running my 1998 with a semi forged 2.5 (forged pistons/version 9 rods), sti 3/4 heads, vf43 from a rb320, 740cc injector with parallel lines and FPR, full de-cat,

small bit of advice as i am struggling to find a good branded / good fitting large front mount intercooler ideally HKS. Was toying with the ideal of just slapping on an sti 7/8/9 topmount intercooler with a few modifications of course to make it fit

so what would be better sti 7/8/9 topmount or frontmount intercooler looking for 400 over 400

thanks scottn

 

Hybrid intercoolers are about the best value for money you can buy. Harvey sells them.

Graham

 

As above Hybrid FMIC are great value for money



Jura

 

A larger top mount will be better in my opinion. Your not running a massive turbo so there's no need to go the FMIC route and introduce the inherent lag issues.

 

I'm 400 plus on my sti top mount. if i had neth and fmic i'd be near 500 though :-(

 

Bez is running a 2.5 @ 487 bhp on a huge top mount, but it would make 50 bhp more with a decent FMIC, IMHO.

dunx

 

what lag? Afriad this is a setup issue not a trait of front mounts.

as far as what to go for, Harveys seem to be abotu the best value for money out there at the min.

 

From what I know (unless you can get a Newage TMIC cheap), the difference between the two is not that great price wise. if you went for a Hybrid, it would be more or less fit and forget and the kit will fit. The OE Newage TMIC won't "just" fit as far as I'm aware and will need some "tender loving care". You would need the Newage hose and I suspect need to make some form of changes to the scoob on your Classic.

Compare the costs and stress and make your own mind up.

If you were ever to consider going more power in the future (over 400bhp), then the argument becomes a tad one sided with the FMIC being a better solution imo.

 

In my view lag is marginal with FMIC,if its mapped properly.



Jura

 

Id agree with that

 

The biggest cause of lag is a poor selection of headers, uppipe or mapper. An efficient tube and fin FMIC with low pressure drop will not appreciably cause any lag. An inefficient bar and plate core or badly designed pipework can induce lag and other problems.
From my experience and that of many people above, your choice is obvious but I am biased. However my honest advice is get a Hybrid FMIC kit. Best value for money in terms of performance and value.

 

all solved now been pulled over to the fmic side lol also changing turbo fitting a VF 22 instead of the VF43 which i have spun for shorter pipe work as thats the only fmic pipe work we have on shelf so spun the turbo to match lol for less chance of lag

thanks every one for the advice