TexSquirrel

Nickshu

It took me about 3 hours and maybe another hour to drain and refill the system as well as install a Rennline center radiator screen...assuming you pre-assemble the radiator and frame on the benchtop ahead of time. I work slow and meticulously, but I have taken the front bumper off several times so that only took me a few minutes to get it on and off.

A couple tips....You have to fit the rubber shroud INSIDE the black metal radiator frame. It does not easily slide into the frame, you have to bolt the frame together with the rubber shroud in place. There are holes in the frame where the rubber tabs fit. This is easiest with two people as the rubber likes to pop out the opposite side you are holding, over and over. Also the hose routing on the driver's side is a bit confusing, I ended up re-doing it a few times to find the best position. I think I have a photo somewhere of the final positioning I settled on. The factory diagram is not easy to discern. Also when you refit the bumper having an extra person helps as you will have to play around with the rubber center radiator shroud to get it in the right position...a little more difficult if you fit a radiator screen since you can't reach through.

moburki

Good tip Nickshu. I was able to get the shroud into the frame after the install, but we had some words..
If you got the full factory parts set up, I agree, 3-4 hrs max.

TexSquirrel

OK, thanks!
I've not taken the bumper off a Porsche yet, but I've done lots of other cars.
How easy is it to get the bumper re-installed and aligned properly?
I'll be working alone(like normal) but will have potential help later this afternoon, so I might just get as much done as possible this morning and finish with some assistance this afternoon.

I was trying to decide between doing the center radiator or doing a review on the LN skid plate this morning.
Finally have a day off after working 15 hour days the last couple of weeks.
I'm feeling lazy...but Porsche!

TexSquirrel

I have all the factory parts(some used and some new)...except for two hose clamps.
I figured a regular small worm gear hose clamp would work.
I'll double check the parts before starting.

moburki

Oh yea, the drivers and passenger hoses are easy to confuse. How would I know?! Check those part numbers
The worm clamps are preferred for these tight spaces imho. Bumper should line right up without my fuss. Don't be afraid to muscle it little.

dporto

Three hours is pretty optimistic. I'm not saying it can't be done in that time, but I know in my case, there is usually some "mission drift" as I start to dig into the car (just little stuff I find that I want to fix "while I'm there"). Getting the car up an jack-stands and removing the front wheels can easily take close to an hour on it's own. Removing the front bumper, while fairly simple can also be fiddly, and you have to make sure to bag all the screws/connectors and note where they came from (this is the difference between doing the job yourself and someone who doesn't care, and that know the car will be long gone from his shop when you figure out that your bumper is loose and there are connectors missing...) you'll have to remove the front underbody plastic panel as well - this is probably another 40 min to 1 hr. by the time all's said and done. See where I'm going with this? We're already in close to two hrs. and haven't even begun the actual job. Realistically, installing and hooking up the radiator itself is going to take an hour or two - some of the working spaces are REALLY TIGHT, and if you don' get the hoses all the way onto the connections and well clamped you will have leaks when the system gets up to temp/pressure. With this in mind, it would be a good idea to pressure test BEFORE you put everything back together. As with almost everything else I've done to my car, there's nothing particularly difficult about the job overall, but there are a lot of details that need attention. If all goes well, everything should go back together a little quicker than it came apart (as long as nothing broke in the process)... I think if you give yourself 5-6 hrs. and take your time, you shouldn't have too many problems. Good Luck

TexSquirrel

Debo18D

Post some pics if you get a chance. Tertiary radiator is on my short list of mods before next track day.



Debo sends.

sb3

I literally just finished this job on my 99 C4 this afternoon. Took my time and did it in two 4 hour sessions. Most of the time has been just double checking everything and bleeding the cooling system. Did the 160F thermostat, center radiator kit and put the correct pink colored Porsche coolant back in.

Woodman71

Can you tell me how these two are different? Thanks!

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...hoCUx0QAvD_BwE

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_In...BoCP4wQAvD_BwE

TexSquirrel

TexSquirrel

dan_189

I just put mine in place - took <1 hr to install but I haven't connected the lines but I've taken the front off before.

Everyone enjoys pics! - coming from the guy that didnt take any pics... haha

TexSquirrel