I was pretty tired when i wrote that statement and it does have a few grammer errors; however, you don't have to be a genius to understand what I said. I know many people (kidz) who will spend $300 on a radio, $150 on an amp kit, $200 on an amp and $200 dollars on speakers. Thats pretty much close to a grand. They decided to by an intercooler and than bitch about how expensive the unit is. I know a ton of people who rather buy some rims and tires than properly tune their car. The point of the statement focuses on the fact that people tend to spend small increments of money on useless items when the total value of bells and blinking lights could have paid for something more practical. Ex: Intercooler, rad, FCD, and etc.

But as usual NZ has some smart *** comment to make because its not up to his par. I merely made the statement that intercoolers may seem expensive, but in the long run can save on the wear and tear on your 13b. Obviously, you live in NZ and I live in the States and usually over hear people do not invest in reliable parts, only items that makes the car more attractive or noticeable.

 

These are the same type of people who have their PD's fail due to lack of attention, drive around with clunking suspension bushings and have a squealing pilot bearing because they were too cheep to replace it when they replaced the clutch disc.

 

If all this $ was spent on research and devolopment then why do you have to move the battery, remove the ps & ac and cut holes ?

 

Be careful on your assumption...

Most of these kits are made and built in Japan.
Japan car enthusiasts have a significantly different view of modifying their vehicles, and some of their vehicle design is slightly different than the US-spec FC's (i.e. steering column and brake master cylinder on the opposite side).
Intercoolers are VERY expensive in Japan, and car enthusiasts in Japan are willing to pay for and modify their vehicles (FC's) significantly to make them fit.
Just because you're not willing to do the proper modifications to make a certain intercooler kit to fit your car doesn't mean others think like that also.
There are very LITTLE parts from the major Japan tuners (i.e. A'PEXi, Trust/GReddy/HKS) are designed and made for the US market.

BTW, those GReddy IC kits do not require the battery nor the AC and PS systems to be removed.  From what I've seen, the stock battery tray needs to be notched and the PS lines needs to be slightly moved.  Yes, you need to cut holes in the chassis.


-Ted

 

Well, the Greddy sure does fit nice though and i know it's well made and will hold up for a long time.

 

My concern about the kits is probably not the same as most people have to worry about. I have a non-typical setup to worry about. 13b RE motor in a vert... Things just line up differently (99% due to the cosmo motor). Different TB, different exh mani, different TB inlet, etc. etc. I'd be worried I'd spend a grand on a FMIC kit and still have to modify the crap out of it to make it fit.

I'd rather take my chances and build something myself -- for me, the IC core obviously would be valuable, but past that, I'm just paying for expensive piping that may have to be modified anyway.

Obviously the points made above about the kits are valid though and if I were going w/ a typical 13bt motor, I'd probably save myself the time/headaches and just buy a kit. Big single item investment, but so is a motor, so is a standalone, so is a wife. Oops, that slipped out.

 

Wow that looks nice.

Its in or near 100 degrees for at least 2 months during the summer here so AC is a must.

So where exactly do you get a Greddy for $840 ?

 

I think Jason at the rx7store has them on sale. Check the sticky.

 

is that the corksport typeII bumper in your avatar?

 

You've totally missed my point. You can spend a lot of money on and intercooler kit if you want, or, if you have the knowledge and resources, you can install and pipe an intercooler yourself that works just as well but costs a lot less money. You can't really do that with a set of wheels or a stereo can you? I don't know many people who can design and build head units and speakers in their workshop, or cast wheels in their back yard. That is why I said your argument isn't valid. You can't directly compare these products and their cost.

 

Yep Corksport Type II

 

what about that hood. where did you get that hood????

 

great thread! nice banter and opinions!