[HP_HOUND]

I purchased the Mishimoto FMIC because it is supposed to bolt on to stock. The problem is on the driver's side outlet of the FMIC the Clamp key will not align so it can bring the hose coupling and the intercooler coupling together. It is slightly off. I disconnected my Cobb charge pipe from the Intercooler hose so I would have more play to marry the two coupling together but no luck. It appears as the coupling on the FMIC is a 1/8 of an inch off.

[jwzimm]

@Mishimoto can you help?

dammit! How do you tag a user?!?

[FL335]

GL, OP. That is odd...I have an N54 and the FMIC was just a perfect fit. I am sure the guys at Mishimoto will help. Can you take a picture so I can see exactly what you're talking about?

[HP_HOUND]

Originally Posted by FL335

GL, OP. That is odd...I have an N54 and the FMIC was just a perfect fit. I am sure the guys at Mishimoto will help. Can you take a picture so I can see exactly what you're talking about?

Here it is

[jwzimm]

Click "Go Advanced" and then scroll down to "Manage Attachments". You can then upload the photo. It needs to be shrunk to a reasonable size though (1024x768 works).

[HP_HOUND]

Got it thanks

[FL335]

I know this sounds crazy but it looks like it just needs to be lined up better. I hooked mine up and ended up blowing off the hose. Had to really line it up well and it finally fit together. It's been a while since I did it but I remember the fit was great once I squared it away. Take some oil and rub it around the gap. That may help seat the two together. GL

[HP_HOUND]

Originally Posted by FL335

I know this sounds crazy but it looks like it just needs to be lined up better. I hooked mine up and ended up blowing off the hose. Had to really line it up well and it finally fit together. It's been a while since I did it but I remember the fit was great once I squared it away. Take some oil and rub it around the gap. That may help seat the two together. GL

I tried oil, I even disconnected my charge pipe since it connects to the other end of that hose so I could easily move the hose, but the tolerance are too tight. if that key on the hose doesn't align with the slot on the intercooler coupling it won't budge.

[jwzimm]

I just checked and confirmed that the OEM intercooler is common between the N54 and the N55 so there shouldn't be a fitment concern. There is always the possibility that you got a unit with a defect. Those CNC fittings are clocked and then welded onto the cooler core so it is possible it shifted prior to welding.

[HP_HOUND]

Would this tool work or could I damage the stock hose assembly?

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-w...&blockType=G11

[FL335]

I would hold off and ask them to send you another. PM Mishimoto on this board. They're solid. I am sure they would send you a new one. I know it sucks because you want to install it but that's the direction I would take.

[FL335]

BTW, once you install the upgraded FMIC...we need it here in FL..and run the aggressive map, it's a game changer..enjoy!

[HP_HOUND]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

@Mishimoto can you help?

dammit! How do you tag a user?!?

Thanks for your help. I went to their site and left a message asking for help.

[HP_HOUND]

I will say that the installation was a breeze until I encountered the coupling alignment issue. Maybe, I'm the unlucky guy how got a unit that should not have passed QC.

I see why most over brands employ new hoses which eliminate the factory coupling. The manufacturing process would not have t be as precise on the IC outlet. One of the main reasons I chose Mishimoto was to avoid installation of new hoses and the ability to revert back to stock

Originally Posted by HP_HOUND

I purchased the Mishimoto FMIC because it is supposed to bolt on to stock. The problem is on the driver's side outlet of the FMIC the Clamp key will not align so it can bring the hose coupling and the intercooler coupling together. It is slightly off. I disconnected my Cobb charge pipe from the Intercooler hose so I would have more play to marry the two coupling together but no luck. It appears as the coupling on the FMIC is a 1/8 of an inch off.

Originally Posted by jwzimm

@Mishimoto can you help?

dammit! How do you tag a user?!?

Originally Posted by HP_HOUND

Here it is

Interesting, thank you for posting up an image. Sending you a PM shortly so we can sort this out!

-John

[HP_HOUND]

Originally Posted by mishimoto

Interesting, thank you for posting up an image. Sending you a PM shortly so we can sort this out!

-John

Here is the picture:

[HP_HOUND]

Although, I haven't heard back from John at Mishimoto. Someone else at Mishimoto has contacted me telling me that the FMIC maybe covered by the warranty.

I had a swap out in mind. I don't feel that this is warranty work because I never got the FMIC installed.

I'm 100% sure that the coupling was a little off when it was welded on, as my stock FMIC went right back on with no issues. This is not a hard install at all. The hardest part is removing the splash guard if you call that difficult.

1) Drive car on Rhino Ramps
2) Remove Splash Guard
3) Remove the plastic strip ( two little levers ) on the bottom of the stock FMIC
4) pull the 2 C clips holding each hose on to the IC
5) remove T20 Bolts and the FMIC drops out.

I think the proper way to handle this is I box up the defected FMIC and ship it back and they ship me a new one.

I'll let you guys know if that is what happens.

So far Mishimoto has responded quickly and seem to be organized.

[HP_HOUND]

Could it be that the cutout on the coupling is supposed to align with the angle of the IC? See picture

[Tiago@VRSF]

Judging by the alignment in that picture it looks like they welded the inlet at the incorrect angle. They're supposed to be slightly off center, this is way off.

[HP_HOUND]

That's why I couldn't get it installed. The guys at ECS already sent me an RMA number. It does suck to have to wait a couple more weeks to get a new one. They are going to ship me an new one after they get the defected one back.

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by HP_HOUND

Could it be that the cutout on the coupling is supposed to align with the angle of the IC? See picture

That does not look different than the one I just received. I haven't installed it yet but mine is brand new from Extreme power house.

[HP_HOUND]

It looks totally different than Mine. Look at the notch on the OD of the coupling where it is welded to the intercooler. The Intercooler I had the notch was almost aligned with the seem on the IC. See my drawing in the pictures above. Your notch is way different. Also, the one I had was just 1/8" - 3/16" off too much to make it work.

Good Luck