07specbshtbox

I will have to call around to some shops and see if they're willing to do a simple smoke test for cheap or free, I can't afford to do much more than that rn.

I would try a smoke test but I'm pretty confident that it would pass even with the intercooler being the issue. I don't hear any noise like an air leak at idle, only when under boost. I don't think a smoke machine could pressurize the intake system to boost pressures.

I've been hunting down a new noise that developed that sounds like a BOV, except I have a factory BPV installed so there should not be any such noise. After tracing vacuum lines and looking at mating surfaces for evidence of a leak I remembered the issue with the OEM intercoolers and how the end tanks separate from the core. I inspected the intercooler and found one side that looks to be separating just the tiniest bit and bending back the tabs that clamp it down.

Every other side has the tabs seated flat against the plastic, is this the source of the noise?

I would also like to know if its possible to pinch the tabs back down and buy the Bulletproof TMIC kit or if I should track down a junkyard intercooler that isn't separated then bulletproof that one instead. Any input is appreciated.