Is inlet swap hard?

**kevo0311** · 10-24-2012 07:32 PM

What's the pain in the ass level? Is it worth the money to switch to an aftermarket inlet? I have a terrible boost leak somewhere. I just started noticing hitting peak at only 13.4 when it should be 16 to 18 lbs. I'm attempting to hit 400whp by getting my 73mm shorty. I have an 06 tr, FMIC with a amr cxr500 10.5"cm.
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**KronosPerformance** · 10-24-2012 07:38 PM

It really depends on your skill level. Its not rocket science but it can take a bit.

If you go with a hard inlet, you will have to loosen the intake manifold to get it to fit properly.

If you get a soft / silicone inlet (example: Perrin) then you can install it without loosening the manifold.

Here is Perrin's instructional video:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j..._BtRHQpkSI5eVQ

**kevo0311** · 10-24-2012 07:44 PM

My skill level is beginner but looking at it, it looks simple

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**Sinister** · 10-24-2012 08:00 PM

not beginner level buddy. It'll have you cursing pretty hard. But we were all beginners at one point. I've never taken a mechanic class in my life... and I managed to pull an entire engine and put a new one back in. So if you're willing to put forth the effort, and you have more than one day in case something goes wrong... then go for it.

Why are you upgrading?

**sxcrxy** · 10-25-2012 01:15 AM

i did it my self took a couple hours , all i can say is patience and a cold drink is gonna be your bestfriend its not that hard putting or taking the old one out, the hard bit is getting the recirce pipe on there :/ the gains are maddddd especially if your running a bigger maf spool up is nice and quick

**sjcurtis** · 10-25-2012 01:48 AM

It took me about 3 hours to get the intake manifold off just because I didn't know where all the wiring harness plugs was located so I just took my time. The second time I pulled one off it only took about an hour and I had it sitting on my work bench. The big issue is getting the inlet lined up with the turbo because of the offset on the coupler but once you get it lined up where it is supposed to be you are golden. Oh yeah it would be a good idea to get new intake gaskets before hand. I installed the Grimmspeed gaskets, phenolic spacers, and the AMR turbo inlet at the same time.

**UEDan** · 10-25-2012 01:54 AM

I'm mechanically capable... at best. Did it in ~4 hours. Side effects:
Knees sore as hell.
Back sore as hell.
Busted knuckles.
Taught neighborhood kids new swear words.
Replacement radiator, broke the turbo reservoir return nipple with my ass during install.

Mine was ripped at the turbo, I would check the front mount piping first.
You're welcome.

**kevo0311** · 10-25-2012 09:20 AM

I'm thinking an ass level of 7 lol. Thanks everyone.

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**Ruh Roh** · 10-25-2012 09:48 AM

didnt realize it was going to be that hard lol. everyone said the uppipe install was a pita and it wasnt too bad lol

**zax** · 10-25-2012 10:03 AM

I hope you set aside $$ for a new transmission. Your stock tranny will likely not last the first few miles at 400whp and that work will be much more of a PITA over the inlet.

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**kevo0311** · 10-25-2012 10:29 AM

If i shift right i think i can make my transmission last pretty long i dont run threw the gears like a 6 speed. Its all highway miles, never dumped either

**zax** · 10-25-2012 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by kevo0311

If i shift right i think i can make my transmission last pretty long i dont run threw the gears like a 6 speed. Its all highway miles, never dumped either

Ok you're the expert...

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**nsibanez** · 10-25-2012 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by kevo0311

If i shift right i think i can make my transmission last pretty long i dont run threw the gears like a 6 speed. Its all highway miles, never dumped either

WRX can't really handle much more then 300 from what I've heard. They barely hold there own stock...dump your clutch a few times and see what happens

I wanted to do a throttle body service on my car...I will probably never ever ever do that again

**zax** · 10-25-2012 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by nsibanez

WRX can't really handle much more then 300 from what I've heard. They barely hold there own stock...dump your clutch a few times and see what happens

I wanted to do a throttle body service on my car...I will probably never ever ever do that again

Torque is what kills transmissions. With the 2Ls, one could get away with about 330-340whp on the stock tranny since you're only looking at about 300-310 wtq peak. With the 2006-2007 3.7 F/D 340whp would be about 340-350wtq and potentially very lethal to the transmission. Not sure why Subaru went to the 3.7 F/D with 1.1:1 center diff gearing reduction, but it seems to potentially increase the mechanical stress on an already weak design...

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**EJ257** · 10-25-2012 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by zax

Torque is what kills transmissions. With the 2Ls, one could get away with about 330-340whp on the stock tranny since you're only looking at about 300-310 wtq peak. With the 2006-2007 3.7 F/D 340whp would be about 340-350wtq and potentially very lethal to the transmission. Not sure why Subaru went to the 3.7 F/D with 1.1:1 center diff gearing reduction, but it seems to potentially increase the mechanical stress on an already weak design...

GTFO with your logic...