2012-2021 (Mk7/Mk7.5) Volkswagen GTI BIG MOUTH LIT KIT Ram Air Intake Installation Guide
Kit Contents
Please review this document before attempting installation. You will need basic hand tools and 2 hours of installation time.
Kit Contents | Qty |
---|---|
M5 x 14mm button head screw | 4 |
M5 lock nut | 4 |
5mm large washer | 4 |
Bluetooth controller | 1 |
Remote | 1 |
Cable clip | 8 |
8" zip tie | 10 |
M6 x 12mm socket head screw | 1 |
M6 lock nut | 3 |
Assembled BIG MOUTH kit | 2 |
Cutting template | 1 |
U-channel edge trim (18" pc) | 2 |
A visual display of all the components included in the BIG MOUTH kit, including screws, nuts, washers, controller, remote, clips, zip ties, the main intake components, template, and edge trim.
Kit Contents (LIT Flare Only)
Please review this document before attempting installation. You will need basic hand tools and 2 hours of installation time.
Kit Contents | Qty |
---|---|
Bluetooth controller | 1 |
Remote | 1 |
Cable clip | 8 |
8" zip tie | 10 |
M6 x 12mm socket head screw | 1 |
M6 lock nut | 3 |
Assembled LIT flare | 2 |
A visual display of the components specific to the LIT Flare option, including the controller, remote, clips, zip ties, screws, nuts, and the LIT flare itself.
If you already own the Velossa Tech Volkswagen Golf Mk7 BIG MOUTH, skip to slide 10 to see install and wiring instructions.
Stock Components Removal
Front bumper removal is not required for the installation of this BIG MOUTH; only the removal of the grille is required. Use the tools available online to research how to remove the grille from your specific car trim.
Note: The installation as intended calls for the modification of the plastic cover that is attached to the grille.
Template
The template is meant to serve as a guide for (a) the opening that is needed for the incoming air and (2) for the holes that will be used for the fastening screws. Start with the passenger side. Place two of the supplied M5 screws in the indicated holes as temporary anchors that will hold the template in place. Keep the screws centered throughout the tracing process. Next, use a marker to trace the inner perimeter of the template and to trace the holes to the left and right of that profile. Once the markings have been made, remove the template, flip it along the Y-axis and repeat for the driver side.
An image showing a black car grille with a white cutting template positioned on it. Two silver screws are inserted through holes in the template, securing it. Green arrows point to these screws, labeled "Temporary anchors". Other green arrows point to the edges of the opening to be cut, labeled "Trace these profiles".
Cutout and Drill
Using the proper protective equipment, use a rotary tool (Dremel) to cut along the profile that was marked in the previous step. Next, use a drill to make the fastening holes, starting with a pilot hole and working up to a ¼" bit. Use a deburring tool or a file to clean up the edges.
An image showing a drill bit making a hole in the car grille, guided by the cutting template. A yellow text box states "Template is only shown here for demonstration".
Application of Edge Trim
Once the cutting is complete, the supplied edge trim will be used to disguise the jagged edges of the cut. First, use a cleaning agent to clean up the area around the cut so the edge trim can adhere. Next, remove the red-backed adhesive inside the U-profile and loosely start laying it down on the rear straight edge (do not press down on the adhesive yet). Slowly and carefully wrap around the perimeter and leave the short edges flared up as shown. Push up against the wall of the cut plastic with your fingers to prevent gaps. Once the entire perimeter has been wrapped, lay down the flared edges and squeeze the entire perimeter to adhere.
A close-up of the cut edge trim being applied to the grille opening. The short ends of the rubber trim are flared upwards. Text indicates: "Leave the short ends of the rubber trim flared up until it has all been laid".
A hand is shown pushing the short edge of the applied rubber trim into the cut plastic to ensure a tight fit and prevent gaps. Text indicates: "Push into the short edges of the cut plastic to leave no gap".
Application of Edge Trim
Push down on all sides of the rubber edge trim so the adhesive grips and use a blade to cleanly trim around the drill holes if there is overlap.
An image shows the edge trim fully applied to the grille opening. A hand is holding a craft knife or blade near one of the pre-drilled holes, ready to trim any excess or overlap.
