Intercooler brackets

[vrinner]

So if I dont use the intercooler support brackets, can I also just eliminate the bracket that they mount to. And if I eliminate that one, can I just use 8 regular studs for the exhaust manifold.

[GT350R]

In theory, yes. But beware the popping off intercooler. It only happens when you dont have tools and your either on a trip or trying to show off.

Just an idea, but has anyone ever tried to use the TC braket on the SVO IC ? Seems like a much easier design to deal with during park plug and wire changes.

[NO 5 OH]

Re: Intercooler brackets

Originally posted by vrinner
So if I dont use the intercooler support brackets, can I also just eliminate the bracket that they mount to. And if I eliminate that one, can I just use 8 regular studs for the exhaust manifold.

You can run the intercooler without the attaching brackets, but as GT350R said, you run the risk of the intercooler coming off either at the turbo or the throttle body. The best thing to do if you want to eliminate the brackets all together is to get a set of heavy duty intercooler hoses and clamps. Paul at SVPU sells these, as well as Dave at Tiny Avenger.

I've run my stock intercooler for two weeks now without the brackets, as I bolted on a log-style header and there wasn't any way of attaching the old manifold studs to the new header (they were too short). I plan on going to the Turbo Coupe IC (have it already w/hood seal) if my heavy duty hoses will ever get here!!

[SVOeric]

I have the heavy duty hoses on my SVO, and have not had any problems with blow offs.. (and I ALWAYS have tools )


I couldn't get the brackets to stop rattling, so I removed the 2 that go on either side of the intercooler. When I did my rebuild, I also removed the one that attaches to the manafold.

Before I did my rebuild, I used the same heavy duty hoses with 18 psi boost, and never had a problem with losing hoses..

[svohoo]

Hey, guys.

I am assuming that Vince wants to get rid of the IC brackets to eliminate the infamous rattling. Here's a trick I tried, and it's working pretty well so far. The problem is that the two IC brackets don't tighten down firmly against the mounting bracket. What I did was insert a metal ring I found in my garage (not sure what it was, actually - it may have been a bicycle part) around the short "stud" of each IC bracket. Now the IC brackets tighten up against the mounting bracket before the screws that hold them to the intercooler bottom out. This holds the IC firmly in place and it doesn't have any more rattles.

With no brackets, I really worry about the loads that intercooler is putting on the hoses, between the hood pressing down on it and getting bounced around on bumpy roads. I know a lot of guys have removed theirs with no problems, but over time that's got to be really hard on those hoses.

[vrinner]

Actually there are two reasons for the removal.

1. Had a hard time finding replacement studs. I know I could have probably ordered them but didn't really want to wait.

2. Save a few pounds in weight. (This is strickly a track car)

Thanks for the opinions. I already have heavy duty hoses so that shouldn't be a problem.

[BBBAD SVO]

Same here, I got rid of all the brackets when I swapped on an E6. All I was using was the TC hoses, then I put a TC IC on, and the bottom hose wasn't tall enough to keep it straight. All I used was a piece of radiator hose for the bottom piece, and no problems at 18psi (I did have problems with the TC IC coming off with the lower TC hoses at 18 psi tho).