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Old 04-10-2006, 08:39 PM   #501
Tea cups
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXRallyBlue
To those who have installed this or other tmic:

Did you notice any increase in turbo noise after install? My little td04 has been turned into a screamer! Possibly a boost leak I'm hearing?
I didn't notice any increase in noise.
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Old 04-10-2006, 08:41 PM   #502
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXsponge
I just won an ic from ssac on saturday. Thanks to all for your research. Where should I source the longer tb hose?
Ebay has one that comes with t-bolt clamps (x02 racing). Looks for a 2.75ID coupler 3" long.
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Old 04-11-2006, 01:02 PM   #503
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tea cups
Ebay has one that comes with t-bolt clamps (x02 racing). Looks for a 2.75ID coupler 3" long.
I may drop by an auto parts store to see what they have. I found one online for $5 or $6, but add $11 to ship and principle comes into play.
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Old 04-11-2006, 01:12 PM   #504
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXsponge
I may drop by an auto parts store to see what they have. I found one online for $5 or $6, but add $11 to ship and principle comes into play.
Yeah, shipping is always high on these hoses. I bought mine from hosetechniques and the part was like $10 and the shipping $11.50. I've heard that Pepboys has silicone hoses, but I don't have one in my area so I can't verify.
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Old 04-11-2006, 02:06 PM   #505
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Check the TB to IC connection. Especailly if you are using the factory hose. Thats where mine was leaking when I went on the initial run. Slipped off a bit(I was using the factory TB hose).

Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXRallyBlue
To those who have installed this or other tmic:

Did you notice any increase in turbo noise after install? My little td04 has been turned into a screamer! Possibly a boost leak I'm hearing?
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Old 04-11-2006, 07:11 PM   #506
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FedEX sucks. If you order one of these TMIC you will understand what I am complaining about. The seller requires a signature form the person being shipped to, that's the first problem. I like most everybody else work during the day and cannot sit in my apartment and wait for the FedEX guy to show up. So how do you get your package? Well FedEX certanitly does not make this easy. I had to call a local place and he told me to call the FedEX number and press 0. Now pressing 0 was never an option the computer gives you. Then you have to hold for awhile to get to an actual person. Who then tells me that I have to wait till tomorrow before I can pick up the package. UPS is way more customer convienent, and easier to use. FedEX sucks.
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Old 04-12-2006, 01:50 AM   #507
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Quote:
Originally Posted by breathinez
Check the TB to IC connection. Especailly if you are using the factory hose. Thats where mine was leaking when I went on the initial run. Slipped off a bit(I was using the factory TB hose).
Thanks, I have a perrin silicone coupler. I'll check it out again and see if that's it.
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Old 04-12-2006, 12:03 PM   #508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tea cups

