Phantom Menace

Hey Gang,

It's official! My Revi Intake setup is on its way and due friday, 12Jan. I've read most, if not all, of the DIYs for the duct, oil and ac screens, and intake but am still a bit hesitant on doing all of this solo. I've got basic tools but don't have a hydraulic jack or jack stands. In most pics, people jack the up the front. Is this required? If anyone has done this solo and without a floor jack, please respond with some advice?

It seems that everytime I try something like this on my own, something gets scratched...sans, the AFE shifter I put in last week. That was a breeze, but I'm thinking this one may be a bit tougher. Most shops want a little over $200 to install for me! Is it my cheap @ss, or does that sound a bit expensive? I'm thinking either it's way overpriced or its going to be a b!tch to install?

Any help would be appreciated...

edit: While I was at it, I was thinking on taking some pics and making a DIY for all three (duct, REVI, and screens) but could use some guidance before I get ahead of myself...

Trekk

I put the ram air duct on my car with very few tools and no jack.

I think you need like a 10mm and 8mm socket. Philips screw driver and thats pretty much it.

Om my car (06) the ram air duct didnt seem to fit so well. I didnt read around here on how other installs went but in my case, the hood release cable run through the hole where the Ram air should mate up to the plastic. So I just drilled a hole in the metal and ran the cable around the ram air duct.

Besides the above, getting the vac line off was the hardest part.

Phantom Menace

First off, thanks for the respose. I, too, have an 06. Secondly, whoa! I've yet to read anything about vacuum lines or hood cables?! Was that in the instructions?

Trekk

The vac line runs the VAFD.
I was just now looking for some older pictures of the install to see if the hood cable was a problem for the older cars. I didnt have any instructions with it cause I got it used so I just sort of guessed. I also had a little problem with a sensor of some type. I dont know what it does but my guess is that its the outside temp sensor.
Anyways it was sort of crammed up against the Ram duct so I just popped it off and turned it around, it seemed to fit better.

Ill look around for old write ups and see if I can see anything differant.

mysql101

you don't need a jack, the install is easy. Just time consuming.

Phantom Menace

I remember you telling me about installing yours a while back...do you think I could do it solo in a weekend?

Trekk

I'd say 2hours, most of it from getting the bumper and stock box/Vfad out.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

I installed mine with a friend but it could have easily been done solo with basic tools. Definitely no need to jack up the car since removing the bumper is super easy and you don't need to access anything on the bottom of the car.

The time estimates on the RB instructions are pretty accurate so just go based off of that. Are you installing the duct with the Revi?
If so, put the screens on first then the duct.

mysql101

2 hours sounds about right. The hardest part was putting in the clips that hold the screen in place, That should give you an idea on difficulity.

Phantom Menace

Yeah, I'm doing all 3. You know the "bottom" lip (not with appearace pkg.), the non-painted black portion? Does that need to be removed to access the ac condenser?

What's up with the clips?

Mazda-Rati

1. No you can fit your hands in there. You'll need to removed (4) 10mm bolts on the condenser.

2. No, leaving it on is fine

3. The clips (4) go on the condenser and hold the (4) 10mm bolts.

Phantom Menace

What was "tricky" about the clips?

mysql101

kept falling out as I was trying to position the screen in place.

calaloco

I did it by myself alone, with any problem, just follow instructions and picture very carefully (take your time) and is going to be OK. put something big in the floor just to no scratch the bumper. 2 hours job. Good look!

pdxhak

iTrader: (2)

I did the install myself and ran into some issues due to lack of instructions. But thankfully someone here sent them to me. If your car is not lowered then you should not have any problems and will not need jackstands.. Take your time and make sure you lay out all the pieces in an organized manner.

The biggest PIA for me was disconnecting the fog lights.

N rider89

yeah i did my own screens with only basic tools. the only hard part at first is removing the front bumper. just make sure you lay down some towels or blakets to set the bumper on so it doesnt get scratched.

i had never worked on a car be for i put on my screens and my MS intake and i did it just fine just took me some time

chickenwafer

iTrader: (9)

I haven't done this (yet) to my 8 but I have done plenty of intake (including 3 on FD's and numerous ones on FC's and other autos and bikes). The key is to just be patient and don't beat yourself up. If you can't fingure something out, take your time and talk yourself threw it. Don't get angry and try to muscle/force a part when it doesn't want to go.
And be organized! Plan ahead. Lay out some towels so you don't oggle-up your bumper. Keep track of all the plastic clips and screw and bolts and various things you remove. Remeber where they all went. This way, you aren't scrambling to put them back in or yelling trying to find the last missing bolt! If you have to, put stuff in labeled plastic baggies. I know it seems like a trival thing to do, but it can help if your the type that looses things easily.
But, you also need to be confident in yourself that you can do it! If you go into the project thinking you're going to mess up, you probably will.
Just relax, take your time, be organized, and if you get frustrated take a break. It's really not that hard and once you're done you can use that $200 you saved by doing it yourself to by something else nice for your 8!

Dave

Phantom Menace

Thanks guys, for all the constructive and positive advice. Well...The UPS guy just came and I've got my stuff! I'll start installing/dismantling later this afternoon. Any last minute advice? Thanks.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Advice: Dont rush it and don't forget the screw / nut that goes inside the intake. I forgot it when I did my install and it was a pain in the *** to do it after the fact.

If you get stuck, just post and I'm sure we can help you out. Oh, did you read the DIY on removing the front bumper? Remember that bumper doesn't pull straight off, start on one end and "peel". You'll know what I mean when you start

Phantom Menace

Master Jedi,

What do you mean "peel?" Does the bumper flex?

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

Never fear my young Padawan learner, Jedi is here.

once you've removed the screws at the bottom and the ones by the clear corners, reach towards where the clear corner is and slowly / gently start pulling that end off. Pull ever so slightly towards you and that end will come loose. It's hard to describe but you'll see what I mean once you get one side loose.
One trick I use is to not stand completely at the side of the car but just far enough where I can still reach it. Press your leg against the bumper (where you're not pulling, closer towards center) that way if the whole thing comes loose (which it shouldn't, but just in case) it wont' go anywhere.

The trick is to not overthink it, just be gentle and you'll be alright. Oh, and make sure you've got a nice soft place to put the bumper once you take it off. Towels on the ground or something should work well.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

here's a great DIY;

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=10941.html

pdxhak

iTrader: (2)

Do you have fog lights? Remember to unplug them before completely pulling off the bumper.

chickenwafer

iTrader: (9)

goto racing beats website (www.racingbeat.com) and click on the section with the oil cooler and AC condenser screens package. At the end of the item description is says. "Installation requires removal of the front bumper, which sounds like a daunting task, but it really isn't. Here's a step-by-step how-to". Click the link which opens a PDA-format instruction sheet with pictures and arrows pointing to all the fasteners. It's a real good guide. Check it out.


Dave

Mazda-Rati

Good point. I've forgotten to do that every time I've pulled the bumper off so far so I've had to hold the bumper back in place with one hand while I reach under and disconnect the fog lights