Been keeping an eye out for an uprated TMIC for my UK MY99. Been looking at the all alloy types, like the STI ones.
But, the question is, will it be better then what I have?
I'm not ready for a front mounted on yet, if ever, so will it make any difference at all (apart from looks)?

 

Think the later spec 99 intercoolers are the larger ones like the sti ones and flow the same from what people on here say , you would need to go for a later spec sti one off a sti 7 or sti 8 to really benifit , also depends on what boost tou are running along with which turbo you have to as whether the intercooler is at its limit a later spec 99 intercooler should be good for just about 350 bhp

mark

 

So its not worth doing as a solitary modification?

 

nope, - look at improving engine breathing (filter,intake-pipe,y-piece,de-cat,etc). That way you'll drop charge temps and significantly improve performance, driveability, and fuel-economy.

 

Sounds good advice to me

 

if you get up to 300BHP it's worth doing as charge temps get a little high.
I changed to an STi 7 one after going on the rollers with my standard MY00 one showed a 15BHP increase just by pouring a mug of water on the intercooler before the run.

 

if you compare your own IC with a sti 5 or P1 they are both the same size. Is yours not alluminium painted black? If not then yes the sti ones are aluminium. The only difference is the aluminium Y piece. Cheapest option is to change your Y piece for a Samco one or if you can pick an sti Y piece up secondhand go that route.
ken

 

Should have mentioned I have a PPP. So I have an alloy Y piece already. Yeah, I suppose it is ally painted black.
Thanks for the advice so far.

 

in that case if you were intent on upgrading it then either wrx or sti newage. got sti 8 one on mine flows 8.8cu metres of air compared to 5.62 from sti5 one. cools down much quicker once the car is moving.