Damged FMIC, question w/ pics

[Survivalism]

Hey guys i have a VRspeedfactory FMIC that was on my car when i bought it, i recently took it off and noticed it had some damage, im assuming with the damage the car will always have a boost leak right? Is this kind of damage fixable?

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[4Lurker4]

Those are just bent fins, unbend them and you should be good to go. I'd be surprised you'd have a boost leak with something like this, this is minimal damage at best. Air from the turbo passes through the areas with no fins, fins only have the purpose of dissipating heat, hence the surface area they show to ambient air. You could run it like that or unbend them to have a more efficient IC.

 

[Survivalism]

Those are just bent fins, unbend them and you should be good to go. I'd be surprised you'd have a boost leak with something like this, this is minimal damage at best. Air passes through the areas with no fins, fins only have the purpose of dissipating heat, hence the surface area they show to ambient air. You could run it like that or unbend them to have a more efficient IC.

Wow really? Some of the fins are definitely torn, should i leave them as is or take the time to try and pull them back and straighten em?

 

[TSi Kid]

If you think it's bad, pull the front mount, block off one side, and boost leak test it.

 

[JusMX141]

Bent fins don't result in boost leaks.

 

[Survivalism]

If you think it's bad, pull the front mount, block off one side, and boost leak test it.

I havent gotten any of the stuff to blt yet

Heh forgive my noobness, i thought since some were torn they would leak.

 

[4Lurker4]

Wow really? Some of the fins are definitely torn, should i leave them as is or take the time to try and pull them back and straighten em?

Yup, I had one many many times worse and it still boost tested fine. As long as the fins don't damage the air tube/bar under and over it, creating a hole where boosted air can come out, damage like this is normal road wear and won't cause any ill-effect apart from being a tad less efficient. Don't worry If you're really scared though, you could do as suggested and boost leak test it, but from the looks of it, I'm almost certain you don't have a boost leak.

 

[TSi Kid]

Bent fins don't result in boost leaks.

I know that, but even if he thought it was bad, there was no reason to post this as a thread. He thinks there's a leak? Go do a BLT. What is the point in posting it on a thread and asking the trivial question when the end result is the same.

You think there's a leak, which there shouldn't be, go do a boost leak test. I don't even see the point in posting this as a thread.

 

[Survivalism]

I know that, but even if he thought it was bad, there was no reason to post this as a thread. He thinks there's a leak? Go do a BLT. What is the point in posting it on a thread and asking the trivial question when the end result is the same.

You think there's a leak, which there shouldn't be, go do a boost leak test. I don't even see the point in posting this as a thread.

I had no clue, the question was if the damage was substantial and repairable. Thanks to you guys i learned its not and i dont need to go buy the stuff for a BLT right now. Thanks!

 

[4Lurker4]

I know that, but even if he thought it was bad, there was no reason to post this as a thread. He thinks there's a leak? Go do a BLT. What is the point in posting it on a thread and asking the trivial question when the end result is the same.

You think there's a leak, which there shouldn't be, go do a boost leak test. I don't even see the point in posting this as a thread.

He's new and wondering, best be safe than sorry. Give him a break.

 

[gusu]

Reminds me of the days of grill mesh in front of intercoolers. Things have changed so much!

Yeah, it's fine.

 

[clipto]

I have twice that many bent fins on my fmic.

 

[dsmtun3r98gst]

I had no clue, the question was if the damage was substantial and repairable. Thanks to you guys i learned its not and i dont need to go buy the stuff for a BLT right now. Thanks!

Yeah you can use 2 flathead screwdrivers and straighten out the bent fins; Or you can go to homedepot and buy a special tool that the AC guys use specifically for that purpose.

 

[agentorange313]

Yeah you can use 2 flathead screwdrivers and straighten out the bent fins; Or you can go to homedepot and buy a special tool that the AC guys use specifically for that purpose.

I just used a set of tweezers to get my fins straight again.

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[knochgoon24]

I just used a set of tweezers to get my fins straight again.

Me too.

If you think your intercooler is damaged, you'll cringe after driving with it on through the winter. Road salt / anti-skid really bends them up.

Mine has most of the bottom row smashed flat from bottoming out. They'll take a beating.

 

[dsmtun3r98gst]

I just used a set of tweezers to get my fins straight again.

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Oh yeah forgot to mention that as well. Its actually alot easier than having to use the screwdrivers.

 

[Survivalism]

Thanks again guys, I'll straighten em out with some tweezers.

 

[korupt3d]

Ya, only way you could get boost leak from FMIC is with a hole in one of the tubes between the fins