Im going doing trackdays soon with my 03 sti uk.
It will be running an andy Forrest TD05 18G with hopefully 20% methanol so should be in around 380bhp.
I dont plan on going crazy running slicks but I do plan on doing a few hard laps at a time.
So how much of an improvemnt would going to a front mount intercooler be at this power level on the track?
I know I would probably get away with the top mount but I want to try and have as good and reliable set up as I can and before anyone says it, I know the car will have to be mapped for a front mount but it will be going getting mapped for the 18g soon so thats not an issue.
Fitment also isnt an issue as I am a mechanic and fabricator by trade and I know someone selling a second hand kit for a good price.
So my main question is, is it worth changing to a fmic running 380bhp for trackdays?

Also should I fit an external oil cooler?
Will the standard rad be ok on the track at this power level?

All opinions are more than welcome.
Cheers

 

I would say it's more about your ability as a driver and how much you can push the car.
From what you've said I would do the upgrades.
The standard rad is good but you might want to consider a 71 deg water stat.
You might hold off the oil cooler and see how you get on but if you do a lot of track days I'm sure you will end up with one.
Fuel surge can be an issue so plan not to let the tank much lower than 1/2.
Trev

 

Thanks for the advice.
Ya I am just in 2 minds about changing for a front mount.
I know the top mounts are fine for 400bhp on the road but you have more heat obviously on the track especially after a few laps.

 

front mount is better at high speeds so if it's a fast track, that's another factor

 

Front mounts don't suffer from heat soak, which kills engines. Ask me how I know?

 

A fmic is beneficial for any bhp, you will create a bit more gain vs tmic and of course cooling will be better.

 

Depends on how you use the car IMO.

I've ran both fmic and tmic on track, and the tmic was fine. Having said that, I don't go drag racing from the pit to the first corner, so I suspect the tmic has time to un-heat-soak.

Having said that, I'd still go for a fmic for "engine reliability" peace of mind, but it comes at the cost of slightly increased lag, and also the removal of that big crash impact bar, so it's not all just positives.

 

Regarding oil temps, do you have a temp gauge? If not, that would be step 1.

 

Ya its next on my to do list.

Thanks for all the comments lads.
Much appreciated.
I'm going with a fmic for peace of mind