Which size eBay FMIC?
 

While it's certainly not optimal, an eBay FMIC will cool much better than the stock top mount for significantly less money than a traditional kit might cost from Greddy, Corksport, or the like. Since I'm going to be running the stock turbo and stock boost (for now anyway) I don't see this being a problem. What I cannot decide on is size. I am going to be using the stock S5 front bumper and want everything to fit snugly in the compartment. I obviously can't try a bunch out or give precise measurements so I was wondering what size eBay front mount all of you use (and any good/bad experiences with them). If you have been satisfied with your purchase, please also send me the name of the buyer so I can ensure a smooth transaction with a good product. I also plan on getting eBay piping. The rest of my swap will be new, high quality parts. Thanks.

Stock turbo?
Don't waste your time.


-Ted

While I completely understand where you're coming from, there was a "for now" thrown in there for a reason. I want to get it setup now (while everything is out and I'm really working hard on it) for a bigger turbo to come. I simply don't have the money to get a good, solid turbo and tune so it's going to have to wait. However, I want to get the car in the best shape possible for a future upgrade.

Just be forewarned that a serious sized IC is going to serious diminish power due to the stock turbo not being able to move enough air...

Maybe we should ask you what turbo set-up you're looking to run and work backwards from there?

The 24" x 12" x 3" core is popular.
These have 3" ends, but I would recommend to step down to a 2.5" reducer to use 2.5" IC pipes.
This should cover almost everything you can throw at the motor, except for a smaller turbo set-up.


-Ted

Fair enough. I was thinking 2.5" would be optimal as well. I have a buddy (ColdSeven on here) who has an eBay FMIC and eBay piping which he ran with the stock turbo for a while. Now he's got a bigger turbo (.60 comp/.84 hot side with a 1 bar spring) and that's something I'd certainly look into. It's not huge but it'd be enough for me. His intercooler is OK but it's a little small and I feel I could go bigger, but how much I'm not entirely sure.

Does anybody have anymore opinions on this topic?

imo, 24x12x3 is way overkill.. besides most of it doesnt even see direct airflow from behind the bumper.

I went with a smaller 20x9x2.5 ebay core with 2.5" piping with no problems.. intake temps at teh TB never get above 110F, even on hot 95F days. this is on the stock turbo

If you want a "for now" option that cools better then the stock TMIC........

Take it off the top of the engine and put it under the hood latch :)

Cost? Piping.

Then you:

a) won't have to suffer diminished performance from running a Godzilla intercooler on the stock turbo
b) won't waste any (well.....much :) ) money since most of the piping and couplers will be able to be re-used when you re-do this later on
c) This method actually works very well on the stock turbo. Very effcient in that location.

What do people who do a front mount intercooler do with the scoop in the hood if they want to keep the same hood. Seems like it would be just creating extra drag having the scoop with no purpose.

corksport just came out with their new IC kit for 800 bux.
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/oh-snap-corksport-fmic-kit-finally-done-666169/