Installation Guide for PRL Motorsports Front Mount Intercooler (PRL-HA10-IC)

Important Information

This guide provides instructions for installing the PRL Motorsports Front Mount Intercooler on a 2021+ Acura TLX 2.0T. Note: This item does not require an ECU re-calibration. The unit is rated for 600HP. Installation takes approximately 3 hours.

Preparation

Before beginning, ensure you have the following tools: Ratchet, 6-12 inch extension, 10mm and 14mm sockets, 1/4 inch hex socket, torque wrench, needle nose pliers, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, clip removal tool, combination square/measuring tape, permanent marker, angle grinder/cutting wheel, drill, and eye protection.

Safety First: Turn off the ignition, loosen the battery terminal, and disconnect the negative battery cable. Allow the vehicle to sit for at least 5 minutes to drain the charging system. Save any memory settings before disconnecting, as this may erase pre-programmed electronic memory.

Installation Steps

Bumper and Factory Intercooler Removal

• Remove the front bumper to access the factory intercooler.
• Remove the factory brackets holding the factory intercooler.
• Remove the (2) factory 10mm bolts per side of the factory intercooler. Keep these bolts for reuse.
• Remove the vertical support bracket located behind the factory intercooler by removing the (1) 10mm bolt and (1) 10mm nut. This bracket is removed permanently.

Bumper Beam Trimming

• Remove the bumper beam by removing the (5) 14mm and (1) 10mm factory bolts per side.
• Seat the PRL Intercooler into the factory mount location.
• With assistance, line up the bumper beam to its mounting location. Use a permanent marker to mark a line at each edge where the intercooler ends on the bumper beam.
• Using a combination square, measure 1-5/8 inches and mark a straight line and a dot at the end.
• Use a cutting wheel or angle grinder to cut an arched line across the bumper beam, underneath the factory holes. Do not cut fully through the holes.

Intercooler Installation

• Transfer the (2) rubber grommets from the factory intercooler to the PRL Intercooler.
• Place the PRL silicone hose on the driver's side using the provided worm gear clamp.
• Affix the factory bracket on top of the intercooler using the rubber grommet and the (1) 10mm bolt.
• Torque the (2) factory 12mm bolts on the passenger side of the end tank to the factory charge pipe to 18 ft/lbs.
• Align the PRL silicone hose with the factory charge pipe and tighten the provided worm gear clamps.
• Trim the plastic air guide to fit correctly, ensuring an air gap exists all around the intercooler.
• Reinstall the bumper beam and follow bumper removal steps in reverse.

Road Testing

1. Start the vehicle in neutral with the emergency brake engaged.
2. Assess for any issues and make adjustments if necessary.
3. Test drive the vehicle to ensure everything is in working order.

Required Maintenance

Visually inspect the intercooler and connections during routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotations, and filter changes. Ensure connections have not come loose. Avoid driving through debris that could damage the fins or over objects that could puncture the unit.