First post - Blackwing install question
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
First post - Blackwing install question
This is great forum, lots of good info! 
I have a 2000 MN6 Coupe, 51k, bought it last fall w/43k. I recently acquired a slightly used Donaldson Blackwing. I've installed it along with a new SLP smooth bellows, you can see it in the attached pic. My problem is that the air bridge will not snap down on the grommets as indicated by the arrow in the picture. Is this ok? Or what have I missed? The whole set up is VERY tight, air filter is firmly attached to the grommets at the bottom.
TIA,
C5isbest
I have a 2000 MN6 Coupe, 51k, bought it last fall w/43k. I recently acquired a slightly used Donaldson Blackwing. I've installed it along with a new SLP smooth bellows, you can see it in the attached pic. My problem is that the air bridge will not snap down on the grommets as indicated by the arrow in the picture. Is this ok? Or what have I missed? The whole set up is VERY tight, air filter is firmly attached to the grommets at the bottom.
TIA,
C5isbest
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,386
Likes: 689
From: Boise ID
Yes, those are a bugger! I’ve had the best luck by removing the grommets from the cowling and installing them in the wing first. I then lube them up and push the bridge and grommets back into the cowling. May also help to loosen the coupler a bit too.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
Work backwards. Loosen everything but leave it attached. Place the grommets into the Blackwing rather than leaving them on the four TORX pegs.
Use lubricant in the ID of all four grommets.
Push the grommets onto the horizontal cross member TORX pegs and the air bridge grommets onto the TORX pegs.
Then adjust and tighten the SLP bellows to the air bridge. Don't over tighten the worm clamp or you'll collapse the air bridge and cause other issues.
You should have enough adjustment room at the air bridge/bellows and bellows/throttle body clamping points...
Use lubricant in the ID of all four grommets.
Push the grommets onto the horizontal cross member TORX pegs and the air bridge grommets onto the TORX pegs.
Then adjust and tighten the SLP bellows to the air bridge. Don't over tighten the worm clamp or you'll collapse the air bridge and cause other issues.
You should have enough adjustment room at the air bridge/bellows and bellows/throttle body clamping points...
Last edited by hotwheels57; Jul 24, 2009 at 03:34 PM.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Just a follow-up for those who might might want to know. First, I removed the smooth bellows. I then lubed up the grommets on the blackwing and the air bridge; all four easily snapped into place. I then put the smooth bellows on, tightened everything up and it looks good now. Thanks for the help!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 58,490
Likes: 1,811
From: Oklahoma City OK
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
That's what I had to do too.
