AMS IC & CSF Install
The Link to my initial attemp with the IE IC for reference: https://golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/2017-gti-pp-at-vir.351754/post-7406654
Second attempt to get the CSF Radiator to fit with an aftermarket intercooler. This time with an AMS intercooler. The following photos are after installing the AMS IC & CSF radiator.
The only change made was to remove the IC charge pipe and re-route the main engine harness underneath it. Previously the harness was touching the center of the fan shroud (with a reroute higher up & over the top of the IC charge pipe). Another detail change was to shorten the RHS (passenger) frame rail to bumper mounting bolt as it came very close to the AC lines.
1. Engine Harness rerouted under the IC charge pipe & secondary air tube. Zip tied the harness over the starter solenoid.
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2. Reposition the rub protection donut. Both IC plastic carge pipes no longer touch the fan shroud. Upper radiator hose clearance is now 12-15mm from the fan shroud.
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3. Lower IC charge pipe no longer touches the fan shroud.
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I do not have a good picture but the IC charge pipe to the throttle body also has clearance to the fan shroud, whereas before it was touching. You can see the pipe leading up to the TB below.
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4. I shortened the chassis rail to bumper mounting bolt - lower inside corner to clear the AC line
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5. Sealed the gap between the CSF radiator and the fan shroud. I used some 3M AC aluminum duct tape.
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There is a big difference in the amount of clearance between the IE & AMS IC. Both units appear to be well made. There is only one way to install the IC. This is not a complicated install. The IC location is fixed by the mounting brackets in the radiator support. The photos illustrate the increased clearance with the AMS IC vs. the IE IC. I have been in touch with the CSF factory in California, their test car was an R with an IE IC. They tell me that their European office has sold radiators fitted to FWD GTi’s running IE IC’s. This combination unfortunately did not work out for me. I did not do anything different on my second install. I made some detail changes regarding the harness routing and shortening the chassis rail bolt.
Hope this is helpful for other folks who track there cars on a regular basis or for those who run in hot ambients And want to run both upgraded IC & the CSF radiator.
Stay Healthy Folks!!