BIG MOUTH Installation
Take note that each body is specific to one side: 'D' for driver side and 'P' for passenger side. Starting with any one side, line up the part to its respective section on the plastic cover. Use the supplied hardware to fasten the part, taking care NOT TO OVERTIGHTEN. The button head should face up; use the provided washers if the hole is too oversized. Do not reinstall the grille yet.
Two images are shown. The left image shows the driver's side of the BIG MOUTH intake being attached to the grille, with screws being inserted. The right image shows the passenger side of the BIG MOUTH intake installed on the car's grille. A yellow text box states: "Do not reinstall the grille yet, these images are meant for demonstration only."
Install the LIT BIG MOUTH Flare
Attach the supplied cable clip to your BIG MOUTH as shown. Fasten the cable and provide enough slack to not strain the cable.
An image shows the LIT flare component attached to the BIG MOUTH intake. Several screws are visible securing it. A yellow text box states: "If you purchased a LIT flare-only and already have a Gen 4 BIG MOUTH. Remove old flare and install the LIT flare with the 4 screws as shown."
SKIP THIS SLIDE IF YOU PURCHASED A FULL LIT KIT
Wiring Harness Schematic
A diagram illustrating the wiring connections for the LIT KIT. It shows a "Bluetooth controller" connected to "LED connectors" and a "Rocker switch". The rocker switch is connected to a "Fuse (20A)" which is connected to "12V Power (+)". A "Ground wire (-)" connects from the controller to a "Ground (-)" point, which is depicted as a ground symbol. A "Positive wire (+)" connects to the rocker switch.
A schematic diagram showing the electrical connections for the LIT KIT. Key components include the Bluetooth controller, rocker switch, 20A fuse, 12V power input, and ground connection. It details how the positive and negative wires are routed and connected to the controller and power source. A dashed red box notes: "Your kit may include extra accessories not shown here such as extensions, LED splitters, extra LEDs, etc."
Wire Management
Use the provided cable clips to ensure proper wire management. There is not much room to work with without running into interference so take that into consideration. As you manage the wires using this recommended method, ensure the cables cannot get tangled with the hood latch.
An image of the car's front grille area showing wires being routed. Green arrows point to specific grooves in the plastic where cables should be tucked, labeled "Tuck cables into these grooves". Other green arrows point to where cable clips should be attached, labeled "Cable clips".
Stock Components Removal
Push on the indicated clip for the reservoir to allow it to come up and out. Once loose, move it out of the way to make room for the LED cables (more details on the next slide).
Two images showing a hand interacting with a blue windshield washer fluid reservoir cap. The left image shows a finger pressing a clip on the side of the cap, with a green arrow pointing to the clip and the text "Push to unlock". The right image shows the cap and reservoir assembly partially lifted and moved aside.
Wire Management
Once the reservoir has been dislodged, snake the LED cables into the engine bay through the indicated crevice.
Two images showing the process of routing cables. The left image shows cables being fed into a gap near the dislodged reservoir. The right image shows the cables emerging into the engine bay area. Green arrows point to the gap where the cables are routed, labeled "Snake the cables through here".
LIT KIT TIPS: Controller Placement
When considering where to place your Bluetooth controller, pay attention to the following factors:
- Distance: The controller leads need to be able to reach the LEDs so proximity to the BIG MOUTH is important.
- Bluetooth signal: Placing the controller as close as possible to the driver will help with signal strength. Place the controller in a location where there is minimal metal mass in between the driver and controller.
- Heat and weathering: Avoid subjecting your controller to excessive heat and limit its exposure to environmental wear.
Some commonly found solutions for controller placement include:
- Adhere to a flat spot on the cowl, inside or near battery box, radiator support (driver side if possible), behind headlight, airbox, etc. using the supplied double-sided tape.
- If using a location near the hood latch, take the necessary precautions to ensure the wiring will not get entangled with the hood latch.
- Using zip ties to attach the controller to a thick wire loom is also a handy solution.
- Some locations near the firewall/battery tend to be good locations for signal and low temperature.
LIT KIT TIPS: Ground
When considering where to ground the circuit, pay attention to the following factors:
- Location: The best and most reliable ground connections exist on the chassis, on the engine block or on the negative terminal of your battery. These can exist as a threaded hole, shoulder bolt or stud.
- Conductivity: The ground point should be clean, unpainted and free of rust or grease for a solid connection. Fasten it securely to avoid vibration loosening the connection.
