Joined up here to share some progress on my build. This has all been shared already on the GLAforum so you won’t really get any new info on this if you saw it there already. The only thing I can update on after a relatively harder day of driving is I do feel some improvements in boost and it feels quicker. Now keep in mind this is without the water methanol kit fully installed and tuning complete.

I have had these parts sitting for a while waiting for the time to get it all installed.

I started with the small aux cooler. That was super easy and takes less than 2 hours, not counting the time to refill the system. I went with the CSF racing cooler because it seemed to be better than the Alpha kit, plus Alpha keeps discontinuing parts they’ve designed for this engine. Our aux coolers are the same used in the SL I believe. They use 2 while ours uses just one. This is likely why I had some fitment issues and an upside down logo. It doesn’t bother me since again it’s about how well it performs overall.




I did have some fitment issues and needed to do some trimming. Likely due to this designed around the SL and not the GLA.


The intercooler is the Alpha or AMS, that guess what? You can’t buy anymore. It really is a nice piece but the install was a pain. The rubber couplers do not want to let it out. If you are replacing the couplers like I did you can likely just cut them to make is easier. But that doesn’t make getting it in any easier.



I already had the coupler going from the turbo to intercooler so installed it. It’s nothing special and you can get the same size coupler and clamps from HPS for less. I can get measurements and/or part numbers for an HPS version if anyone is interested.



I started on the water/meth kit. The coupler goes between the intercooler and throttle body. On the back side of the engine compartment. The nozzle will sit really close to an AC line but you can’t buy anymore get far enough away.



I plan to finish up the install in the next few weeks. Running the wiring harness and hoses was supposed to be done but ran into a wet day.

Also, I did swap out my wastegate actuator because I was starting to get no/low boost codes. This seems to have fixed my issues.

During the install I found a gas leak and a coolant leak which were both fixed.

I don’t plan on doing any real tuning until I decide on the turbo upgrade. I’m thinking the Weistec w4 kit since I’ve had great support from them. After that I’ll start with some dyno tuning.

Some other info since unless you’ve seen me on the GLA forum. Currently have a tune from Weistec, Armytrix exhaust, red star catted downpipe and some other things I’m likely missing.