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Old 02-04-2004, 11:08 PM   #1
ASpec818
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Member#: 37059
Join Date: May 2003
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Default is a front mount intercooler an upgrade to the top mount intercoolers?

are the front mounts better or something? why do they go for so much more than the top mounts? just wondering... thanks
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Old 02-04-2004, 11:44 PM   #2
Kegger
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Location: Chicago IL, '02 GT30R WRX
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front mounts are much larger and have longer tubing than a top mount. Thats why they cost more. A front mount can offer better cooling than a top mount, due to heat soak from the engine. You will gain a little spool up time though. Whereas a larger top mount than stock will cool better and spool like a stock unit. If you are running a large turbo with lots of boost ( 20+ psi ) then you might want to go with a front mount. Or if you want to be blinging, it adds a nice touch.
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Old 02-04-2004, 11:48 PM   #3
CirrusWRX
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Just to give you the basics, but search and you will find VOLUMES about them both:

1. TMIC = cheaper, typically smaller than FMIC, easier to install (usually) than FMIC.

+ "faster" spool - shouldn't be any increased lag over stock TMIC
+ harder to heat soak than stock TMIC
+ easy to install
+ cheaper than FMIC
+ lower pressure drop = "more" "good" air for turbo than stock TMIC
- larger TMIC = harder to cool down AFTER it is already hot
- occasional fitment problems (ie. a/c hoses)
- will still suffer from heat soak eventually

2. FMIC = more expensive, in part, because they require a heck of a lot more parts to install. One has to route all the piping to the front of the car, replace or cut the bumper beam, etc. Install is a LOT more involved- usually have to remove the front bumper, route lots of hoses, clamps, etc. But doesn't suffer heat soak "allows" for more power, "safer" power.
+ "more" power
+ "safer" power
+ will not heat soak
+ looks bling
- frequently involves cutting/replacing bumper beam - *could* be problematic in a crash
- more lag, all that air now has to travel to front of car and back again
- more expensive
- more difficult install, more to screw up, more to not fit properly'
- possible loss of foglights
- possible increase in coolant/oil temperature as FMIC can block airflow to radiator
- easier to damage being on front of car


Don't match the +'s and -'s up as they are NOT comparable in most situations. Just because I have listed more -'s doesn't mean the FMIC is necessarily worse, or that the TMIC is necessarily better. They are just two different animals that are used to attempt to address the same problem: the turbo makes the air hot, and we need to cool it down. Both have benefits and detriments, and both will typically offer an increase in "power" and "safety" (I use both terms loosely as, with everything, it all depends...)

just a primer, not mean to be all inclusive. Again, do a search
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