Fmic Issues.

[GorGasm]

So i just finished up installing my FMIC kit. Checked and rechecked all the pipes, clamps and lines that needed to be touched/changed etc.

Problem is, im now getting a whistle noise on boost. Boost still hits the same spot as before and the car seems to perform alright.

Could it be the air rushing over the edges of the new pipes inside the joiners?

Im stumped as ive checked all the joiners and clamps multiple times.

Any ideas how to check for leaks on the intercooler side of things?

Cheers.

[Stinky Rooster]

Really soapy water on all your joins after the turbo? It should help you see any leaks fairly easily - use dishwashing liquid and make sure you rinse it off well.

[3intheBack]

I doubt you would hear the air turbulence inside the pipes.

Were did you reroute the spare vacuum pipes?

You would have a couple left over after removing the standard pipes.

Are they floating in the breeze somewhere?

[FLYSLY]

I reakon its just your turbo spool, my turbo spool also sounds like a bit of a kettle lol.

[Mr_RS4]

Are you using a Pod filter or the standard airbox. I always thought the turbo spooling was quite loud with the factory air box but since I've gone to a pod filter (needed to when I installed my front mount as I couldn't be stuffed modifying the standard airbox intake ) its so loud now, even louder than the exhaust and has a very different sound after installing the front mount but thats becuase I'm now running more boost too If the car is comming onto boost at the same point in the rev range and isn't dropping back off or fluctuating (spelling) then I don't think it will be a leak

[GorGasm]

hmmm it is pretty loud. I hope its not the turbo lol!

I took the vacuum line from the original pipe and plumbed it into the boost controller feed and then changed it to the boost sensor lead. No change. I didnt have any other lines to change i think.

[ssshonky]

was the brand of the intercooler a reputable one? ( or one that other people you know have used? )

reason I ask is a guy I knew got a " china special " intercooler ( read - CHEAP! ) and that whistled , nothing was wrong with it just a byproduct of dodgy manufacturing ( not saying you DID buy a cheap one .. just a suggestion )

[captinsane]

my turbo whined when i upped the boost to 10pound... then istuck a pod on it and i can't hear the whine over the sucking

sssssssshhhhhhhhhhhshshshshshsh....ffffhhhhhhhh... ...eiiiiiiiiii(*whine*)

Edited April 11, 2007 by captinsane

[GorGasm]

thats a possibility. It was a cooling pro kit. The piping is good but the clamps are shite.

I think im going to undo and redo all the joiners again when i get home and see what happens.

Edited April 11, 2007 by GorGasm

[mitchy_]

was the brand of the intercooler a reputable one? ( or one that other people you know have used? )

reason I ask is a guy I knew got a " china special " intercooler ( read - CHEAP! ) and that whistled , nothing was wrong with it just a byproduct of dodgy manufacturing ( not saying you DID buy a cheap one .. just a suggestion )

thats what i was thinking too...

[ssshonky]

those really good clamps cost a fair bit ( like $11 each I think ) usually use allen keys I think?

if your able to spend the $$$ then maybe go for heavier duty clamps.. you might also want to check you have not got a split in any of the joiners.

If all that fails.. then theorhetically you COULD just bypass the intercooler with a straight bit of pipe temporarily ( OBVIOUSLY dont drive it hard , or for very long.. and definately not on a hot day)

but least this would rule out the intercooler as the source of the whistle?

[mitchy_]

dont bother with those t bar, etc hose clamps, you wont need them, they just look pretty...

i know of cars running 20+ psi on normal stainless steel hose clamps, and not a problem.

that said, the clamps in those kits are usually shit, but the same type in a better brand is usually better ('Norma' is a good quality hose clamp brand)

[ssshonky]

try and look for a clamp with " rolled edges" if you can .. apparently they dont chop into your joiners as badly.

[GorGasm]

just checked over most of the piping again and replaced as many of the kits's clamps with the originals as i could as they are stronger. Still have whining. Im starting to think its either the cooler or the turbo.

[ssshonky]

it just does not make sense that its the turbo after the only thing you changed was the intercooler kit ( you follow me? )

I mean logically it would *have* to be the cooler. Perhaps see if you can borrow another cooler ( or just bypass it temporarily iwth a straight pipe ) and see what happens? I got NO experience with Stageas ( ours is still in Japan ) but just thinking of it logically ,, my money is on the cooler.

just checked over most of the piping again and replaced as many of the kits's clamps with the originals as i could as they are stronger. Still have whining. Im starting to think its either the cooler or the turbo.

[GorGasm]

Im inclined to agree with you actually. The turbo used to only whine when cold and that was a different pitch to the whine i have now. I might see what i can do in regards to a straight pipe or another intercooler.

[Mr_RS4]

Are you running a pod filter or a bleed valve. I ask this for 2 reasons. If your using a bleed valve then chances are by fitting a much higher flowing intercooler your boost will now spike higher if you haven't adjusted your bleed valve, and also if your running a pod filter you will get a much different induction noise when your boost rises. I know I was surprised at how different (and loud) and pod was when I fitted it before and after I installed the fmic. But yeah those clamps are a joke with these types of kits. I was more than happy with the kit itself but the clamps started stripping before they were even that tight. Nothing wrong with the style of clamps, I ended up using the factory clamps in all the hard to get places incase I blew any pipes off so it would be easier to fix. Might just be easier to throw it on a dyno and have someone stick their head underneath and listen. Much easier that making up pipes and just guessing things. At least you'll know then

[GorGasm]

Hi,

The car already had a profecb boost controller and trust pod.

Im fairly certain its the IC/turbo now.

Next time it hits the dyno will be with an adjustable FPR and high flow turbo

Cheers all.

[GorGasm]

whistling appears to have gone away by itself!!

Perhaps it was just the cooler settling in.

Either way, im pleased and the cooler seems to provide a decent benefit.

Ill throw some pics into the IC thread in the next few days.

[AlexCim]

Some aftermarket intercoolers produce a whistle noise when the air rushes between the fins.

If performance is not affected, dont worry about it.