. I appreciate your reply.

 

[jbiird317]

sounds easy enough, and from what ive read, the upgrade is certainly money well spent

 

[SSMS3]

Takes me about 10-15 minutes.

I did do a modification to make it quicker. The cooler has a plate to mate up with the hood ducting, which is attached to the cooler core with nuts and bolts. I installed threaded inserts in the brackets so the four screws can be installed without fiddling with the nuts.

My procedure is:
Remove small hose and two screws from the BPV and push aside.
Remove four screws from the cooler plate and remove plate
Remove three nuts from cooler mounting, now easily accessible
Remove bolts holding the BPV adapter fitting from the bottom of the cooler
Transfer the rubber bushings from the cooler to the stocker
Put it all back together with the stocker.

Most of this is done with a 10m socket on a speed-wrench

A couple of cautions - the BPV has a sealing ring that is easy to dislodge and lose. Don't drop one of the nuts holding the cooler to the engine. If you do, add 30 minutes to the time to find it. Also, for the cooler not mounted to the engine, plug the open fittings so mice don't build a nest inside.

Rotus, did you tack weld the inserts to the plate? Have any pics to share? I'm interested in this

Swamp, I installed the 3.5 ETS 2 weeks ago, install took about 30 minutes. Not sure on a full swap back to stock but I'll be finding out soon. I suddenly have a large antifreeze leak tonight and am going to remove the tmic before taking it in for repair

 

[SSMS3]

double post

 

[Rotus8]

Rotus, how did you attach the threaded inserts to the plate? Have any pics to share? I'm interested in this

Swamp, I installed the 3.5 ETS 2 weeks ago, install took about 30 minutes. Not sure on a full swap back to stock but I'll be finding out soon. I suddenly have a large antifreeze leak tonight and am going to remove the tmic before taking it in for repair

I used "RivNuts". It is similar to a pop rivet, except it is threaded. You can get an inexpensive kit at many hardware stores, with a simple installation kit which is basically a bolt and a spacer. I have a higher end tool because I use these all the time. Here is an inexpensive set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=1210

 

[SSMS3]

Thanks that helps a lot.

Did you enlarge the plate holes for the inserts or just match them to the existing holes and use whatever bolt fits that insert? Thanks for your help

Swamp, hope I'm not hijacking but I believe it's relevant (drinks)

 

[SwampAss]

I believe it. It's helping me too!