Just ordered a VRSF fmic, people using one chime in

dsmdeliveryboy · Sep 8, 2010

So I just ordered a VRSF fmic and I would like to know what all(if anything)I need to modify? Or if it is just a straight forward bolt-on install. Anyone running this please chime in and post pics too. Thank you!

300dollarGSX · Sep 9, 2010

You will need to relocate the coolant overflow tank and hammer flat or cut off the little mount for it.
The power steering cooler needs to be modified or removed. The pic in this link shows how you can route the hoses coming from the power steering reservoir if you just wanted to remove the cooler: Hose Routing
The metal bumper reinforcement part needs to be cut so the intercooler will fit unless you just don't use it. Here is a link to how much needs to be cut from the bumper support: Bumper Support
You may also need to get a slim fan.
The openings on each side of the radiator need to be enlarged to fit the inlet and outlet pipes as well. I used a holesaw to enlarge the holes, then used a die grinder to clean up any burrs and for final tweaking.
I have a bunch of pictures, but I need to find them so I can finish my write up for the install.
If you still have the '90 oil cooler in the stock location, you may have to bend the oil lines out of the way some. I ended up moving mine to the driver side opening in front of the wheel well and using some flexible hose instead of the hard lines. I wanted to change to a larger AN style fitting, but I haven't done that yet. I replaced my power steering cooler with one that has fins and mounted it on the condenser, but the factory one could still be used with modification (longer flexible hoses and cut the "legs" so they won't be in the way of the piping).

dsmdeliveryboy · Sep 9, 2010

I have flexible hose for my oil cooler now(the stock rusted through), and I eliminated my AC fan a long time ago because my AC doesn't even work Lol. Anything else? Seems like a PITA to mount hahaha

300dollarGSX · Sep 9, 2010

Haha. It's really not that bad. If you have a plasma cutter or torch, or know someone else who has one, then cutting the bumper support will be easier. The stuff you need to do to install this kit is pretty much the same as for any other short route front mount. If you do decide to keep the stock power steering cooler, you will also need to move it to the back side of the latch support part (it's bolted to the front in stock form). I forgot to mention that.

dsmdeliveryboy · Sep 9, 2010

300dollarGSX said:
Haha. It's really not that bad. If you have a plasma cutter or torch, or know someone else who has one, then cutting the bumper support will be easier. The stuff you need to do to install this kit is pretty much the same as for any other short route front mount. If you do decide to keep the stock power steering cooler, you will also need to move it to the back side of the latch support part (it's bolted to the front in stock form). I forgot to mention that.

I'm just gonna eliminate it, shed weight and will be a lot easier. Where should I mount my coolant overflow? I was taking a look at it today in auto class to get a better idea, doesn't seem that complicated now that I look at it.

nfernotalon · Sep 9, 2010

I just used a cutting wheel on the grinder and tucked the ps lines behind the intercooler. The over flow tank is still floating around in the engine bay though.

dsmdeliveryboy · Sep 19, 2010

Ok so my fmic should be in Tuesday so I got to work getting everything ready today, here is what I have done so far.

Removed the fmic, crash bar, stock intercooler piping and smic, looped my power steering lines and removed the cooler, pretty much everything except trim the crash bar and makes the holes bigger. I have 2 questions about that.

What do I do about this line?