I spend today installing a 3.5in ets intercooler with uicp and licp along with an evox bov. Everything seemed to fit just fine, I didn't struggle with the install but when I went to test drive my car the turbo didn't seem to kick in at all. It felt like the motor was doing all the work. I could definitely hear the bov compared to my old plastic one but I guess I expected some sort of hp gain. After only a couple miles of driving I brought my car back home popped the hood and it was really hot.

I know I need a tune and I have an appointment with RRE early next week but I want to know if this is normal when installing an intercooler without a tune? Should my car run hot like that? Even the uicp was hot as hell!! I did run it hard for those couple of miles but wft I'm worried!! Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Intercooler upgrades don't require a tune. Of course any mod could use a tune, but I'd do a few more bolt-ons before spending the cash on a custom map.
As far as your issue, you might have a boost leak. Also, after disconnecting the battery, the car needs a little while to readjust.

 

Thx for the advice.. I'm gonna go double check my work today

 

The intercooler itself is not a HP gain. Did you also increase the size of the uicp when you replaced it? The larger cooler will increase efficiency of cooling the intake charge but at the same time decrease velocity on the intake charge to the motor-- in other words moving the HP curve higher in the rmp range. As mentioned earlier check for leaks and a good tune can move the power back down in rpm.

 

I did replace/increase the size of the uicp and I did notice the engine livelier at higher rpms but I can tell something is off so I'm gonna go out there today and check for boost leaks.

 

This is a stupid question, but how do you check for boost leaks?

 

^yeah, the heat and total loss of power (and louder than stock BOV) all indicate a massive boost leak!

 

Boost leak test that. Also, intercoolers do not generally increase horsepower. It is to prevent heatsoak when you are doing WOT pull after WOT pull, or driving the car hard for a long period of time. The Stock RA Intercooler after a few WOT pulls back to back shows a massive power loss and massive heat soak over time. The ETS will not heat soak and therefore make the car run at maximum potential longer. Sounds like a boost leak however. Check all hoses (UICP/LICP/Throttle body, etc etc.)

 

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...er-5-02-a.html

You can build your own or buy pre-made kits. On Evo X / Ra most test at the back uicp or turbo inlet.
You need an air compressor set it low psi at first then up to the max your bov can hold, just don't go over 30 psi.
Then use ear and or soapy water solution in spray bottle on connections to find leak.

 

The same thing happened to me right after I had my IC installed, and when we turned the car around and pulled back into the shop we found that one of the hoses/couplers/pipes(I can't remember which it was) that we had just connected when installing the new IC had come apart the first time we hit boost. Basically the soapy water that we used to make it easier to connect all the parts together also made it easier for the parts to separate under pressure because we didn't wait long enough to let the soapy water dry before taking the car out and thrashing it.

 

Thanks for everyones help .. you guys were spot on I didn't secure one of the couplers luckily it was the one leading to the intercooler which meant I didn't have to remove the licp although I did have to remove the bumper...

 

A few of you said an intercooler upgrade didn't constitute a custom tune, so what upgrade would?? I plan to add an sri, custom exhaust, and by mid year either go with an RAD Lite or evo x turbo swap.. Should I wait until then?

The exhaust was probably gonna be build by RRE, then I'd get the tune but it isn't cheap so if a tune isn't necessary yet I wouldn't mind waiting especially if I'd have to go back to them mid year for another one ..

 

A SRI is a great way to lose power by sucking in nice hot air from the engine bay. The only potential benefit is the way it sounds. Stock intake is more than good enough. Though if you do change it, make sure you get a custom tune.

A catback exhaust does not require a tune and does not make any noticeable difference in power if installed by itself. If you get a full turboback, however, you'll see great gains with either generic Cobb/GST or custom tunes. Installing a turboback exhaust will not require an immediate tune, but it is important to get one soon.

Naturally, switching the turbo means immediate tune is required.

In the meantime you can run a GST or Cobb tune. Even on a stock car, these provide significant benefits.

 

Good advice... i would say wait until you go with the bigger turbo if thats all you want. the stock RA injectors will be maxed or close to maxed if you go bigger turbo. Just know you wont make SIGNIFICANT power without a fuel system upgrade as well.