RX7Club.com - Mazda RX7 Forum - V or Front Mount Intercooler help

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V or Front Mount Intercooler help

I am working on getting my FD back to the OEM look. After finally getting an OEM bumper that was already cut for a FMIC, I was quite frustrated (and saw more money going out the door) when it wouldn't mount because the FMIC that came on my car was way to big. I have no idea who makes the current FMIC but it's either a cheap knockoff or PFS as the car was tuned by PFS according to the previous owner, albeit towards the end of PFS when everything went to crap.

Like just about every FD owner, I've sunk a ton of money into the car and having to get a new IC was not in the forecast but I also really hate this Veilside front bumper and want the OEM look.

What are my options for a "budget" but not crap (if it exists) FMIC or V setup? I haven't had my FD in the summer so I have no idea if heat soak will be an issue down here in NC but I've read old posts that say to definitely stay away from SMIC and possibly FMIC as well. I did some googling and found CXracing. I don't know anything about them, but they have FMIC for under $500 and V mount for just under $800. Both are significantly cheaper than the well known Japanese brands like Greddy and RE.

I didn't find much info searching the forum on CXracing that was within the last 2-3 years. Any thoughts on them or suggestions? The engine is a freshly rebuilt street port from RotorSports racing along with a Borg 8380 SXE turbo. The current radiator is a Fluidyne (on the car when I got it). Not looking to make anything more than 350-400hp. My car is a second/fun/weekend car. Don’t foresee any track or drag racing in its future.

As you can see form the pics, there is no way to mount the OEM bumper unless I completely hack the bumper. Ugh.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...9ba46ed2f0.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...215a96b53b.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx7...e09276c49a.jpg

V-mount is hands down the best cooling option. i ran a Greddy style FMIC with the stock bumper and vertical mounted koyo radiator behind it and my car would overheat on the street after heavy driving. went V-mount and my coolant temps refuse to get higher than 200. if you want a true "bolt on" kit, the Greddy is the way to go. i made my own.

Ive had good luck with cx racing stuff in other cars (basic FMIC’s). This isnt a car id personally cheap out on and its nice to be able to look back for support on the more popular products. I like the blitz kit if you go with another FMIC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricebox (Post 12330756)

How much work went into making your own? Is there a post somewhere that has more details?

I could be wrong , based on the inlet and outlet coming out of the sides, but that looks like an intercooler for another car, or was custom to yours.

I'm a fan of a properly ducted front mount. Cleans up the engine bay a lot more than a vmount and to me, looks better aesthetically when looking at the car from the front.

Most that have overheating issues do not have proper ducting or other supporting cooling mods.

I'd stay away from CX Racing. Not always the best fit.

You could also try to trim the stock bumper a bit. If the IC is hanging too low, I can't tell if that's the issue from the picture, you probably want a lip on it anyways which may address it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AE_Racer (Post 12330787)

i struggle with a Greddy etc being that much better than say a CX for the cost difference. Some guys on the Facebook group have used kits from ETS. I can’t imagine there are huge differences in intercooler design or that much enhancement ... but this is relatively still new to me.

If you go with ETS, be prepared to cut the front support bar (metal behind where the bumper attaches). The charge pipes go through it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinCharged RX7 (Post 12330810)

the ic sits too far forward. I’d have to cut the that section that touches the IC clean off. Can someone post a picture of what a properly ducted IC looks like? I have no idea what that entails. What other cooling mods are needed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinCharged RX7 (Post 12330810)

I could be wrong , based on the inlet and outlet coming out of the sides, but that looks like an intercooler for another car, or was custom to yours.

the way the piping is ran reminded me of the old hks fmic but the inlet/outlets point into the car on those so not sure what it is. Im curious to find out though.

The ets front mount is huge, it doesnt mater if you duct it perfectly in hot weather, your car will over heat. It will block 80-90% of the 99 spec front bumper opening. I have the ETS as v mount now though and i love it this way.
i would give CX racing a try, if i were you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red94fd (Post 12330826)

The CX fmic or V? I’m wondering if I can keep my fluidyne radiator? I have to imagine it’s better than the CX one...?

I live in Fl and I used to run a front mount. With the Fmic it would overheat with the OEM hood. Changed to vented hood and everything was good. Got tired of the vented hood and went back to OEM hood. Changed to a rotaryextreme vmic with a lrb undertray and the temps never even get to 200.

If you can get away with vmount CX and keep the fluydyne do it (it would be less expensive), if not, you are going to have to get front mount. It depends also how much changes you are willing/able to do to make a v mount work. Its not going to be plug and play either way, i know you are aware of that by now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Djseto (Post 12330807)

How much work went into making your own? Is there a post somewhere that has more details?

a fair amount, i used the CX V-mount intercooler and a modified Koyo dual pass radiator. the CX/Rotary Works kits are inexpensive and a decent option if you are willing to put in a little extra work to make them fit perfect. you are gonna have a hard time with ANY cooling setup using the factory 93-95 bumper though. that thing limits airflow alot,

theres some more info on custom setups in this thread
https://www.rx7club.com/3rd-generati...n-pic-1133475/

Quote:

Originally Posted by spintriangles (Post 12330909)

Good to know. My FD came with a vented hood. I keep debating keeping it or not, but I may compromise on that to keep the rest of the car looking stock.