TMIC maxed out?
 

Hey guys,

Done some searches however haven't really had any luck, I realise this can be a pretty bone question but here goes :)

I have a 2003 STI, what power maxes out the TMIC?

Currently have a SC42 turbo which is running appox 370 bhp. I understand the 370 mark starts maxing the intercooler out. Would it be wise to get a FMIC and would I see some gains from this?

Thanks and ho ho ho.

31 views but still no answers. Come on guys! Someone must know.

thats low power for a sc42-any reason or just because of the intercooler?

i think the general rule of thumb is sti top-mount up until 400 then a front mount altho there is a graph on here somewhere of somebody making 487 on a top-mount :eek:

There was a thread the other week where the OP was experimenting with different sized billet SC turbos.
It suggested that the TMIC was still running as efficiently as an equivalent FMIC up to around 420bhp I seem to recall.

I should have bookmarked the thread, as it was quite a good read tbh.

Yea from what I've read your current intercooler should still be doing the job nicely, unless you have other supporting mods to add I can't see the point going FMIC as will no doubt cost you a remap on top of the intercooler cost for little benefit

A top mount will work just fine at 400 bhp, however, a decent front mount will work better.

Well I've had a lot of tuning done at Scoobyclinic, top guys and have done a fantastic job. I think I'm only achieving 370 with a SC42 due to the TMIC, however reading from you guys it seems they are good for 400+. Thing is a FMIC is an expensive option.

Would do you think I can do to achieve that 400hp mark? currently running 800cc injectors too. Where can I get the 30 extra horsepower i want!

you should be getting it from your turbo really,whats the full spec of your car-pump/exhaust etc etc

have you got a graph?

I'm running an SC42 on a TMIC and have 400bhp, with a cat in the downpipe and a resonace chamber, have gt spec headers, 850cc injectors, k&n inlet, running 1.45 boost, mapped at scooby clinic with ecutek.

What is the mileage on the engine? Might be worth having a compression test and if low go for a leak down test as this will identify where the compression has gone.

49000 miles, with full service so not to shabby!

Sorry I don't even know what a compression test is!

At that mileage the engine should be ok. A compression test is where the spark plugs are removed and you fit a gauge to the plug hole, turn the engine over and it will show how much the air in the cylinders is being compressed, low reading will indicate a problem which could be valves leaking, piston rings leaking or a head gasket. The test is conducted on a hot engine. I struggled on my last remap to get past 388 bhp but changed the plugs and instantlly gained 12 bhp.

My spark plugs were changed a few months ago, so wont be that, maybe worth getting a compression test done, do you know where this can be done? Pretty stomped really to why it's under powering. I have a Blitz Nur spec exhaust, maybe it could be the exhaust restriction or just a warn engine?

Take it to another rolling road that has higher figures if that's what you want to see, cheaper than shelling out many a £ for what is relatively very little return imho.

As said you should be seeing better figures really with what you have, perhaps you have other issues or it's been mapped very conservatively.

I'd like an honest dyno not one that is optimistic. :)

Any more ideas? Bigger exhaust? 3inch all the way?

my 2.5 on an sc46 maxed out at 404 but got pulled back to a safe 385 due to heat issues causing it to det on the road, which interestingly it didnt on the dyno, its why road testing is so important after mapping.

Saying should get X figures is just a guide, theres lots of other factors that can affect it. Exhuast, inlet, headers, up pipe, fueling, etc etc etc

Pat will have set it safe, not dangerous just to get more pub figures like other mapers will. Enjoy i as is and if you want more pop back and see them and have a chat, sure they can advise where the limitation in the system is.

i think you read the thread wrong mate ;)

why is it done on a warm engine? would a cold engine give lower figures?

making 50bhp down from the rated bhp for the turbo,sc's are very good turbos and make their rated power,normally passing it and making a fair bit more.
i would be looking at the other parts i.e the headers/up pipe, induction or panel filter?inlet hose?, fuel pump okay,injectors all okay?
even on a top mount you should see at least 400 from that turbo imo.

making 50bhp down from the rated bhp for the turbo,sc's are very good turbos and make their rated power,normally passing it and making a fair bit more.
i would be looking at the other parts i.e the headers/up pipe, induction or panel filter?inlet hose?, fuel pump okay,injectors all okay?
even on a top mount you should see at least 400 from that turbo imo.

Yes it will produce lower figures when cold as all the clearances are bigger on a cold engine, everything from piston ring gaps, piston clearances, valve clearence etc.

Inlet pipe new, 800c Injectors just fitted, fuel map just fitted, Induction kit new as well. Maybe up pipe? headers/panel filter I don't know! possibly! Would it have an effect on the performance?

Temperature is what held it back I know that. Obviously safety is the best policy, which I have no problems about.

Scoobyclinic fitted the parts and they mapped it.

What reason did they give you for the low'ish figure ??

A set of gt spec tubular headers will help max power at this level over standard for sure
Apart from that sounds pretty sorted.
Speak to scoobyclinic and see what they can do or suggest

I'll look into that.

They said charge temp is what caused it to max it. Intercooler was at it's limit. Don't get me wrong I am not slating them in anyway, that was their reason though.

Fit a front mount then chap.
Regardless to what people say on here, a decent front mount will deliver lower charge temps and ultimately more power over a STI top mount.
I always suggest a front mount when modifying over and above 350bhp.

Any decent ones around that aren't over a grand? :D

I would certainly suggest a front mount for your goals.
There's a few options,but I would use a japspeed one.
Japspeeds are £250 and are fine IMO,I ran one at 360bhp and was pleasantly surprised with the quality for such value.and I know of friends running at over 400 and even one at 545bhp and they are coping fine.

Any idea what the charge temps were, 40, 50, 60c ?
An STI TMIC should be keeping charge temps to within 20deg of ambient, unless the turbo is kicking out a lot more heat than normal.
Trev