I got the infamous "hole-in-the-ac-line-because-you-put-a-huge-IC-in " problem. I replaced the AC line with an STI line and went to a shop to get the system recharged. The shop advised me to not even waste my time recharging the system if I didn't replace the AC drier if the system was open for more than a day. My system coulda been open for all winter for all I know. What's word then? AC drier definitely gotta go? Also, when installing the STI lines, there an extra molded bump on the STI line that isn't on the WRX line near the firewall where the bolt goes. I'm concerned that this may be a leak source when the system is recharged.....anyone else run into this?

It's a tough, tough call that even I had to make. A new drier is $65. You swap it out, and KNOW you are good. Or....you recharge the system and find out your AC runs like poo and have to got through the hassle again. But, you MAY get lucky and it will be all good. Proper shop procedure says replace it. I replaced the whole condensor + drier in 45 minutes with a friend. I'm not sure if there's enough room to swap out the drier in place, but if you have to pull the condensor as long as you remove the coolant expansion tank and have a friend pull the radiator towards the engine, it will all slide out after you remove the grill and like 2 bolts.

hmmmmmm.....Ahhh. well you never said....did you replace your drier or not? LOL!

Yep!!

It depends on two things:

1) How long was the A/C system exposed to atmosphere? This includes any time that the system was leaking.

2) How hot and how humid were ambient conditions during the time the A/C system was open to atmosphere?

Example: if it's winter in AZ, atmospheric humidity is probably very low. You might just get away with a week or two. If you're on the Gulf coast during a wet summer, don't even bother taking the chance - you're dryer is saturated with moisture.

<Dirty Harry>
You've got to ask yourself one question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya . . . PUNK?
</Dirty Harry>