HX install?

[Roadking107]

I’m considering installing and upgraded HX in my 5th gen ZL1. I’m wondering how difficult it is. I’m a bit intimidated to take the front nose off the car.

[DrkPhx]

Depending on which one you buy, you might not have to remove the front clip (which is actually pretty easy). I installed a C&R HX and didn't need to remove front clip, but I did remove the radiator and AC condensor out of the way.

[beersngars]

I just had the nose off mine and it was a piece of cake. Just take your time and it's no problem. I would think that way is easier than trying to work over it.

[N2O]

i installed the afco heat exchanger with dual fans,took maybe 2-3 hours at home. Its pretty easy just need all the tools at hand.

[ZL1 Maniac]

Originally Posted by beersngars

I just had the nose off mine and it was a piece of cake. Just take your time and it's no problem. I would think that way is easier than trying to work over it.

So true....

Besides, you'll need to know how to take the nose off when it comes time to replace that lower grille/splitter after it kisses a few curbs...

Have fun, its not bad at all....

Jeff

[Roadking107]

Thanks. I'm likely going to get the CR racing HX too. Can you share your tricks for the install without taking the front clip off.

[Roadking107]

Thanks

[BlackMambaZL1]

Originally Posted by Roadking107

Thanks. I'm likely going to get the CR racing HX too. Can you share your tricks for the install without taking the front clip off.

TBH Taking the nose off would be easier than taking the radiator and condenser out. I was not looking forward to doing mine and I will be honest... the most annoying part was taking all the little screws out underneath the splitter which was nothing haha.

You won't have to drain coolant and it is easy to do. I am going to be taking mine off again this summer to do the crash bar and tow hook on the front. It is nothing to be afraid of.

[Roadking107]

Thanks

[beersngars]

Originally Posted by Roadking107

Thanks. I'm likely going to get the CR racing HX too. Can you share your tricks for the install without taking the front clip off.

With the car on the ground, open the hood, remove the push-pins along the front and the 10mm head bolts on either end. Jack up the car and remove the 10mm head bolts and all the torx screws along the bottom. Pull the front tires and remove the torx screws from the inner fender liner. Take all the forward push-pins in the inner fender out. Now you can pull the inner fender down and out of the way. IF I recall there are 3 forward facing 10mm head bolts and 1 vertical on each side. There is 1 more 10mm head bolt that faces inward that only needs to be backed out about 1/2 way.

Next, grab the nose try pulling it straight off to make sure you got all the bolts. No real force is needed if everything is ready. Last, there is 1 electrical connector on the passenger side of the radiator. I had a problem separating the connector, so I got the wife to hold the bumper so I could use both hands on the connector and not have an aw shit it slipped screw up.

As far as tips, I would say, get the inner fenders as far down and out of the way as possible. That makes seeing all the bolts in the front very easy. I spent maybe 45 minutes to an hour taking mine off the first time and now that I've done it, 1/2 that max. The job is very straight forward.

[ZO6 Bryan]

There are also two small screws that hold the fender liner to the brake cooling duct. Don't forget those.

[Roadking107]

Originally Posted by beersngars

With the car on the ground, open the hood, remove the push-pins along the front and the 10mm head bolts on either end. Jack up the car and remove the 10mm head bolts and all the torx screws along the bottom. Pull the front tires and remove the torx screws from the inner fender liner. Take all the forward push-pins in the inner fender out. Now you can pull the inner fender down and out of the way. IF I recall there are 3 forward facing 10mm head bolts and 1 vertical on each side. There is 1 more 10mm head bolt that faces inward that only needs to be backed out about 1/2 way.

Next, grab the nose try pulling it straight off to make sure you got all the bolts. No real force is needed if everything is ready. Last, there is 1 electrical connector on the passenger side of the radiator. I had a problem separating the connector, so I got the wife to hold the bumper so I could use both hands on the connector and not have an aw shit it slipped screw up.

As far as tips, I would say, get the inner fenders as far down and out of the way as possible. That makes seeing all the bolts in the front very easy. I spent maybe 45 minutes to an hour taking mine off the first time and now that I've done it, 1/2 that max. The job is very straight forward.

Thank you

[VRZL113]

Originally Posted by beersngars

With the car on the ground, open the hood, remove the push-pins along the front and the 10mm head bolts on either end. Jack up the car and remove the 10mm head bolts and all the torx screws along the bottom. Pull the front tires and remove the torx screws from the inner fender liner. Take all the forward push-pins in the inner fender out. Now you can pull the inner fender down and out of the way. IF I recall there are 3 forward facing 10mm head bolts and 1 vertical on each side. There is 1 more 10mm head bolt that faces inward that only needs to be backed out about 1/2 way.

Next, grab the nose try pulling it straight off to make sure you got all the bolts. No real force is needed if everything is ready. Last, there is 1 electrical connector on the passenger side of the radiator. I had a problem separating the connector, so I got the wife to hold the bumper so I could use both hands on the connector and not have an aw shit it slipped screw up.

As far as tips, I would say, get the inner fenders as far down and out of the way as possible. That makes seeing all the bolts in the front very easy. I spent maybe 45 minutes to an hour taking mine off the first time and now that I've done it, 1/2 that max. The job is very straight forward.

There are also (2) 7mm bolts (1 per side) that hold the very edges of the bumper cover near the ends of the marker light brackets.

Additional tips...

You can remove the electrical connector for the lights prior to removing the bumper, and a power ratchet will help when reinstalling the (6) 10mm upper bolts (3 per side).

[Roadking107]

Originally Posted by VRZL113

There are also (2) 7mm bolts (1 per side) that hold the very edges of the bumper cover near the ends of the marker light brackets.

Additional tips...

You can remove the electrical connector for the lights prior to removing the bumper, and a power ratchet will help when reinstalling the (6) 10mm upper bolts (3 per side).

Thanks