So I am thinking about upgrading the intercooler on my '11 WRX. While Doug was tuning my car at TopSpeed, it was readily apparent that the small stock core was not getting the job done...so for harder driving I was to make sure I am keeping temps low. The obvious decision is between upgrading the top mount or going for a front mount. If I go the front mount option, it would most likely be the Perrin unit. For the top mount, the Process West is looking like it has the longest run. What do you guys think?
I haven't talked to him about it yet honestly. I was also looking at the FMS stuff purely on price even though they are technically knockoffs. That pricing is hard to ignore if the quality is good enough. The only reason I really wanted a FMIC over the TMIC is the look (shameless...I know). There is something about opening the hood on a bunch of crinkle red tubes...and then using a stealth black core.
Kenny, you dont have to go rotated to use a front mount. The FMS stuff isn't that bad for the price. I wouldnt hesitate putting one of their FMIC or TMIC on my car.
The FMIC would give him more options on turbos since he doesnt have to mate it to a LGT/WRX style turbo. I have read great reviews on the FMS FMIC. Granted you will probably want to get it professionally installed, but it shouldn't be any problems for any of the vendors on here to slap on.
I just had a customer get a ETS top mount intercooler and it is by far the nicest top mount I've ever seen. When I was still at TS we had a customer use one on a 20G setup to make 450hp on E85.
looks aside FMIC gives you more turbo options down the road depending on your goals. with any TMIC, there tends to be the hot-day idling heatsoak that can't be avoided (unless you fit sprayers on). i've been out of it for a couple years, but spool time was also a tradeoff with FMIC vs TMIC. either way, i wouldn't go cheap.
TMIC is more driveable day to day. Spooltime is not worth mentioning (100-200 rpms). But a car setup tit for tat as my old 18g sans TMIC was way more street driveable than mine with FMIC even though I made more power. Made me wish I stayed TMIC....it was that noticeable.
All of the stuff is made in China anyway...unless you get a Garrett core or some other high dollar core. I doubt you would ever notice a difference between a chinese core and one of the high dollar cores.
The good thing is that I am not in a rush...I am going to wait and see what he says/bolts up to the TS STI.