Thread: Full Size Intercooler Install

I was wondering, if the PCV piping is blocked by the IC, how is unmetered air getting in to the engine with a breather? Pulling out my oil dipstick doesn't let unmetered air in, and pulling off the oil fill cap doesn't, so what's special about a breather that I'm missing? With the PCV piping blocked by the IC, there should be no way for the air to go from the valve covers or crank case into the intake.

Generally it's just the intake of the PCV system that's blocked, not the outlet going to the PCV valve. With the inlet blocked, you'll build vacuum in the crankcase through the PCV valve, and opening the oil fill cap or putting a breather on it will draw air into the crankcase and into the intake through the valve. You don't get this affect anywhere near as much as long as you have a functional PCV intake because the system is already open to atmospheric pressure through the inlet in the TB.

Makes sense... in that I need to go back to school on where all the PCV plumbing goes.

Originally Posted by Sabrewings

Makes sense... in that I need to go back to school on where all the PCV plumbing goes.

I'm thinking that some of the first intercoolers blocked both inlet and outlet, in which case, you're right, it wouldn't be a vac leak. It's my understanding that newer intercoolers work as I described, but I don't have one, so who knows, I could be way off base.

As for fuel lines, i'd get AN lines with SS braided hose, way better than stock or a fuel line repair kit. Although the repair kit would work I suppose.

If you gonna run an IC and actully plan to drive it, get a GOOD realible pump. A rule doesn't fall in that catagory from what I've seen. Either get the GM or Ford pump. I have over 3 years and 40,000 miles on my GM pump through ever kind of climate change. GM pump FTW, its quiet and flows good too.

Full size IC FTW, good choice.

Reusing LIM is plain stupid IMO. I wouldn't take a chance loosing a motor for a $50 gasket set. By new and do it right. Coolant + Bearings = Death. Buy new and be done with it.

Garlock gaskets suck already, trying to reuse it wouldn't be worth it. OEM gaskets are way better, garlocks are a downgrade. Buy OEM gaskets, use some RTV to help seal it up good. Garlocks don't seal good dry muchless with RTV or even brand new. Garlocks FTL. Throw em out while you can otherwise you'll probably have to redo it in 6 months to a year (been there done that).

As for IC plumbing, thats something you'll have to figure out on your own. I can tell you the GM pump is small and compact and it will fit good in the passenger side fenderwell easily....

Originally Posted by GRANDPRIXFOOL01

Alright so I am probably gonna order up a stage 2 intercooler, modded fuel rails, stage 2 fmhe, and I am debating on the pump. I was thinking to get either a rule or a bosch. I see they are pretty cheap on ebay. I was wondering if anyone has any tips or reccomendations for me.
Thanks.

Do some looking around on the FMHE...apparently there is a VW radiator that works great. I went with some other vehicles' radiator, and got it to work, but the VW one is supposed to work nicely.

As for the pump, I already recommended against the Rule, and now you have Iron Indian and I both pushing the Ford or GM pump. I do not know how much the GM pump goes for, but the Ford one can be had for $100.

I wouldn't get a VW rad if I were you. There junky and look like **** IMO. I have one on my black car. Spend a FEW extra bucks and get the frozenboost unit. Looks better, hold more fluid, will work better over all. A no brainer to me....

BTW, TDCRacing can get you a Frozen Boost for a discount, may want to look into that before you buy a junk VW POS....