A friend of mine was planning to install a Vararam Air Intake system in his 2001 C5. He opted to trade into a 2006 C6 instead. He sold the Vararam, however gave me a set of new Air Induction Fog Light Shrouds like these...



I performed a search and saw various installation procedures and JWM shared the following link on the Vararam installation; http://www.cajundude.com/vararam.htm

In reviewing this link/instruction guide, Step 4 and Step 5 outline the underneath work necessary. My question, is since I am not installing a new Vararam air intake, do I need to remove the fan/radiator condensor shroud as outlined in Step 5 or can I reach the OEM fog light shrouds from the side via the corner access panels?

When I installed my new HID/ACA headlights and HID fog lights earlier this year, I had full access to the shrouds from the top of the car (too bad I didn't have these new shrouds then). However, since I have the HID headlight cutoffs properly aimed and all the harness & cables neatly wrapped and tucked away, I really don't want to remove the headlights even though access from the top may be easier.

I would appreciate any "how to" tips other members may have based on previous installations.

Thanks!

 

I'm sure at least one really smart forum member figured out the best way to do this. I can't slip my arms down through the lights with the headlight shrouds removed so I'm planned to go down under again...

 

Most people including me just drill holes in the stock fog light surrounds with a drill and call it a day. I'm not sure I have seen anyone use those.

 

That's one option. However, these are nice (and free) so I'd like to install them. Just trying to figure out the easiest way. Plus, these give me the option of not installing screens in front if I don't want to. I think most guys who drilled their own holes in the fog light shrouds, then covered up their DIY work with grill screens.

 

I drilled mine then found a great deal on screens and cut the surrounds completely out with a dremel. Good luck on the install. I'm sure someone will chime in.

 

They are a good piece.

It is a PITA

Lay on your back under the front of your car

Take off the access panels under the front bumper.

Twist and cram your arm up in the front facia (it's pretty much
blind)

Find the fog light

Attach with mounting points that line up with the ones on the
outer frame of your grilles

Skill level 4

PITA 8

Time 6-8 Beers

Peace
Chip

 

Thanks Chip. I'm pretty sure there is no easier way. I swapped out my corner lights for custom housings with LEDs and although it was a pretty easy mod from a technical perspective, it was a PITA mod from a "fit my 6' 2" frame underneath the car and get my big hands to fit into small holes with an extended socket wrench" perspective.

 

Hi There MSGC5,
You have good timing.I just did this a/screen install today.
Follow canjuds steps.When you get to step 6. There are 2 wire clips per screen housing. Push on the clips from the front side of the housing towards the rear.Mine were tough to get out on the side towards the outer fenders.( too much flexiing of the tab. I used the flat side of a popsicle stick to push it out. On the pass. side I also removed the horn assy.I bolt 13 mm socket & one push on connector. This allows you access to pry off the plastic alignment pins from the rear. It allows you room for you to get the screwdriver behind the pin.If you have big hands like me you can see & remove the bolt closest to each fender. I can not access from the front of the car through the air duct to remove that bolt. I used a hair dryer to heat the plastic pins & then a auto trim tool to pop off the metal washer. Put a piece of tape on so I would not lose it, as they come off in a hurry. I lossed one & found one. I Bought 2 from the dealer $1.45 for both. p/n 10161510 nomenclature, fastener special 14.683 . Good time to clean your condenser & radiator. (Blow towards the front of the engine.) When you replace the shroud install the alignment pins with out installing the washers.Hook up all the connectors before putting the push type washers on.This is the toughest part. I used a 11" needle nose with a 90 degree bend to install the washer. Makes this part real easy.If you have strong hands you can use a 7/16" deep socket to push on the locking washer. I doubt you will have room for a hammer to tap it in. BTW 3 10 mm self tapping bolts hold each housing. If you squeeze the housing with both hands & pull down at the same time you will clear the fog light & not disturb it at all.
I hope this helps time consuming but not a problem. Any questions pm me.
robsc501

 

Thanks for the detail. Did you need to remove the radiator fan/condensor shroud? If that's required, I might postpone this mod until I install my new air intake and then do it all at one time.

 

Hi There,
I did not remove the condenser fan shroud. There are some openings to use. I used a regular blow gun & a special blow gun with a 2ft. extension with a 90 degree fitting on the end.I put a piece of cardboard in between the radiator & condensor to catch the dirt,then put a big towel in front of the radiator & blew that out last. Some dirt stayed attached to the front side of the radiator. I used a old tooth brush to carefully remove what was remaining. Now I,am getting the car ready for a show this Sunday.Wait until you are ready to do your intake other wise you will be doing this twice(intake removal that is)
robsc501

 

What size drill hole and does the engine area get any dirtier with them ?

 

I just bought the induction screens. I was hoping it would be easier to install them with the headlights out.