Excuse my ignorance but what advantage do you get by fitting one of these to a WRX.

 

i guess nobody knows

 

The top mount intercooler which sits under the scoop on the top of the engine on all these cars can be susceptible to under-bonnet heat, especially following being stationary after heavy driving. For this reason it is sensible to allow the "heatsoak" to dissipate with good airflow at low boost after fast road driving or if you have had to sit stationary for a while.


The core area exposed to airflow and the volume and mass of the core have increased as the years progressed.


The effectiveness of the OE intercoolers varies throughout the years. The early 93-96 slanty type will limit power to around 310 bhp whilst the 99-00 can run to around 330 bhp. The STI MY01 onwards is capable of over 450bhp with an appropriately sized turbo.

Fitting a later type intercooler is a popular upgrade although it is by no means a simple task. Some custom fabrication can be required in most cases. There are a number of after market top mount intercoolers which are true bolt on items which are capable of high 300 bhp.

 

Better airflow on the STI one, which means better cooling

Tony

 

I'm doing this mod on my dad's WRX today, then going out to map it in the afternoon. Interestingly though, I went out yesterday and at ~16PSI the OEM WRX intercooler tracked ambient to a maximum of 2 degrees above. It's probably ott for applications of around 280-300 on the WRX turbo, a must if you move to a VF34/35.

 

Don't forget to get the full benefit you need to make sure you fit a larger scoop and matching under tray or else you don't get flow over the whole IC.

 

so on its own not much point unless i plan more power in the future?

 

Thats about the size of it, yes. A good mod if your running/going to run over 300bhp

 

Well i am glad we got that sorted .