Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) When do the intercooler boots give it up?

[Forrest]

Lots of variables in this question, like max boost & how often, but in a 40psi truck, do the stock intercooler boots go @ some # of miles, or do they ever go?



I've got 160k, 140k of which are not stock & the only problem is one came loose.





tia

 

[RHARVEY]

Forest...



My stock boots held 38# a couple of times. . When I did the twins a few weeks back I replaced them with a set of the PDR Deluxe Boot Kit. . The stock boots had 241k on them before they were replaced...



Rick

 

[WadePatton]

I've popped the 24v boots off a few times at 40+, no damage.



On the 12v--with nearly 180k on the clock, I shredded one a few weeks back between 40 and 50psi. Replaced with Piers boot. Have spare for other side but OEM is still on there. This truck was stock until 141k.



The OEM junk (you'll call it that when you see the Piers stuff) gets soft and balloony and eventually rips a stitch with good boost numbers.

 

[xpetecx]

If any of you guys have an extra stock one you would sell. I would buy it. kinda up a creek with out a paddle right now. Same old story no money, broken parts (boots).

 

[cahammer]

I had one blow out on me at 105k and blew it out @ 35psi on the boost guage never had any trouble since going with the piers deluxe kit also think some of the problem was a inner finder rub on the turbo side lower boot and started doing mods @ 80k

 

[Allnew2Me]

Just curious, can you drive the truck with the boot broken? Does that cause any problems other than lack of power due to no boost?

 

[Nate]

Lack of power and very high EGTs. Not really drivable, at least in my experience. The bottom on the intercooler came off once and it's sliding back off now.

 

[WadePatton]

Just curious, can you drive the truck with the boot broken? Does that cause any problems other than lack of power due to no boost?

Depends on how much boost you CAN still make. When I blow one off--ZERO boost, very lousy driving.

When I ripped one--I could still make 30psi, but EGT's were crazy.

 

[biggy238]

How about sucking unfiltered air?!?! I popped one off the intake horn and drove it 1 mile home on unfiltered air. Boot is still on there now though. .

 

[Allnew2Me]

So I guess along with all the other additions to these trucks, it would be wise to upgrade the boots, or at least carry a set, if the boost levels are increased much past stock levels. The fun never ends! Oo.