I didn't clean mine out, and I put a few little nicks in the tubing when I installed them and they buffed out for the most part. Yeah, pictures of the filter don't really allow you to get a good feel for the size. Not bad.
The instructions are missing some steps in my opinion, here's what I would add or change:
Step 2: Pull up on the center piece of the cover to remove.
Step 9: Might not be required to be performed to remove the bumper. I did though and no one died.
Step 11: Requires you to remove the retaining clip in the front of each wheelwell and pull the inner liner just over it back slightly to access the 10mm bolt.
Step 12: If you have the air deflectors, you also have to remove the bolt that attaches to the bumper undertray. The other 2 can stay.
Step 13: Installation of the couplers requires the removal of the 2 plastic pieces (one on each side) above the radiator support. They are held in place by a bolt and a plug and are easy to take out. Do not spend an hour trying to squeeze the couplers through the small opening.
Step 21: The filter mounts to the bracket with the supplied hardware and requires the removal of a clip for the hole. It's right where the #14 is on the picture. It can be seen in my picture above.
Step 23: Is easier to accomplish if you have someone hold up one end of the bumper while you install the other.
Step 24: Do not gall any of the threads.
Hope this helps.