sorta broke the intercooler cover - actually the screws

[pcpower]

to make a long story short, installed an Injen CAI with my buddy. I love it,,, sounds great, can really hear the stock blow-off valve now as well (at least at 4K+ rpm). took us 3 hours though because I have no mechanical skills, and we went the remove-the-bumper route instead of the wheel. aiy...

anyhow, the last step was to put the intercooler plastic cover back on,,, I twisted not one but both of the socket wrench screws too hard, and they both broke in half. I never knew socket wrenches had so much torque... (yes again I am not mechanical haha). so there are two half screws stuck in the holes and it doesn't look like they are coming out any time soon. (drinks)

the good thing is I noticed that although the cover is now very loosely fitted on there, when I close the hood there is a bit of space built into the hood which is very snug around the cover. so it holds it in place and it's not moving around, so I think it's fine.

do u think its fine? 2nd question what if I just take the cover off and not use it.... is that dangerous in any way or is it no big deal. my friend was telling me that some people actually do that purposefully to let the heat get out quicker... I have some concerns though leaving the intercooler and the wires next to it uncovered, seems like the cover was built for a reason.

thx (coffee)

 

[irnbru83]

At work when we break a screw head off, we have to give whatever we broke to the machine shop guys so they can drill out the screw. This is because things that aren't properly attached to other things can vibrate like a son of a b****, even if it looks like they should be held in place. Driving is a very strenuous activity on loose parts of your car.

Also, I agree with not removing the cover. It is there for a reason.

 

[SallySpeed3]

I don't think it was put there for a "vital" reason. The Intercooler is going to perform the same regardless if the cover is there or not. I personally leave it on because it looks better in the engine bay that way. All 3's I've seen with upgraded TMIC's don't bother with the shroud or cover because they bought a new TMIC and want to show it off, so it leads me to believe that the cover really isn't that important. But I could be wrong.

 

[Saskatchewan17]

All people with upgraded TMICs can't fit the cover over their intercooler...

I had mine off for two weeks or so. Performed the same as when I had it on. Someone told me that the intercooler cover is positioned so that it directs more airflow into the TMIC. I don't think it's a big enough difference to matter. I like the way it looks without it anyways.

 

[Mz3Hatch]

i took mine off like 2 weeks after i bought it. however the only downside to that is now, a year later, a have a few bent fins from idk what. 27000 miles as well on it. i think its time for FMIC.