- Distance: Make sure the location of your chosen ground point is within range of the provided ground wiring.
Three images illustrating potential ground connection points. The first shows a battery terminal with a wire attached. The second shows a bolt on the car's chassis. The third shows a threaded stud. A yellow text box states: "Reference images only, your vehicle may vary slightly!"
LIT KIT TIPS: Power
When considering the power side of the circuit, pay attention to the following factors:
- Location: By default, our LIT KIT is powered using the positive terminal on the battery. If you decide to re-configure your kit for a switchable power source, we recommend you research the use of a fuse tap and follow best practices outlined online.
- Conductivity: The connection to the battery must be tight and secure. Loose connections create excess heat and shorten the life of the electronics. Ensure the terminal is free from corrosion, damage or debris.
- Safety: When working with a car battery, exercise best safety practices such as using insulated tools and wearing the correct protective equipment.
Three images showing battery connection points. The first shows a positive battery terminal with a wire attached. The second shows a red battery terminal cover being opened. The third shows a fuse box with fuses labeled '200'. A yellow text box states: "Reference images only, your vehicle may vary slightly!"
LIT KIT TIPS: Wiring Best Practices
When considering how to route the wiring through your engine bay, consider the following:
- Strain relief: Use the provided zip ties and cable clips to secure wiring to its environment while maintaining slack at each point. All wiring should be free from strain and tension.
- Components to avoid: Avoid moving parts, such as hood latches and pulleys, and exhaust components that can melt wiring. Also take care to avoid pinch points.
- Routing: Whenever possible, route the wiring along factory harnesses, underneath trim or along the perimeter of the engine bay. Bundles of wire should be tucked underneath plastic covers and secured using zip ties.
Three images illustrating wiring routing. The left image shows red wiring bundles. The middle image shows wiring routed near a moving component (possibly a hood latch mechanism). The right image shows wires tucked under plastic covers. A yellow text box states: "Reference images only, your vehicle may vary slightly!"
Wiring Overview
Ensure tight connections at the power and ground locations along with clean, organized wiring throughout.
An image of the engine bay showing the battery and fuse box area. Labels "Power" point to the positive battery terminal, and "Ground" points to a grounding bolt on the chassis. The red wiring harness is visible.
Phone App: Initialization
Download the BanlanX app from your app store and turn on your LIT KIT through the switch. Open the app and select the + sign at the top right of your screen. If you are within range and Bluetooth is on, your phone will search for nearby devices, and you will likely see your Bluetooth controller available as SP639E. Select your SP639E Bluetooth controller. Once selected, it is very likely that you will be prompted to update the firmware. Once the update is complete, navigate to the Settings -> Color Correction. Choose the colors that are displayed on your LEDs and once the calibration is done, go back to the 'Home' screen.
Multiple screenshots of the BanlanX mobile application. The first shows the "Guest" screen with an "Add device" button. The second shows the "Searching nearby devices..." screen with the "SP639E" controller detected. The third shows a prompt to "Accept update" for the firmware. The fourth shows the "Settings" menu with options like "Rename", "Color Correction", "Timers", etc. A label "Select your device" points to the SP639E entry. A label "Accept update" points to the update button. A label "Settings" points to the settings menu. A label "Color correction" points to the color correction option.
Phone App: Control
Once on the 'Home' screen, go to the 'Dynamic' tab, familiarize yourself with the interface and have fun with the presets! There are many ways to customize your LIT KIT, including DIY configurations.
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble connecting, cycle the power to the Bluetooth controller by toggling the power switch and wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. Wait for the app to detect the controller. It will pop up on the app screen as a Bluetooth controller. If necessary, cycle the power once more to refresh the controller. If the problem persists, reach out to support@velossatech.com.
Note that if you mounted your controller behind a lot of metal components, this may degrade the signal and range. If this is your case, reconsider the placement of your controller.
A screenshot of the BanlanX app's "Dynamic" tab, showing various lighting effects and color options. Labels "Check out the presets!" and "Dynamic tab" are present.
Finalize
Reinstall the grille the same way it was removed and enjoy!
A photograph of a dark-colored Volkswagen GTI with the Velossa Tech BIG MOUTH LIT KIT installed, illuminated with red lights. The car is in a workshop setting.