I just bought a '98 STI, and it looks as if the previous owner was using the intercooler as a tool tray or a ghetto etch-a-sketch. I have heard about tools that are specifically made to straighten bent intercooler vanes (to restore the "V" shape) , but I have yet to find anything of the sort. If anybody has info on these tools, or a proven method that doesn't cause more damage to the IC, please help! Thanks.

 

check places that do Heating and Airconditing service. usually they have things to fix bent fins on heat exchangers pretty much the same as the intercooler fins. it may work.

 

here is what your looking for
http://search.ebay.com/fin_HVAC-Tool...QsosortorderZ2

 

Save your money: patience and a light touch with a cable "zip" tie (3/16" to 1/4" wide, ~1/16" thick, and 6" to 12" long) does a fine job of fin straightening... YMMV

Brent.

 

Thanks! I was almost about to break down and buy a brand new IC. Now I can repair this one and save the dough to get a front mount.

 

Maybe- if the fins straighten out and aren't crushed much, it will work. Often they get squeezed when they get bent down though, or crimped. Makes sure they're not pinched off, or just get a new IC. You can get a V7 or USDM STi top mount for around $400.

 

Most of the damaged fins are just bent back at an angle, but not completely crushed. As soon as the snow lets up, I'll go out and try the zip-tie trick. Thanks for the advice, BTW!

 

A '98 STi? Let me be the first to say that I hate you. j/k, but I am jealous!

 

Yeah, I was tempted to say that the car is useless with bent intercooler fins...best sell it to me.

Forgot to mention: any really crushed fins may need to be gently worked out from the bottom side of the IC (remove the IC 1st).

I ended up making a grill for my TMIC out of 1/10" SS mesh/screen. Cut to fit just inside the frame & held in place by gravity & the deflector seal. Might drop efficiency slightly, but it sure is easier to keep clean of bugs, rocks, tumbleweeds, etc...

Brent.

 

Yeah, I am going to have to remove the IC to do anything to it. I went out yesterday, got about 3 fins straightened, and then my hands were so cold after that, I couldnt stop shaking enough to do anymore. Better to do it inside the house.

The mesh is a good idea, and I plan on doing that when this thing is fixed. A Japanese mechanic that works at the Suby shop where I get my parts recommended pantyhose. He didn't go into detail as to what kind works best, but from what I can figure, the slutty fish-net style probably offer the best efficency with a loss in protection, the tight-knit bankrobber mask style would offer the best protection with the loss in efficiency. But then you would have to worry about getting a run in your pantyhose, and as you know, that is NOT good. Maybe mesh is the way to go.

 

I got a few pics up in the gallery. These are going to document everything done to the car, since I have a clear stock canvas to create a masterpiece from.

https://www.i-club.com/gallery/showg...0&ppuser=32975

 

Oooh! Fishnets and an old school STi...throw in a plaid skirt, a white blouse, and a redheaded Japanese cutie & you've got 6 of my all time fetishes covered!

So jealous, Brent.

PS: Why yes, I did attend Catholic school.

 

Ill see if I can get the wifey to make that happen for ya. She may have to go out and buy the skirt though. She gave hers away after she graduated.

Ill take the pic in front of her WRX, since she hasn't shown it off yet.