EDIT: I lowered the driver's side bracket down to the second hole and with a screwdriver I was able to bend the passenger's side A/C line out away from the IC. I have a 1/4 inch gap now and it is not touching it. I'll wrap it in some hose just to be safe.
That is exactly how I did it. I also have about a 1/4 inch between the top of the A/C line and the top of the end tank. Even though I had clearance, I didn't want to take any chances which is why I still insulated the a/c pipe. After insulating the a/c line, it also felt like my a/c was colder but it could have been a placebo affect. Either way, the whole setup has held up really well!
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Old 04-12-2006, 01:30 PM   #509
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Quote:
Originally Posted by D-Speed 2.5
That is exactly how I did it. I also have about a 1/4 inch between the top of the A/C line and the top of the end tank. Even though I had clearance, I didn't want to take any chances which is why I still insulated the a/c pipe. After insulating the a/c line, it also felt like my a/c was colder but it could have been a placebo affect. Either way, the whole setup has held up really well!
Cool. I bought some heater hose to cover my A/C line - figured it could take the heat especially near the turbo. Those older EBAY versions must be taller, as I still have 1-2 inches clearance on the top side, even after bending the passenger's side line out of the way.
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Old 04-13-2006, 12:24 AM   #510
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sorry for the noob question, but i've been looking at the intercooler with the cast iron y-pipe. if i were to purchase this, would i need anything esle for the install? (anything esle as in silicon hoses, or anything you may consider a necessity?) Thanks
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Old 04-13-2006, 12:33 AM   #511
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Quote:
Originally Posted by purduephigam
sorry for the noob question, but i've been looking at the intercooler with the cast iron y-pipe. if i were to purchase this, would i need anything esle for the install? (anything esle as in silicon hoses, or anything you may consider a necessity?) Thanks
You would need a longer throttle body hose (3" 2.75"ID).
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Old 04-13-2006, 12:41 AM   #512
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I noticed some damage to my IC when I pulled it out of the box (see my previous pics), nothing too big, just 3-4 rows of fins in one of the bars. It wasn't shipping damage as the box wasn't damaged and was packed well and looks like a manufacturing defect. Anyway, I contacted the seller (ssautochrome) about it, asking how I could get it replaced under warranty, which they mention in their ad. I've emailed them both through ebay and through regular email at their web site. Absolutely no response whatsoever. Just wanted to warn every one that you are taking a risk when you buy the Ebay TMICs. Luckily for me, the defect is no big deal and did not affect the integrity of the core. But, you are taking a chance, and if your core was leaking, you would be stuck with fixing it yourself. If it was seriously f'd up then you probably would have a nice $200 paperweight.
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Old 04-13-2006, 01:45 AM   #513
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anyone knows if there a vendor that sells these eBay TMIC? I'd rather order it online than go through eBay... (don't have PayPal).
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Old 04-13-2006, 10:00 AM   #514
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Glad I'm not alone on this one. I purchased mine 4 months ago and absolutely love it. The only problem I had is that it was damaged when I got it. Three rows of my fins were damaged, but like yours the core was still in good shape. I tried contacting them for three weeks and I just got sick of not getting an answer. If you read the auction policy on the bottom it states "ALL AUCTION SALES ARE FINAL! THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS, NO RETURNS. WE ONLY ISSUE EXCHANGES IF YOU RECEIVE THE INCORRECT ITEM." I dont really know how to read this other than only if the send me an intake instead of a intercooler will they exchange it for me. It seems like they just dont have any customer service at all. This is the second item that I have bought from them. The downpipe I purchased was in great shape and I love it. On a happier note the intercooler does work great so I've just learned to deal with the fins. I matted it up to a vf-34 and it works great. Anybody who wants a great intercooler at a great price should definitely buy this, just know that you wont get something thats guaranteed to not have any flaws.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tea cups
I noticed some damage to my IC when I pulled it out of the box (see my previous pics), nothing too big, just 3-4 rows of fins in one of the bars. It wasn't shipping damage as the box wasn't damaged and was packed well and looks like a manufacturing defect. Anyway, I contacted the seller (ssautochrome) about it, asking how I could get it replaced under warranty, which they mention in their ad. I've emailed them both through ebay and through regular email at their web site. Absolutely no response whatsoever. Just wanted to warn every one that you are taking a risk when you buy the Ebay TMICs. Luckily for me, the defect is no big deal and did not affect the integrity of the core. But, you are taking a chance, and if your core was leaking, you would be stuck with fixing it yourself. If it was seriously f'd up then you probably would have a nice $200 paperweight.
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Old 04-13-2006, 10:32 AM   #515
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Pep boys sells a 3"ID coupler down their rice isle. Its a little big so I will see how it fits and post my results.

Interecooler took 2 days to deliver from nc to fl. I wasn't home so not sure on its condition yet.
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Old 04-13-2006, 10:54 AM   #516
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Thats the coupler that I used and it fits fine. Its just a little wider than the stock one so I'd still like to find one that fits like like oem but it works for now.

Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXsponge
Pep boys sells a 3"ID coupler down their rice isle. Its a little big so I will see how it fits and post my results.

Interecooler took 2 days to deliver from nc to fl. I wasn't home so not sure on its condition yet.
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Old 04-13-2006, 01:06 PM   #517
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Quote:
Originally Posted by scooby_fun
If you read the auction policy on the bottom it states "ALL AUCTION SALES ARE FINAL! THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS, NO RETURNS. WE ONLY ISSUE EXCHANGES IF YOU RECEIVE THE INCORRECT ITEM." I dont really know how to read this other than only if the send me an intake instead of a intercooler will they exchange it for me.
They also state, "WARRANTY IS VOID IF ITEM HAS BEEN ALTERED OR REPAIRED". Haha, warranty - what warranty?
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Old 04-13-2006, 02:24 PM   #518
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I received mine 2 days after winning the auction. All parts needed were included except the BOV gasket so I just reused the stock gasket. Fitment was good. Stays cool even after running in the boost.

