I've read a few posts.
Some make it sound easy, some make is sound complicated.

Whats your views ?
Any tips ?
Any Pics ?
What Samco will I need ?
Will the DV (MY00 or STI8) foul the Coil pack ?
Anyone got bracket templates ?

 

it is awkward to fit in as there is limited space, but once you have swapped it a few times the technique becomes easier, some decent aftermarket brackets would help hold the intercooler better as well. i also added a sheet of thick rubber to the "V" shaped bit of the bulk head under the intercooler as this stopped any banging noises which would be associated with the metal pipes hitting off the bulk head. your normal 00/99 samco hose will do perfectly and i found the forge VTA fitted great and had loads of clearance

 

I don't really want to hack my existing samco, as want to keep it should I need to go back to standard.

Or does the Samco fir without hacking. I was under the impression I needed a 51mm 90 degree elbow to fit between the turbo and STI 7/8 Y-Piece.

 

Why not get a front mount? they are cheap enough now.

I tried an sti top mount fit on a wrx a few years ago and to be honest it was a bit of a nightmare (cutting throttle body, smashing engine mount with hammer etc) so I left it alone in the end (just didn't fancy chopping the car about)

 

If you need a 51mm elbow I know where there's one for sale

If you got the ally Y pipe with the IC then the elbow is all you need, and a short length if that's not with the Y pipe. I help fit a WRX IC to a 00 and a standard or forge DV for a newage clears the coil pack.

 

Doesn't a FMIC require lots of bumper chopping though....

Sorry don't fancy a FMIC, too much pipeowork and potential lag. I also think the Impreza Engine bay looks dead untidy when the TMIC is removed.

The Phase 2 engine requires no bashing of bulkhead or chopping of throttle body. The only chopping required is to the brake/clutch fluid plastic resovoir.