Does anybody have actual comparisons between a standard intercooler and an sti in terms of efficiency.
Because i've just fitted an sti 4 to my my97 and its identical, including the interior fins and volume, the only difference seems to be the pipe work. Not a moan though cos I think it looks well cool, just curious

 

Yep I think the only difference is the pipework until STI5 where they made it bigger.

 

Not sure about effeciency difference but my STI II has a bigger intercooler than my WRX did. (93MY wrx vs 96MY STi)

T.

 

Isn't the rear endtank on the STi one slightly longer? should allow a (tiny) bit more flow.

The biggest different is in the pipework though, the std nasty plastic Y-Piece causes about a 50% flow loss, not sure about the STI alloy piece but it's got to be better.

The mass of the 2 coolers is the same so there is no difference in construction and hence cooling efficiency.

Andrew...

 

It is slightly longer at the back, but estimate 2-3% (wow!)
But the pipes are more of a direct design compared to the standard jobs, so should help.
Cheers all.

 

Right then I've just been for an extensive blast and can confirm that it has made a huge difference.

Previous boost peak was .96 bar, now 1.16 was my peak holding .95, I wouldn't have believed it. not sure if its the ic or the piping thats done the magic but wow!.

All this boost and I've only got a decat system inc up+down and a K+N.

 

Where can you purchase a good Y-Piece (i.e. a more free flowing one)?

Regards

Daniel

 

I think samco do the silicon ones for it, but you can pick up the metal y piece from a breakers.

 

Nick ... thats quite an increase in boost, do you have a knocklink?
Just wondering if fueling is ok for that extra air flow.
Not trying to worry you because i don't know if thats safe or not, i'm just curious.

LB4

 

I know, I know, I will get a knocklink very soon m8, but gems is coming very soon......

 

I can't afford a front mount intercooler, and was thinking about putting an uprated top mount on. It would seem to be a lot cheaper to just replace the hoses if this makes the difference. Does anyone have a part number for the samco hoses or what should I be looking for in the scrappy.

 

Check out autospeed.com.au they have just completed a review on a range of top mount coolers including STI.

And to ruin a good read the M R T cooler was one of the best.

Search the article section with "top mount".

[Edited by spoilr - 20/03/2003 10:14:15]

 

cannot read it with out paying though.

 

MRT are good but at a premium compared to a second hand sti, you've got to agree m8, although if funds allowed.....

 

I've read the article in question, and yes the MRT came out on top, followed by the AVO Turbo model. STI intercooler is not worth the extra money, the piping however is. Samco or AVO Turbo replacements for the OE hoses are an alternative, though.