Audi Ghost Squad Garage Cold Air Intake installation – DIY w/Pictures

[Quattro]

Ok, so I promised everyone a DIY, hopefully this little info (which took me a longggg time to write and take pictures while installing) will help out a fellow AZer installing this product. The original post can be found here (http://audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253057

I also found it interesting, that there is no longer a DIY section on the main page, hopefully we can get a subforum for DIY, there is still some of us who do our own work (nothing wrong if you dont)

So, if you guys/gals find any errors or have trouble understanding what I wrote or anything, I will revise this DIY. I also be taking better photos, once the final filter is in. Enjoy the photos and the DIY.

*I also stress, that this DIY is catered around the GSG Intake pipe, but does not take much to get to where I started off from. *

-randy



Audi 2.0t FSI Ghost Squad Garage Cold Air Intake installation – DIY by Quattro

Tools needed (ONLY for CAI install not bumper removal):
-11mm wrench or Needle nose pliers




So let’s begin:
*Please note: This DIY will demonstrate how to install your new GSG CAI, with the existing GSG intake pipe. In case you have stock airbox or any other aftermarket intake set ups deviation from this guide will occur. Please follow other DIY’s on how to remove stock airbox, which can be found on EVOMS website. In this DIY, I will assume you know how to remove your stock airbox or have installed the GSG intake pipe, prior to this. Else, you must remove all components: Stock airbox/aftermarket intake, piping to the throttle body either stock, custom made or GSG piping. *

** Also in this DIY, you have the option of removing the headlight for easier installation, as I did all of this myself, made it 100x better. **






Step 1: Unwrap your new GSG CAI & couplings *not shown in pictures as I already had them prior*








Step 2: Remove your existing GSG intake pipe from the throttle body, by loosening the t-clamp bolts. Picture 2 demonstrates the end result of the above. Picture 3 demonstrates the area where the pipe will be placed.


(Picture 1)


(Picture 2)


(Picture 3)




Step 3: Attach the MAF to one of the couplings (2.75 to 2.75). Use either your pillar or 11mm wrench to tighten the MAF to the intake pipe as well as the filter to the end of the MAF.

*NOTE 1: Make sure the MAF arrow is pointing AWAY from the intake filter.

*Note 2: I would suggest having the MAF sensor connection to the left as pictured in the photo. I suggest this, because if you need to remove the intake for any reason, this location would be the most accessible. Another reason is because the plug might not reach if facing the other way AND lastly, you run the risk of the plug hitting the bottom of the headlight.

*Note 3: The second picture is the exact way the intake installs. This is the optimal positioning for the pipe, so please make sure your intake pipe looks like this when installing.




(Picture 1)

(Picture 2)

[Quattro]

Step 4: Installing the pipe.

*Note: I have pictures with the right side headlight on, which made the install a tad more challenging; I would suggest you removing the headlight, which I did. Not needed, but made it easier and working by yourself it’s a plus.

So, what you do after you remove the headlight or not, is you position the intake piping with filter as depicted in photo 2, step 3. You start buy maneuvering the pipe as shown in picture one, starting from below the sub frame and working your way up.



(Picture 1)


- Here you can tell, I am still moving the pipe to where the throttle body is located. You will turn right and have the filter look as in picture

(Picture 2)

(Picture 3)

(Picture 4)





Once the intake pipe has been pushed into the coupling, begin to tighten the t-clamp with either your pillars or 11mm wrench.




Step 5: Reinstall the headlight and admire the GSG Cold Air Intake pipe. After this step, you will continue to reinstall the bumper.

[Vorsprung]

I've always wondered why nobody made an intake like this sooner. Looks Good!

[Killerteve]

Is there any shield to protect it from water?

[ItsThat2.0T]

Show the car! Show the car!


ooo and rep'd!

[Quattro]

great question, with the location of the intake there is no need for a shield, but if you feel the need for one, I am sure GSG will have a solution for this.

I have been testing the intake set up in the rain, going over puddles and so far everything is good. The location of the intake is perfect and should not have a problem.

From my understanding, if I am not mistaken, AEM sells some type of air filter cover which is aimed for people with CAI systems. Unless you plan on going through a river, you should be fine. In CA, we have had rain, but nothing like other states. Fortunately, we have splash guards under our car, which also protects from water into engine bay. In short, no water SHOULD enter.


I am sure one of the GSG guys, will chime in as well. Not to make any jokes, but if it rains like it did in New Orleans or flood, you will get the filter soaked, but that should be the least of your problems.

-randy

NO JOKES INTENDED about NEW Orleans!!!

[agkellyboy]

Any update on the actual filter element GSG would be shipping with the CAI?

[jrok24k]

yeah the cover is called a prefilter i believe... i repels water from what i hear... good write up randy!!

[GhostSquadGarage]

I've tested this final design for the last 6 months in Washington.
I have the filter placed out of the way of all weather elements.
It does not take in direct "ram air" and sits, as you can see, behind and above the crash bar.
The bumper and undershield completely protect this from water. I've placed the MAF in the upper section of the engine as well to prevent even a drip from hitting it.
AEM does sell a filter to shield from the water, however unless you're going to run with no bumper and undershield there's no need of it.
Even going through deep puddles or flooded zones you will be fine as long as they're not deeper and higher than the wheel well.
I've done extensive testing and R&D due to the nature of this and would not be releasing it to the public if there was even the slightest chance of that happening.
Like our intake this is a one of a kind product for the B7 and we've set the bar yet again on unique and beneficial modifications that nobody else has dared to touch !!
Hope you all enjoy and Merry Christmas to all of you here @ Audizine !!!

