So yeah, after for the longest time.. I found the urge to update my Garage page. I had fitted on my SE front lip, but I'll leave that for another post. But for now, I'll post about my AutoExe (by GruppeM) Ram Air System. Was pretty stoked in getting it as I'd missed on a similar kit that went on eBay a few months ago. Built steps will be a little over the place (am busy watching the Sochi Olympics while I type this), but hope that the photos will be more helpful.
Came nicely packaged from the USA, thanks mrmonk7663 for the smooth transaction
After taking almost 10 minutes removing all the tape and paper wrapping (phew!), here it is in the flesh..
It did not come with the coolant bottle relocating brackets and 90 degree tube, but I sorted it out by getting in touch with AutoExe, they weren't all that expensive and they were nice enough to throw in some freebies, so what the heck..value was as good as free shipping.
A little dusty and grimy, but thanks to the filter cleaner that was included..it came out all nice and clean
Engine bay before the intake installation, note the coolant bottle on the left (needs to be relocated)
Removal of the OEM intake and cross over pipe were fairly easy.
1. 3 bolts held on to the air-box; 2 were fairly easy to remove, the 3rd inner one was slightly harder (tip: remove the air box cover and air filter for better space).
2. 2 bolts holds the CAI tube, you will fit the coolant bottle relocation brackets there. (tip: make sure you get some extra washers as it doesn't sit flush, you will see the later photos for illustration)
1. Loosen the nut at the LHS (near the radiator, were the bonnet stalk clip is) so that you can move the coolant tube that is secured underneath it.
2. Remove 2 screws that holds the coolant bottle and pull it to the RHS where the OEM CAI used to be, and fasten it with the 2 brackets
3. Remove the Air Flow Meter from the top of the OEM air box (2 screws holding it in place) and fit it to the AutoExe kit (you have to remove the extra rubber from the AFM else it wouldn't fit to the "red" colour tube.
4. Once you fit the 90 degree rubber tube, clamp them (I used 70mm, but I reckon slightly bigger would be better)
5. Remove the old breather tube and fit in the "red" one in place
6. Plug in the 02 sensor into the AutoExe kit
7. As the plug to the AFM was too short, I had to cut the tape a little to free up some length
Picture of the secured relocated coolant bottle, the top bracket fitted okay (just had to add 1 washer), but for the bottom one, I used a couple of washers and some nuts so that it would sit level, not the best looking but functional
Side profile of the kit, isn't it a beauty? Notice that I have temporarily wrapped the wires with some electric tape (but will get some split loom over the weekend as per Lokiel's suggestion) and some cable ties to sit the breather tube and other wires a little more pretty
The "cleaner" looking engine bay currently (yes, I need to get a new rad.. still waiting on davekmoore for my SE rad
). May need to get a longer coolant tube so I can re-route and tuck it along the radiator instead of cutting right across. But anyhow I love the kit, the swirling-sucking sound and the growl at 4km RPM onwards is worth the money spent. As mentioned earlier, from my butt-dyno, it does feel like the car revs much nicer now, but we'll see.
Now then, may not have any use for that Pipercross direct replacement filter.. only did not more than 3,000 kms, may think of getting rid of it…