LSA Intercooler Cover Rear Bolt Removal
 

Ok, so I went to removing the intercooler cover tonight and was feeling like the man after I got the 4 rear bolts out, Then I discovered 2 more that make the other look like cake. :confused0068:

So I'm really not interested in drilling out the cowling as I have see some do. I'm hoping the experts can point me to an attachment or tool of some kind that will help make this a little easier. I had someone recommend a Matco A4UB which looks promising, just hoping someone in a performance shop or who deals with these all the time can share some wise tips or other ideas. Thanks

You can bend the cowling upward alittle to get to those rear bolts , and using long extension and swivel -or drop the cradle down alittle .. taking off is the easy part ,it’s getting them torqued back down will be the hard part .. My OCD kicks in and have to hit the torque rating for them bolts

I’ve seen hand wrench with a swivel joint on it being used once , but that might be hard to find ..

The factory manual has you drop the rear of the front subframe / engine mounting an inch or so for clearance. It’s real fun…

Set the car on jack stands on the front 2 punch weld jack points. That allows the front subframe to actually drop down as specified. I do this on a lift and it’s much easier than on the ground. It still is not fun to get to the rear bolts but it make it possible. I did not want to cut or bend my cowling.

Sounds like it! I don't have a lift or the confidence level to do that.

Thanks! I'll give that a shot. I almost have access from the top rear now, if I could only get a 1/2" or so that would make a huge difference. I've ordered a couple more socket and extension gizmos that should be here next week. I really don't want to cut or drill the cowling.

Stop making it hard on yourself. Drill the cowl. I can get the lid off in 5 minutes now.

Yea I shoulda said… I cut spots out, it’s just easier, and no one will ever see it because it’s under the plastic you take off

I drilled holes above each bolt. Then put body plugs in the holes.

Trying to keep that as a last resort. Im very close to having them. At this point its a challenge and I've already ordered some tools so I may as well give those a shot.

I believe I did the reach around with a gear wrench when I did mine or maybe a 1/4 ratchet and a socket.


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The 1st one I did, I drilled the cowl but I didn't like what it did to the cowl insulation when the hole saw exited thru the backside.

The 2nd one I did, I loosened the subframe bolts & couldn't believe how much easier it was with just a little extra room over the top.

I have a lift so it was easy for me, but if I didn't I think I would still drop the subframe if the car was nice.

When I had my SC replaced under warranty it was 2hr. 40 min. from the time I dropped off the car at the dealer 'till the tech called and said the install was finished. No holes drilled!

Agreed drill holes

The tech bulletin says to drop the subframe one inch in front, end of bolt in the back. You can be done in under and hour and a half. My supercharger was also replaced in under 2 hours.