Well, i read about every post that had FMIC in it and here are my three choices:

APS
TurboXS
Injen

My goals are that I will probably keep the stock turbo for a long time...if I ever go bigger it will be like a 20G. I am not a fan of top mount intercoolers...people talk about only getting heat soak while stuck in traffic...but is there much of a difference when you are at the track sitting in line thinking that you'll move any minute, but have been stuck there for half an hour?

From what I read the APS 500 is no longer available and I'd have to get a 650 or 750 which supposedly is way to big for my power goals.

Next is the TurboXS...how big is this...is it to big, or is it about right? Also I have heard of pipes flying off over 15psi and that they don't sit centered.

And finally the Injen, people say it is too small, but is it really? This is the one I am leaning towards, but I'd like other opinions.

Oh, supporting mods are B&B turboback, EcuTek, a short ram (so that the intercooler piping will fit), and possibly headers.

dr650...

stay away from the injen, its endtanks are fabbed up so you dont have to cut away material, but it make the air go through some pretty weired shapes, also the core itself is so small it wouldnt be worth it. As far as the TXS its a nice part, seen them on a few sti's and liked what i saw. The APS stuff is always good but your right its alittle big for your turbo. I personally am running the perrin fmic. Installation requires some trimming but i dont like the way the last pipe fits to the turbo but other than that it looks sick and plished nice.

Does the TurboXS allow you to keep your crash bar...do any of these (I know the Injen does...but I heard the APS does as well).

TXS has it's own bar and it's not crash worthy, tho the core may be a lil, it's dense. Also, I've had mine on for 6+ months and the pipes have never popped off at 17-18 psi. ;)

My biggest GRIPE with the TXS FMIC is their stupid idea to make the pipe that the BOV goes on only accept a TXS RFL BOV. :mad:

There is no way you can use the OEM BOV or any other BOV that has the OEM flange.

Stupid move TXS!!!!

I'd throw my TXS RFL bypass valve in the garbage in a minute if I could get something else to fit.

Maybe that's why it's free when you get the FMIC. :rolleyes:

My biggest GRIPE with the TXS FMIC is their stupid idea to make the pipe that the BOV goes on only accept a TXS RFL BOV. :mad:

There is no way you can use the OEM BOV or any other BOV that has the OEM flange.
:rolleyes:

It's just a pipe extension that TXS bov connects to via set screws, not a great design. I was able to connect an hks ssqbov to it buy getting this from atpturbo: http://www.atpturbo.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=ATP-FLA-005&Category_Code=FLA. I also bought the hks recirculation fitting for like $10. I also found a radiator hose from Kragen that accomodates the smaller diameter to the original recirc hose. If anyone needs the model of the hose I kept the section with the part number. I also got a radiator hose pipe extension kit from Kragen that allows me to connect the hoses together, or you can use pvc pipe and clamps to connect them together. I like it this way so I can change the bov at any time without having to fix it to the pipe permanantly via welding. I just just use high pressure hose and clamp it down with small t-clamps. I believe they also have one for the Greddy type s bov.

the perrin one comes with provisions for the factory bov, and a prefabbed crash bar, its a nice part.

I have been extremely happy with my TurboXS FMIC. You will need to get some heat wrap for the TB pipe though as it goes right over the turbo(poor design). The BPV(bypass not blow off....just like stock) is excellent and I cannot see why Trey doesn't like his. Piping comes in many pieces so you do not have to completely diassemble the front end to do some minor engine work. I have been running for 6 months with up to 21 PSI and have yet to have a clamp come off or have any other problem. Biggest pain was cutting the bumper as you have to do quite a bit but take your time and it will come out right. Fitament of the shorty intake could be better with the FMIC installed though(rubs hood and ABS block).

Injen is a piece based on everything that I have seen and read and the APS just seems too big and overpriced.

Good Luck

APS 725 -- They all are a pain to install but the APS is a classic case of you get what you pay for. If you are going to do it, do it once and do it right. Get the best --APS ;)

I would +1 for the perrin I did a lor of research when I was in the market and perrin is what I ended up with it is a very nice unit and cheaper than the aps 725 (I think it is)

Perrin. STays ambient at all my summer time drag days. Very nice quality.

Plus when their rotated mount turbo kit comes out its made to fit!!!

