512510, 514510 –Subaru Turbo Heatshield

Subaru Impreza WRX 2002 - 2014

Subaru Impreza 2.5GT 2009

Subaru Forester XT 2004 - 2008

Subaru WRX STi 2004 - 2021

Subaru Legacy GT, Spec B 2005 - 2009

Subaru Outback XT 2005 - 2009

Subaru Forester XT 2009 - 2013

Congratulations on your purchase of the COBB Tuning Subaru Heatshield! The following instructions will assist you through the installation process. Please read them BEFORE beginning the install to familiarize yourself with the steps and tools needed. If you feel you cannot properly perform this installation, we HIGHLY recommend you take the vehicle to a qualified and experienced automotive technician.

Parts List

COBB Subaru Heatshield
(2) m6 x 12mm Hex Bolt
m6 x 16mm Hex Bolt
(3) m6 Fender Washer

Tools Needed

Sockets

3/8"

Remove the Top Mount Intercooler

These instructions work for the following models

WRX 2002 - 2007
WRX STI 2004 - 2020
Forester XT 2004 - 2008

Locate your stock bypass valve.
Using a pair of pliers, remove the return line from the bypass valve.
Remove the vacuum line from the factory bypass valve.
Using a 12mm socket with ratchet, remove the 2 bolts that hold the bypass valve in place and remove it from the car.

TIP: Make sure to keep an eye on the factory gasket behind the BPV. It can fall when you remove the valve and end up in difficult to reach locations!
Remove the bypass valve.
Remove breather tubes from intercooler. Dikes can be helpful when removing the metal clamps or zip ties.
Loosen the turbo outlet clamp using a screwdriver or appropriately sized socket (Typically 7-8mm) along with the (2) throttle body clamps using a screwdriver or 8mm socket.
Remove the two bolts holding the intercooler in place
Gently wiggle TMIC free from engine bay by sliding it back and then out. Be careful to not damage your windshield wiper cowl.

This removal applies to the following vehicles

2008 - 2014 WRX
2005 - 2009 Legacy GT
2005 - 2009 Outback XT
2008 - 2013 Forester XT

Locate the factory BPV and remove the recirculation hose by squeezing down the hose clamp with your pliers.
Remove the vacuum reference line from the rear port of the BPV
Moving to the other side, unbolt the flange where it meets the turbo using a 12mm socket.
Undo the hose clamp attaching the throttle body coupler to the intercooler. This will typically require a phillips screwdriver, 7 or 8mm socket.
Unbolt the remaining 12mm bolt going to the intercooler support bracket and remove the intercooler from the car.

Remove Factory Heatshield

It may be worth spraying down the bolts with a penetrating oil and allowing them to sit for a little while in order to allow them to come lose more easily without any breakage.

Using your 10mm socket remove the two bolts from the driver's side of the heat shield.
Followed down by the one on the rear passenger's side.
And the two low down near to the passenger's side frame rail.
With those items removed you can now remove the heatshield from the car.

It may require re-clocking the transmission dipstick in order to have the clearance needed to remove the heatshield easily.
Now is a good time to check out the heat shield bracket as the factory units are quite prone to cracking and damage. Replace yours as needed.

Turbo Heat Shield Installation

Hand install one of the supplied 10mm bolts along with a washer into the lower up-pipe/turbo support bracket.
Slide the heat shield into place with the cutout over the loosened bolt on the lower mount.
Loosely install the other two bolts on the top and inside of the heat shield.
Slide the heat shield around a little bit to make sure the wastegate arm isn't hitting the bracket and then tighten down each bolt with a 10mm socket.
Reinstall the intercooler in the reverse order of removal.
Go out and enjoy!