has anyone ever had their front mount intercooler stolen, or know someone who has had theirs stolen? im getting one soon and im a little nervous, because thieves steal just about anything these days. i have an alarm, but it still really bothers me. am i woorrying too much or what?
-Joe ___________________________________ White 98 Eclipse GS MT Star Stage 2 *Stolen - 10/24/03*
#36353, "RE: fmic stolen?" In response to Reply # 0
It is pretty tough to steal a FMIC. It takes a bit of work to get it off. The front bumper needs to be removed and they have to do all of that without damaging the IC. So... I know that if someone wants something bad enough they will get it. But I wouldn't be too worried about them taking an FMIC... But they could damage it if they don't like you. Just a thought.
-Danny
" We cannot appeal to the conscience of the world when our own conscience is asleep. " Carl von Ossiet
#36355, "RE: fmic stolen?" In response to Reply # 2
To get the FMIC off the car you need to remove the bumper. You can't remove the bumper without popping the hood. You can't pop the hood without breaking into the car. Chances are they wouldn't bother with the FMIC if they can steal other stuff. I really never worry about it.
#36357, "RE: fmic stolen?" In response to Reply # 4
if u are that worried, have your IC pipes welded to it or something. I would say weld the piping to the TB, but that wouldn't be good. They aren't gonna get it easy. Gonna be noticeable, and to steal it without causing a scene, it's gonna have to be pretty small so they can reach in easy and take it out. Bolt it on, then weld on the back of the bolts if you really think it's that serious. But, whatever you do, if they want it bad enough, they'll get it anyways. And I'd almost rather have them take that, then bust my car up worse b/c they get mad and try harder. Sounds kinda dumb, but it's true. The harder u make it for them, the worse you'll come out sometimes.
#36358, "RE: fmic stolen?" In response to Reply # 5
you could always put some thin metal bars (like maybe 1/2" wide or so?) around your intecooler, maybe one on each side and HARDCORE bolt them with a crazy non standard bolt/weld (if you were crazy) to the bumper structure or something. don't think it would really spoil the looks/functionality much at all. then again, that's if they were able to do all the crap like getting under your hood, taking your bumper off/destroying it, etc in the first place without making too much noise or having anyone notice. anyways, i'm done now.
#36360, "RE: fmic stolen?" In response to Reply # 7
It kinda defeats the purpose (showing-off) but if you're that worried, just get a mesh grille and put it on, that would make it tough to notice the FM unless you were really looking. Just a thought...