fallzboater

I installed the FMIC kit from Tom Mullane in the car last night, and drove it to work without the bumper today. I wanted to give it a work-out without the bumper on, so I could easily tweak or tighten anything that needed attention. All was good, so tonight's project was to get the bumper back on.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/87663/fmic_011_800.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/87663/fmic_012_800.jpg">

Trimming and fitting the oil cooler duct, grills, and bumper did take some time, but no major issues. It took some shoving to get the two bumper bolts back in place, and the clearances are very tight. I have to say I'm impressed by how well everything fit in the limited space, prototyping this must've been a biatch. However, if you even suspect that your car has had any front end damage, I wouldn't try it.

With the stock grills back in place, it's extremely stealthy. You've got to be pretty low to notice the aluminum IC through the horizontal slats. The only thing I haven't replaced yet is the front license plate holder. I don't like the way it extends down over the opening, so I'm thinking I'll cut down my plate a bit and mount it directly to the bumper instead. I may just leave the plate off entirely until I get hassled by the man.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/87663/fmic_018_800.jpg">

4Driver4

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/87663/fmic_018_800.jpg"></center><p>

UrS4boy

Tom: YGM

quattro_joe

how screwed are you if you are in a front end crash now?

Joe

UrS4boy

there will be no issues with insurance companies asking "Why was the bumper support weakened by material removal? I'm sorry but we will have to deny your claim".

Caveat: "None" refers to North American UrS cars with R134a A/C. R12 or Eurobumpers require some trimming.

Contact Tom Mullane (4driver4) for more info.

Dave F.

fallzboater

There's a small amount of clearance between the beam and the IC itself (maybe 1/4" at the end tanks, more in the middle), but the pipes are right up against the beam, on my car at least.

A front end crash in these cars is bad in any case! I think the beam mounting is stiff enough that it'll still be fine for parking taps.

UR-Idiot Savant-S6

Tom, I know you've told us 1000 times but what are the core and overall dimensions again? TIA

fallzboater

20.5x9x3<ul><li><a href="http://www.034efi.com/product_info.php?cPath=35&amp;products_id=218">FMI C at 034efi.com</a></li></ul>

UR-Idiot Savant-S6

Thanks man, nice job on your install.