impreza sti top mount intercooler an upgrade?

[rb5er]

Hi. I have an impreza RB5, I was just wondering if a top mount intercooler from a version 3 sti is much of an upgrade over the standard one in my car?

There is one near me going reasonably cheap so was wondering if its worth it for when i get round to a remap or if it is no better. I wont be going for a fmic at any time as i prefer the exterior standard.

Thanks

[o0myles0o]

Would the newage WRX IC fit the RB5 with some fettling? If you want to try, I have one you can have free to collect or you pay delivery for it.

[o0myles0o]

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/general-technical-10/6962...

There you go, it looks like it'll fit.

[rb5er]

o0myles0o said:

Would the newage WRX IC fit the RB5 with some fettling? If you want to try, I have one you can have free to collect or you pay delivery for it.

Thanks for the very generous offer. I'd jump at the chance if i knew it would fit and was more efficient than mine. Will have a google.

[rb5er]

o0myles0o said:

http://bbs.scoobynet.com/general-technical-10/6962...

There you go, it looks like it'll fit.

Thanks for that. Anyone know if it is more efficient than a v3 sti one?

[o0myles0o]

See the link above. Its yours if you want it.

[rb5er]

Anyone know what is best???

[markCSC]

See

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_TopMount-Trial-Part...

and

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_TopMount-Trial-Part...

Don't bother with the V3 sti. It's no better than what you have. A newage Sti intercooler would be the way to go but it does take a bit of modding to fit.

Has your RB5 got the ppp with the silicon intercooler hoses? They make a difference to the flow rate.

[ScoobieWRX]

Newage cars run well enough with their TMIC's and it's a simple straight swap to put a newage STi TMIC onto a newage WRX however, for all the hassle of fitting the STi TMIC on your classic surely you're better off with an FMIC which will be similar effort to install, and which in the long run will stand you better for future mods. Plus the FMIC looks really good unless you prefer the standard look/setup that is.

[rb5er]

markCSC said:

See

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_TopMount-Trial-Part...

and

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_TopMount-Trial-Part...

Don't bother with the V3 sti. It's no better than what you have. A newage Sti intercooler would be the way to go but it does take a bit of modding to fit.

Has your RB5 got the ppp with the silicon intercooler hoses? They make a difference to the flow rate.

Thanks for that. Yes mine has the ppp with prodrive hoses.

[rb5er]

ScoobieWRX said:

Newage cars run well enough with their TMIC's and it's a simple straight swap to put a newage STi TMIC onto a newage WRX however, for all the hassle of fitting the STi TMIC on your classic surely you're better off with an FMIC which will be similar effort to install, and which in the long run will stand you better for future mods. Plus the FMIC looks really good unless you prefer the standard look/setup that is.

Prefer the car looking standard so no fmic. I'm never going to want more than 320bhp or so out of the car so dont really fancy forking out for an sti one if i dont have to.

Is the newage wrx one a reasonable upgrade or am i wasting my time?

[ScoobieWRX]

rb5er said:

Prefer the car looking standard so no fmic. I'm never going to want more than 320bhp or so out of the car so dont really fancy forking out for an sti one if i dont have to.

Is the newage wrx one a reasonable upgrade or am i wasting my time?

If you're going to fit a WRX TMIC you may as well pay a little extra and fit an STi TMIC. It's the same work to fit. More efficient than the WRX TMIC and looks much cooler. Perfect for your 320bhp.

[rb5er]

The thing is as above i can get a wrx intercooler for peanuts, but the sti ones are quite expensive. They do look good, but surely there is no need at that power level?

[markCSC]

If you read the link above it says:


"Despite its larger dimensions - the current Version 7 WRX intercooler has 9 percent less thermal mass than the unit before. On the other hand, its 15 percent larger core volume - with a completely different cooling fin design - redeems its overall charge-air heat exchange potential. Airflow through the Version 7 intercooler is only slightly improved over the previous Version 5-6"

So probably not worth the effort

[rb5er]

Aha, thanks for that

[LewisScoob]

Newage STI Intercoolers are getting cheaper. I bought one the other day for £85...

There will be a difference between the RB5 intercooler which is essentially just a UK Turbo 2000 item and the v5-6 STI one. Which according to the above is only a little less efficient than the v7 WRX unit. I'd say if you are only looking for 320 then a v5-6 item will be sufficient.

What turbo are you planning to use to reach 320?