I'm not commenting on how good the Hybrid is I'm commenting on how bad the Autobahn one isn't.

I fitted mine myself. It was a doddle. No pipework issues didnt have to chop and change pipes it fitted out the box and the whole job was done in half a day. As for the results I got they spoke for themselves.

Now I'm certainly not saying they are the best out there but i think its completely unfair for people to be saying that they are crap. They aren't and are very good value for what they cost.

slightly changing the subject....would people recommend fitting some form of mesh to protect the fmic, or would you leave it naked and allow more cold air to enter?????

I was told to leave mine.........

Daz is well placed to know the price differences as I only quoted him for his project yesterday.

I sell Hybrid and have done for several years, simply because at present it represents best value for money or BHP/£spent. I also have a full spares inventory for my customers to take care of accidental damage etc.
A number of prominent mappers have already identified the efficiency of the Hybrid product.
If you want an FMIC for looks and efficiency of performance is secondary then a kit at under £200 may serve your purpose. Pay a little extra and enjoy performance benefits if these are important to you. It is not just air charge temperatures but also the efficiency of the core and the pressure drop across the system. Recently a mapper asked me to look at the set up on his own rally car with a 34mm restrictor and FMIC. ACTs were not unacceptable in the mid 30s but on changing to a Hybrid core we immediately went to 315 bhp and with some other alterations, had 324 bhp for an easy afternoons work. ACTs were low 20s but more importantly the efficient core had made a signifigant contribution.
If an FMIC is for looks get the cheapest you can but do not expect the performance gains available from well engineered kits such as the Hybrid. Choose well and avoid disappointment.

Was a remap carried out then as increased efficiency will no doubt alter the mapping requirements (well if there is that much to be gained ?)

When you're back harvey you'll have my order for atleast one maybe 2.

Thanks for your help yesterday.

YES, it does need mesh.

Halfrauds do a really nice diamond shaped mesh that we use here. Available in black or silver and just enough to do an air intake on an Impreza. RCM do a square stainless mesh too.

The easy way to fit is to get about 12 short lengths of alloy welding rod about 3 inches long [ I don't do metric] bend one end to a right angle so it is now L shaped.

Mix up some epoxy metal or araldite and make several little mounds of it in appropriate places around where you want the mesh to fit. Stick the L shaped pieces into it. L side down, straight rod sticking up.

Let it harden , then lay the mesh over and bend the shaft of the rods over behind the bodywork to hold the mesh.

No unsightly screws, no drilling - very simple.

David

Do you have any pics of this ?

I wouldn't mind putting some mesh in front of my terribly inefficient and poorly constructed Autobahn FMIC ;)

Dave :)

thankyou...

I have never used mesh on any of the intercoolers I have fitted and I have never come across a Hybrid intercooler holed by stone damage. David may have other reasons for fitting mesh and I know a number of my customers have bought mesh from Halfords.
172: The car was mapped and could not exceed 292 or 293 bhp. The core was changed and the car was remapped which was obviously necessary because of the significant changes that had taken place.
So changing the core and remapping on its own on that particular setup resulted in a 22 or 23 bhp gain after remap.