Intercoolers - which one?
 

When I was at S-squared last, Nate recommended that my next mod should be a larger intercooler. For the least cost an STI intercooler seems to be the best bet. This would also mean the addition of the larger scoop and air splitter. The other option is for a FMIC. I've looked around and the APS DS500 seems to be the only one that retains the factory fogs and comes in black so you don't see the thing (don't personally like the looks) -

What are you guys / gals using and what are your recommendations?

Nate gave me some great options including a custom FMIC that he could make. What ever I do, I will have it done by S-Squared.

APS is sweet! I have read that the further the ic is the bottom lag gets :!:
Top mount aps is sweet with Sti scoop :!:

Stick with a top mount unless you plan on doing alot of serious mods later on, or do alot of track time.

I have a basically new MRP (I think) TMIC sitting in my garage that I can't use. Make me an offer...

Buying used parts is the way to go, if you are more concerned with power than pretty.

In the debate between top mounts and front mounts, I always lean towards top mounts. The exception is for drag intended cars, or cars with giant turbos... which are drag cars. If you autocross, open track, or like to hit the backroads, I'd stick with a top mount. The US STi is a great upgrade. All bolt-on except for needing a support bracket fabbed, which is simple enough.

What else you got sitting on your garage? 8)

It is a PWR top mount http://www.kastleskorner.com/store/p...roducts_id=726 or installation Howto: http://mikeegan.stormpages.com/TMIC.html (Is this Sac Mike Egan?)I knew it was some 3 letters put together... Also in the garage... Megan racing Cat back, Hotchkis rear end liks, Camber bolts I keep forgetting to bring but am putting in the car now for Mike to check out. All sorts of stock stuff that could be gutted etc.

Indeed, that is the very same Mike Egan.

Hmm you still got that cat-back. I guess I'll buy that bad boy off you after all, I thought you sold it at the test and tune.


what are you doing tomorrow Dean?

I had dibs on it. 'Fraid I can't keep that claim right now. :(

working... :D

still would like to see those camber bolts too Dean when you get a chance :lol:

ive got an avo top mount intercooler sittin in my garage. used 5000k about. let me know.
ryan

Thanks for all the input. Now you all have me leaning towards the top mount. I'm not a big fan of the large scoop, but clearly that should go hand in hand with the larger intercooler.

Dean and Mike you both have what looks like slightly used larger intercoolers. Why are you not using them? are they difficult to install? Can I use the Vishnu silicone hoses that I already have?

Sorry about all the questions.

Regarding the price for either, why don't each of you PM me a price and I will think about it. I want to do this in the next month. I've seen used STI intercoolers anywhere from 300 - 500. If I spend more than that I would probably opt for a new one.

Thanks,

Nick

Is your recommendation due to the damage that happens to FMIC being so close to the ground? Can't that be solved with a screen?

The reason I ask, Is that by the time I buy the TMIC, Air splitter and Larger scoop - painting, I am getting really close to the cost of the FMIC.

What do you think?

Scoops come painted in most colors ('cept red and yellow), so it's not quite as expensive as having to get a body shop to paint it.

A screen costs about $2.00 and 10 minutes.

Installation of a TMIC is so easy most of us could help ya do it in under an hour, while a FMIC is a lot more work, and can require the installation of an intake in order for clearance, not to mention the modification to the bumper for room and air flow. The PWR TMIC uses stock hoses (and therefore the Vishnu ones as well)... I don't know about the AVO TMIC..

And, outside of pricing issues, a FMIC on anything but a massive turbo (i.e. drag car) is going to give you tons of turbo lag, since the smaller turbo will waste a lot of time presurizing all the IC piping before that charge ever reaches the intake manifold.

Hey Mike, get in line... I'm clearing out my garage... :lol:

by the way this is ryan but im on mikes comp....so therefore his screen name. im not using the avo one because i got a good deal on the turbo xs one after i purchased the avo one. i had it on my car with my current set up for the 5000 miles. it works fine and install is easy. it has its own silicone hose along with it. id be willing to part with it for 450(installed). (dean if you want to sell yours for 449......)

hey dean...ill challenge you on who has the most crap in their garage that is just collecting dust!!!!

ryan

Unless the challenge is stated more specifically, I would have to bet on Dean! :lol:

Sorry Ryan. You know you can switch logons :D

Can't touch $450. The PWR is basically new. Could probably get close to 700 on ebay...

Unless you have a much bigger garage, you will probably lose the challenge. And if we can cout whole houses, I have 2800 square feet of crap. :D

While not touring the whole expanse of Dean's living quarters he does have most people beat on challenges involving whom harbours the most "crap" :lol:

yah Ryan, Dean has a few cars that have been modded over the years so lots of lose parts. Now just the WRX stuff, I dont know.....hehe :lol:

i see i see.....well i dont think i can challenge all of your crap....ive only been in reno for 3 years so i havent accumulated very much of it yet. but i do think i could put up a decent fight with wrx extras just sitting around. anyway, i shouldnt be selling the avo intercooler for 450 either(since i paid nearly 950) but its been sitting in my garage for almost 5 months and i would rather have the money now instead of waiting to see if i could get a bit more for it later. so if you want it let me know...you can have it as soon as you can give me the money. its in good shape and works great. if you want a reference, everyone that has seen my car when i first used to come to the meets down at the tide has seen it in my car, and when matt and sean drove it thats the intercooler that was being run. let me know.

ryan

Thanks Ryan. I will consider it as an option. I'm still deciding and will hopefully make a decision this month depending on cash flow and time.

Much appreciated,

Nick

Has anyone seen the yellow jun impreza? it has the intercooler in neer the grill what do you guys think about that?