OK, I'm installing my Stillen CAI and the instructions say to use the OEM bolts to secure the MAF tube to the aluminum venturi ring. Getting everything to line up was a pain. I had to push the filter hard against the housing to get the holes to line up. I finally get the bolts threaded and almost get them tightened and two of them suddenly felt like they sort of broke free.

I don't know if I partially broke the bolts or if the threads in the aluminum venturi ring stripped. Has anybody had a problem with this????

Thanks for any input.

 

That didn't sound good... Will the screws back out of the holes, or do they just turn in the hole without backing out? If they won't back out, then you may have stripped the hole(s). I don't remember having problems getting the holes to line up. I bought/installed this item on two different cars. I didn't have to strain or wrestle anything to get it installed. My point is, I'm not sure why you had to wrestle yours. I have never heard anyone complain about this before... Sorry I couldn't help.

 

Actually I got ticked and put it down. I'll see if I can back them out tomorrow.

 

that doesnt sound right

 

Back out the screws. If they have little metal shavings in the threads then you stripped out the venturi ring. If that is the case, call up the CS Manager at Stillen and see if they can ship you out a new venturi ring.

You should have no issues lining up the holes. I would put in all four screws with a couple of turns of each and just keep doing that so that the pressure is even among all four of the bolts. Then just tighten it up so that it is snug. If you are afraid that they might back out, then buy some locktite and put it on the threads of the bolts.