I have owned the Ingen for a good while, I did have two occasions when one of the pipes blue off (WOT 21psi) that has been corrected and now it works great if you plan on leaving you stock turbo or going a 20g. PPL who own the Ingen will tell you the truth, It works great. PPL here bandwagon alot and most don't know what the hell they are talking about, seen it time and time again. So if someone is giving you there opinion take it for just that. I own one so I can talk about Injen you will not be disappointed. :D

I have owned the Ingen for a good while, I did have two occasions when one of the pipes blue off (WOT 21psi) that has been corrected and now it works great if you plan on leaving you stock turbo or going a 20g. PPL who own the Ingen will tell you the truth, It works great. PPL here bandwagon alot and most don't know what the hell they are talking about, seen it time and time again. So if someone is giving you there opinion take it for just that. I own one so I can talk about Injen you will not be disappointed. :D

I'm tossed up between the Perrin now and the Injen. I think the APS is way too big for the stock turbo. My goal is to maximize what I've got. I think the stock top mount sucks...yea, people have made 350whp on it...but I bet they didn't make that afer sitting in line at a track in 100 degree heat. I guess with most intercoolers you will see similar results, kind of like the header test. By the way, is the Perrin crash bar a real crash bar...or an intercooler holder like the TXS?

Thanks for all the replies.

operrin is niceeeeeeeeeee perrins is on sale at perrinperforamnce for 1199 go get it

I got the TXS fmic to accept a perrin BOV with some random radiator plumbing from the autoparts store. Off what car, I have no idea. I just got some that fit over and had some bends, took it home and cut it to work. Clamped it on. Bingo.

The TXS unit comes with their 100% recirc valve now though. Not the RFL. It was fine but I think the Perrin is less succeptable to blowing open under higher boost while still being set safely loose. With the factory turbo, the TurboXS bov will work fine.

Not to hijack your thread, but to those with the fmic's, how much lag did you notice when you first put it on? Was it noticeable? I will be installing mine in late spring or early summer.

TXS has it's own bar and it's not crash worthy, tho the core may be a lil, it's dense.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v500/JohnSever/STIFrontenddamage010.jpg

5 Mph collision, a Nasioc member backed into be at a meet...def NOT crash worthy. Not supposed to be though :lol:

The APS Front mount intercoolers are very well made and require almost no modding to put on your 04 or 05 STi...very nice pieces of hardware..running a stock turbo though I can see why you wouldnt want the piece since its a bit overkill. Injen I would stay away from for a variety of reasons...stick with TurboXS or the APS...Ive been reading around and APS seems to be the way to go....even the new models...not just the 500. Turbo XS's are the biggest FMIC's APS comes in second place if you are concerned with size.

Lag on the TXS with most of my various EBC/ MBC setups (greddy profec B buffered with the TXS dual stage, and now Apexi AVC-R) is not noticable as it helps to control the boost a bit better at mid throttle, where with the TMIC I was running into high boost/ part throttle wat too easily.. Using the UTEC take a little more work to get rid of the lag. So yeah, there is some lag, but it's fixable in a number of ways, especially with near factory sized turbos.

the quality of the perrin FMIC best ive seen...

a guy is sellin a blitz fmic w/ hks ssqv GOOD condition for like 750 in the NW forums
i dont know for sure if ittle fit an sti, its for a wrx, but id ont see y not unless the routing holes arent the same in the sti

what intake are u guys using with the perrin fmic

If and when I decide to go up in turbo size, APS will be my front mount of choice. Until then, staying with top mount.

y is that?

Althogh perrin makes nice stuff, they would not be my first choics for intercoolers. I have a txs utec and full tbe, and love the build quality. However, I really like the aps suff. Plus, the fact that the aps front mount can hve the crinkle red pipes to match my intake manifold, and the unit itself can be had in black, it will go awesome with my black sti. Plus, as far as I am concerned, APS is the sshiznit! Not that the txs unit is bad. Just not suited for my particular car, and my desires out of a fmic.

...another vote for Perrin.

I've never heard one bad thing about Perrin. I considered TurboXS, Perrin, APS. APS is largest (4.5X28X9.5 = 1197), followed by Perrin (3.5X28X9.25 = 906.5), then TurboXS (3.5X25X9 = 787.5). Of course, size doesn't matter as much as efficiency! I think the Perrin is rated for 500-800hp and the APS is rated for 500-750hp (both these ratings were done by the MFGs so they may be a tad biased :) ). Couldn't find a rating for the TurboXS FMIC. All three of these are very efficient (I've heard from multiple people that have these ICs). I chose Perrin b/c I love their products. Just ordered it today. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them though as far as cooling efficiency.

