Here's how to get Silicone Chargepipes to clear your Engine Cover

[TopJimmy]

I got a set of VTT silicone chargepipes but had trouble getting the engine cover back on. I put the tubes on as a finish to an all-day install of ER hi-flow cats, so I did a DIY on the nearest ball head stud with a couple rubber plumbing washers to make something like the ESS riser part. Still no luck. I just took the cover home for a later try.

Today I did a re-tweak and got it right:
It seems the Vargas tubes are long to fit aftermarket coolers. Factory coolers have stop rings so the factory silicone couplers stay in place. For Vargas tubes you need to push them past the stop rings using a mechanics pick to lift the silicone edges up over the ring while pushing the tube. The silicone tube will eventually slide all the way up the plastic. This pulls the tubes close up against the side of the engine. Now the engine cover will clear and connect to the last ball head screw.

-TopJimmy

[TopJimmy]

Added wiring pix for PapaSmurf... Helping to tweak his ESS. All silicone may need a little tweaking for a nice tight fit.

Also an update, there's a little rub of the engine cover on the hood when closed. I used a little white Velcro, the fuzzy part, stuck in the spot on the hood to protect where the plastic touched.

[aswy6]

I had the same issue with VTT pipes. Ended up taking off engine cover because got tired the sound of engine cover hitting the hood

[papasmurf_m3]

Thanks Jimmy! Tips hat.. That's exactly what I was talking about.

Should I push both hoses past stopper then? Looks like its just the one that sits just a tad bit high.

[Ed_rx7]

Or just cut the pipes shorter...(cooler end) That will pull it closer..... either way works

[TopJimmy]

Originally Posted by Ed_rx7

Or just cut the pipes shorter...(cooler end) That will pull it closer..... either way works

Agreed. We were talking a little more about trimming in a PM. The idea was to tweak it first past the stops to get a good fit, and then you can see the best spot for a perfect cut.

Better to post it so it helps others:

Yep, use a tiny screwdriver or a mechanic pick to lift the edge up and over the stops. You have to push the tubes hard at the same time. Once you get an edge up over the stop you can work the tool around and finally get it all over. After you get things tweaked and fitting right give it a day or two. The heat will set the tubes and let you see/feel where the stops are under the silicone.

Then you can mark with a sharpie and trim the tubes perfect. Need to use a good firm bolt-clamp and new razor blades. YouTube DIY vid link below. Jump to 2min 35sec.
h tee tee p ess :// youtu.be/8vZY23frqUA (<-the link)

[mike@x-ph.com]

Thank you for sharing