I fitted an intercooler off a spec c to my 03wrx, I noticed it is different shape on the end tank to a normal sti one, it has a cutout section in it between the two inlets from the alloy elbow, Does this have a performance advantage over a normal sti one or does the spec c need it for clearance, Only reason I ask is that I am looking for a 2005 sti at the moment and wondered if it would be better to fit this to one when I find one and sell on the standard uk sti one rather than sell the one I have now. When I find a car I will be getting it remapped with a full exhaust including sportcat, just decided to change my car rather than keep spending on the wrx, as at least then I will have a better base if I plan on going further.

 

JDM TMIC also has this notch - can't explain it either as there's nothing in engine bay there. Can only assume it's a performance thing