As far as fitment, the only one I've heard bad about is the TurboXS (two fitment problems I've heard of). However, I've seen people on the forums and a local guy runs a TurboXS FMIC and they did not have problems with fitment so it might be hit or miss???

what intake are u guys using with the perrin fmic

im running a custom short ram intake attached to a perrin intake.. APS dont fit. ASFAIK only the perrin CAI will work

What BOV is everybody using for the Perrin FMIC?

I'm using my stock BOV its designed to bolt right up.

Only problem I'm having is with my green the pipe off the compressor is actually on the electronic throttle connector it actually crimped one of the wires I had to cut and resolder it.

Hey Jeff, is there any type of slight elbow I can put on the compressor of the green to give me more room for your compressor outlet pipe near the throttle body area? I'm rubbing pretty bad.

Yeah, I knew you could run stock BOV with Perrin FMIC, but I though stock BOV didn't reliably hold boost above 20psi (not sure about this, just heard it somewhere)?

TurboXS recirc BOV is supposed to hold 25psi according to TurboXS. I'm gonna be peeved if I get this thing on and it ain't holding boost or the car is running funny.

perrin fmic & bov :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/pe1820sti/iwNjg1NTAzNnM0MTNkZmQzMXk1NDE3D.jpg

is there any front mount That can be used with the k&n typhoon intake???

I really dont want to lose my k&n intake but i really want to get a front mount. perrin is 1st choice. any help is greatly appreciated

t.t.t.t

does anyone have any information as to who makes the injen core? over at bellintercoolers they have stats for their FMIC cores and a 23x6x3 (same a injen) will flow 750cfm and http://www.racetep.com/tneticatoaic.htm states that spearco core of size 22x7.8x2.87 runs 760cfm.

The Turbo XS from what i hear don't flow enough for HIGH hp cars, the Injen intercooler looks good, and thats about where is stops. :(
The APS unit is a great unit....but would be a little of a over kill unless u plan on runnin a BIG gt35 turbo...a good setup from what i hear.
U have to find that sweet spot....too small of a intercooler won't chill the air enough and won't flow the volume, too large of a unit will give u more turbo lag then u need.

I went with the Perrin, as my plans are the car to be in the 550-650 hp range.

I went with the Perrin FMIC also. Changed my mind on BOV and I'm gonna use the Perrin recirc BOV instead of the TurboXS BOV.

bump...
would an injen fmic flow enough for a deadbolt 20g?

ARC just released their FMIC too...

The Turbo XS from what i hear don't flow enough for HIGH hp cars, the Injen intercooler looks good, and thats about where is stops. :(
The APS unit is a great unit....but would be a little of a over kill unless u plan on runnin a BIG gt35 turbo...a good setup from what i hear.
U have to find that sweet spot....too small of a intercooler won't chill the air enough and won't flow the volume, too large of a unit will give u more turbo lag then u need.

I went with the Perrin, as my plans are the car to be in the 550-650 hp range.


Me too (perrin not hp goal) and hopefully it will be delivered tomorrow.

i just installed a aps 725 in black love the way it looks. the crash is made of steel not aluminum it appears to be very strong. the piping is now stainless steel polished very nice looking. with the aps they say you can keep your fog lights i believe the only other one you can do this with is the injen and it certainly looks too small. i have the stock vf39 and with the aps i certainly feel the power gain. the fitment is A+ in my eyes and install was all straight foward. though there are no step by step instructions they all sorts of diagrams showing what to cut and they give cardboard patterns to trace and cut. if you go this route PM me and i can answer any questions about installing. i did have to cut a little more on the fog light mounts than the pattern calls for but the pattern for the front bumper cover is spot on. i talked to aps and they said that the 725 is not too big for the vf39 and after the install and driving i think they are right. there's my two cents for what it's worth


dirt

Well, i read about every post that had FMIC in it and here are my three choices:

APS
TurboXS
Injen

My goals are that I will probably keep the stock turbo for a long time...if I ever go bigger it will be like a 20G. I am not a fan of top mount intercoolers...people talk about only getting heat soak while stuck in traffic...but is there much of a difference when you are at the track sitting in line thinking that you'll move any minute, but have been stuck there for half an hour?

From what I read the APS 500 is no longer available and I'd have to get a 650 or 750 which supposedly is way to big for my power goals.

Next is the TurboXS...how big is this...is it to big, or is it about right? Also I have heard of pipes flying off over 15psi and that they don't sit centered.

And finally the Injen, people say it is too small, but is it really? This is the one I am leaning towards, but I'd like other opinions.

Oh, supporting mods are B&B turboback, EcuTek, a short ram (so that the intercooler piping will fit), and possibly headers. So what did you buy ?