One problem I have noticed though. With the hood closed after shutting off the car the tmic heat soaks enough to soften the scoop shroud and leaves some marks on the tmic. I trimmed it so it's not collapsing, but it should be touching, right?
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Old 04-13-2006, 02:57 PM   #519
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian-ATL
I received mine 2 days after winning the auction. All parts needed were included except the BOV gasket so I just reused the stock gasket. Fitment was good. Stays cool even after running in the boost.

One problem I have noticed though. With the hood closed after shutting off the car the tmic heat soaks enough to soften the scoop shroud and leaves some marks on the tmic. I trimmed it so it's not collapsing, but it should be touching, right?
Well, I'm not sure how much bigger the stock splitter is on an STi, but with my 02 wrx the splitter only allows air to hit a small portion of the IC and although the hood will close with it on - you have to press it down for it to shut. In this case, you are better off with the splitter completely removed, which will allow air to pretty much hit the entire IC. A guy over on clubwrx did this with his ebay tmic and still saw a 20-30 degree drop in post-IC temps.
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Old 04-13-2006, 03:22 PM   #520
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tea cups
If it was seriously f'd up then you probably would have a nice $200 paperweight.
Considering that is very unlikely, and that it only costs about $200, it is a very worth risk. Mine came to me fine.

Though I don't approve of their customer service. It just flat out sucks, really.



Edit: For anyone considering purchasing one, please understand that there is a risk of some minor damage to your i/c as some have mentioned. Generally, however, it is usually just some bent fins that you can bend back in place with your fingernail or a screwdriver. No big deal.

1. Also, the silicone coupler used to connect the y-pipe to the turbo was too long and had to be trimmed about 1.5", +/- .5" (another member already mentioned he had the same problem). I personally just reused my perrin i/c hoses for a proper fit and to maintain my red theme (not a fan of the blue).

2. You may have to adjust the i/c mounting brackets, or not use them at all.

3. You will not get a tb (throttle body) to i/c (intercooler) coupler with your intercooler and you will need to reuse your stock one. It is recommended, however, to purchase an aftermarket silicone coupler for a better fit (measuring 3" long with an inner diameter of 2.75").

4. You will need to remove the rubber shrouding from your hood scoop splitter for a proper fit when closing your hood. The stock shrouding also limits airflow to your new big i/c!

Last edited by WRXRallyBlue; 04-13-2006 at 03:34 PM.
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Old 04-13-2006, 05:13 PM   #521
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXRallyBlue
Considering that is very unlikely, and that it only costs about $200, it is a very worth risk. Mine came to me fine.
I agree, it is worth the risk, but some people might not think so. The 3 or 4 fins in one row that were a defect on my IC can't be bent back - they aren't merely bent, it is like they didn't separate from one another in that spot. Trying to bend them back to position and they just break apart. No big deal as we are only talking about less than an inch on one row and luckily its on the bottom, so you can't see it.

Anyway, unless there was obvious end tank leak or something, a leak inside the core probably wouldn't even be worth trying to fix. So, you would be out the $200. Risk is small but it is there.
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Old 04-13-2006, 06:02 PM   #522
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So, what to play
with next ?

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Anyone had their car Dyno tuned after installing one of these Ebay tmic's
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Old 04-13-2006, 06:28 PM   #523
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gopsu
anyone knows if there a vendor that sells these eBay TMIC? I'd rather order it online than go through eBay... (don't have PayPal).
you might contact http://stores.ebay.com/godspeedgdb, they might take payment other than paypal. They have a c/s line. 626-442-3988
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Old 04-13-2006, 08:49 PM   #524
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gopsu
anyone knows if there a vendor that sells these eBay TMIC? I'd rather order it online than go through eBay... (don't have PayPal).
X02 Racing is a Nasioc vendor. They sell the ebay TMIC. Here is the link to their last Nasioc sale thread: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=847697 (It is from November but it wouldn't hurt to PM them).
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Old 04-13-2006, 09:57 PM   #525
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I got mine yesterdaym, and I wish my defects were as minor as the rest of you. The side of my intercooler came caved in, cushed an enitre row of fins. I beat on it for awhile and got it somewhat back to straight. It looked like someone dropped it hard on the mounting bracket thus bending the side plate into the fins. To tell you the honest truth it sure looks like a $200 intercooler. However, analyzing it on my living room floor is one thing, seeing it under the hood is another. My philosophy is simply that as long as it doesn't leak, which may or maynot be crap shoot with this thing, is all that ultimately matters.
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