Sti Intercooler Or Front Mount?

Robby1989 · 05-06-2008, 08:49 AM

What would be better to get for my wrx oem sti intercooler or like a 400 or 500 hundred dollar front mount? I have cobb stage 2

Jcarv20 · 05-06-2008, 09:00 AM

I believe you won't get much of a difference from either if your just stage 2, unless you get a protune. If your planning on a turbo upgrade then I guess the size of the turbo would be a good way to base the size of the intercooler you need.

Longshot · 05-06-2008, 09:04 AM

Yeah it depends on your turbo upgrade plans, if your going decently big I'd say consider the FMIC. But for your current setup an STi IC will be good.

rcdrivercrl · 05-06-2008, 08:00 PM

If you are only stage 2 and not going for bigger turbo in future, don't do anything. You wouldn't find any power gain with STI TMIC( with your stock turbo) unless you get tuned, then you might notice a very little bit of gain. If you go for FMIC, it's going to lag due to the longer travel distance. But if you really want to spend your money on an intercooler for your stage 2, STI TMIC is the way to go.

oldfartracer · 05-06-2008, 09:57 PM

A TMIC is better for the street, a FMIC is better for cars that are going to see track time. With a stage 2 setup save your money on an IC until it is needed. Are you heat soaking your stocker?

Robby1989 · 05-07-2008, 01:16 AM

You mean like water sprayer?

tom_noland · 05-07-2008, 01:54 AM

Nah man he's talking about engine/turbo heat compromising the cooling abilities of your OEM top mounted intercooler.

Cant say it enough though. It all depends on what you are trying to get outta your car. If you want more HP then a bigger turbo, injectors, fuel pump, and depending on the size of the turbo TMIC or FMIC. Anything bigger then....say 18g you should probably should get a FMIC. To get that turbo or anything bigger you'll have to be getting a pro-tune anyway to see max power gains.

oldfartracer · 05-07-2008, 08:02 AM

Put your money in the bank and read this, Unabomber's Manifesto - Newbies & FAQs - NASIOC
After reading you will need a game plan,like Tom stated, and then spend your money.

Robby1989 · 05-07-2008, 06:03 PM

Thanks for the link very helpful! I want to do a bigger turbo and i have the money to! But i know when you add more power things break and things dont run as long!

oldfartracer · 05-07-2008, 09:26 PM

Plan your build and spend your money once. I run a VF30 setup, with a very good tune, and haven't broken anything. You need to learn to drive the 5 speed to keep it together, Shifting Tips
If you tell us your goals for the car, it might be easier to help.

Robby1989 · 05-08-2008, 01:03 PM

Well my goal for the car is to have about 300 to 350 whp! But i want to keep it a daily driver and keep it running for a long time! So what is the way to go about doing this? Thanks

mosc · 05-08-2008, 02:12 PM

there are other TMICs on the market besides the STi one as well keep in mind. The STi's intercooler ain't that big.

oldfartracer · 05-08-2008, 02:40 PM

A 300 whp DD would be a fine, anything over that and tranny is the biggest problems. Check my setup, it makes 283whp and has not let me down in two years. I also beat on my car at the track.
I would first find a good tuner in your area, this is very important to keep your car happy. Your tuner will have his own opinion on how to make the power. I would start with the basics, EM, Pink injectors, 255 fuel pump and a turbo, that will be your call. You can upgrade the TMIC at this, like mosc stated the STI is not a great upgrade. Look for a used Hyperflow or TurboXS. I would stay a way for Ebay large TMIC. Once the parts are installed get a tune, talk with your tuner at this point so he tune your car the way you want it. If you are building a DD tell him that so he can give you a safe drivable tune. If you are dragging this will take a different type of tune, the same is true for an AutoX car.
The best way to keep your car happy for a long time, get a good tune and learn to drive the car without beating on it. You can drive hard without beating on it.

Robby1989 · 05-08-2008, 05:50 PM

So my Cobb AP that has a map for the different turbos wont work? But There is a very good tuner that i know out my way, that only does wrx and evos! What kind of turbo are you running, I like how your car is set up it sound very reliable! I don't really beat on it i just got it a month ago and i baby it because it has to last me a long time.

mosc · 05-08-2008, 06:19 PM

The Cobb maps work fine. You'll notice none of them call for anything but the stock intercooler in conjunction with the stock turbo. When you change turbos, change intercoolers. It's that easy. If you want to use a Cobb map for your new turbo, use whatever intercooler it says.

MODVOICE: Robby1989, watch your spelling please.