[Quattro]

=)

thanks for the +rep, if you have further questions, post in the original thread so we can keep this thread for DIY related questions or thanks =x. I am more than happy to answer any questions and show you the product first hand if you are located in los angeles area.

-randy

[Hockenheim]

any hydro locking issues?

[plokm]

nice...any pic of the whole engine bay

[apatchin]

looks great, thanks for the nice writeup Quattro. +1

btw off topic, do ur headlights have rust in them? maybe its just the light.

[Quattro]

ItsThat2.0T: did a little photo shoot last night, once I get pictures I will post up, it will be with my big brother (b7 s4)

Hockenheim: No hydro locking issues, as no water has ever entered the engine bay area.

plokm: will get that today and post a picture of that.

apatchin: no rust in headlights, just probably the reflection. Only rust I see is from engine bay (not sure if that is a good thing!!!).


agkellyboy: not sure on the ETA on that filter, will dig up some info.

[eastwick897]

its impossible to install this without removing the bumper and headlight correct?

[TonyD]

Randy FTW

[Quattro]

not saying its impossible, but it will be something very very very unpleasant

but ya, removing the front bumper would be the best and quickest way to install. I removed headlight to make install easier for me. It is not needed, but I did regardless. Its just an additional 3 bolts, great time to do CC mod if you have not done it before.

-randy

[Quattro]

Randy FTW

ty sir!

[eastwick897]

yea but its like you can't even get the pipe between the headlight to turn properly to line up with the turbo... I tried maneuvering just the filter to see how it would get in the whole and unless I'm crazy I do not see how this will fit through that small space...

[Quattro]

you installing now? pm your number, ill call you right now and help you through it.


When I installed it, the headlight was somewhat in the way, the backside of the would hit the pipe, but I was still able to maneuver it into place. This is why I recommend the removal of the headlight, you will have more access and not struggle as much.

[jimmya4]

sorry i decided to make a new thread out of the question i originally posted here haha

[Quattro]

sorry i decided to make a new thread out of the question i originally posted here haha

Not a problem, I read your original post so post that up in this thread:

http://audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=253057


where anyone who wants to buy one or considering one can get the answer and ask more questions if needed. I would like to preserve this thread as a DIY/Discussion for installing it, the original thread would be better suited to ask technical questions and discuss it there.

Thanks!

-randy

[Keith@APR]

Randy!!!!!!!!!!! You owe us maf logs on the intake myths thread. I'm dying to see how this intake does!!

[Quattro]

i have been procrastinating so much to get the logs, but tomorrow ill have my gf hold my laptop while I log

[dolphingreya4]

does anybody know if this intake will fit on a 2003 a4 1.8T?? I've been going nuts trying to find a TRUE cold air intake, and this is the only one that looks promising.

[ataylor]

since this has been revived..

did you ever post MAF logs or see an improvement on the dyno?

[Quattro]

I believe logs were posted, I will be driving tomorrow with my friend and will do another. I haven't done a recent Dyno, but Jordan has posted a Dyno.

I hope to Dyno soon!

[scoobycarolan]

I undertand beautifully why this is such an optimal setup with a FMIC. BUT- how often do you need to clean the filter and does the bumper come off to do it....

[jimrobbington]

Is there any shield to protect it from water?

I had a true cold air intake on my stage 2 1.8t jetta, below the headlight inside the bumper behind a vent, and never, ever had a problem with water. I had a K & N oil filter, never tried another brand or oilless filter, but it should not ever be an issue with a good filter. In colorado we have rain, snow, everytype of weather. The only issue was cleaning mud off the filter from time to time. I even went without inner wheel well for a while when it was torn off driving once, and never had a problem that way. Even with the filter half covered with mud, I felt nothing taken away from performance

[jimrobbington]

I undertand beautifully why this is such an optimal setup with a FMIC. BUT- how often do you need to clean the filter and does the bumper come off to do it....

On the jetta, you were able to take the wheel off and get to the filter thru the wheel well. maybe possible with this one.

[D0lphinGrey]

Does GSG still sell this intake kit? I can't seem to access their website...

[jimrobbington]

Yeah, I tried getting to their website, too, but it is definately not working. I am sure they are still selling it, though. You can probably pm them from here.

[D0lphinGrey]

Will try that.

Cheers

[KiddEng]

I'd be weary of ordering or doing business with GSG, they may have been a great vendor back in the day but it seems as if they are not any more.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=302566 my thread i needed to create to get some response/action out of them so i can get my parts that i've ordered.

[jimrobbington]

Wow! Good to know. Yet another reason for us to just make our own. Why hasn't another company, like AWE or someone get on the bandwagon, and make us a "real" CAI?

[Quattro]

interesting their site is down....I haven't seen Jordan or laurence for awhile!

so far I love mine and havent had any problems!

-randy

[jimrobbington]

interesting their site is down....I haven't seen Jordan or laurence for awhile!

so far I love mine and havent had any problems!

-randy

Maybe they are in the Bermuda Triangle?!

[Quattro]

at least it is sunny out there :D

[KiddEng]

when i was having issues getting my order i happened to noticed that they are no longer site sponsors, and then their website not being up anymore; it led me to believe they are getting out of the game and i was hosed on my purchases...

[jimrobbington]

That is surely what it appears to be.....too bad.