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Hey,
As I need to replace my stock Intercooler, I want to stick to the stock as much as possible so I've been looking for the SMIC available out there... and I've found only 3 models : 2 of them are too expensive for me ( +1200$) The GReddy Standard Mount Intercooler and The Knight Sports Super U Type III Twin-Core SMIC Kit FD3S
but the third one is a lot cheaper : The Jperformance SMIC : MAZDA RX7 FD3S SMIC Intercooler Kit by: JPerformance - JPerformance -
Does anybody here use it ? is it really bolt in ? (I've seen only one photo with it mounted, but without the air box and battery...and its position looked very weird, almost horizontal)
Should I find a used OEM one in good condition or give this 'no name' a try ?
Also, I found some posts about a BLITZ SMIC that I found very lovely (looking a bit more stock) but I just can't find it anywhere, even used...
I've also found the RE-amemiya Stock Mount Intercooler 1.5X, but I guess it won't really be bolt-in since it's 1,5x time bigger...
Last edited by tomatoto; Jul 29, 2018 at 09:15 AM.
Damn that looks perfect! Been searching just like OP for an intercooler that will work in the factory spot, and doesn't require an intake or battery change. Thanks man!
Yep, I use this one myself. I need to give Chris & Mary @ Rotary Performance a call as their upgraded intercooler is somewhat hidden on the website (have to use the search function to find it).
Here it is in my FD...
Last edited by Topolino; Jul 29, 2018 at 03:00 PM.
Chris (and or Mary) @ RP can answer definitively re: 100% stock replacement. If I recall, nothing changed regarding the intake piping (pre- or post-IC); had Efini twins at the time of install. And the battery had previously been relocated, which is Chris' general preference when modding FDs. But I believe it can *perhaps* stay in the stock location if you prefer.
Last edited by Topolino; Jul 29, 2018 at 03:13 PM.
The RP intercooler looks exactly like the CxRacing one on ebay for half the price.
The original intercooler that the OP posted works quite well with a custom duct. I had one and it worked well but the stock air duct needs to be replaced. I think the Pettit Racing duct will fit, which makes this a good and affordable solution. The fitment isn't perfect (the hot side pipe hits the strut bar) and you won't be able to use the stock airbox either. You can squeeze a set of Apexi intakes on the side though.
The RP intercooler looks exactly like the CxRacing one on ebay for half the price.
The original intercooler that the OP posted works quite well with a custom duct. I had one and it worked well but the stock air duct needs to be replaced. I think the Pettit Racing duct will fit, which makes this a good and affordable solution. The fitment isn't perfect (the hot side pipe hits the strut bar) and you won't be able to use the stock airbox either. You can squeeze a set of Apexi intakes on the side though.
Hmm you're right. I wonder if it fits with the stock shroud even though it does come with an aluminum one. I want to keep that stock.
RP stated via email they use an American made Griffin core, no idea on the cx racing one. They also have differently designed end tanks, so not the same intercoolers. RP looks to be a winner for anyone staying with twins.
It’s been said before, but the IC is only as good as the duct. Lots of threads on the subject. One other choice I haven’t seen mentioned was the ARC SMIC which I think is the same as the Mazdaspeed. See them come up occasionally here and there. Not alot (if any) bigger than stock but all metal and works with the stock duct and intake. There’s also some info on extending the lower lip of ducts to (theoretically) increase efficiency.
A GOOD used PFS will probably run you $800-$900 but that should come with a really good duct, intake and filter. Works with stock size battery in stock location. Piece of cake to install. I can r and r mine in 30 minutes or less every spring to clean the ic and recharge the filter.
I am looking to keep the stock everything in place and just install the ic directly to the stock duct and place the plastic cover back on. I am going to do ic hard pipes though. I'm looking to get everything anodized black as well (don't want to get into the classic 'if you paint an ic you lose efficiency' argument though.)
That JPerformance intercooler looks exactly like the old XSPower eBay coolers from nearly 15 years ago. If it's really the same unit, it won't work with the stock intake or duct.
I am looking to keep the stock everything in place and just install the ic directly to the stock duct and place the plastic cover back on. I am going to do ic hard pipes though. I'm looking to get everything anodized black as well (don't want to get into the classic 'if you paint an ic you lose efficiency' argument though.)
Don't do that. You'll want to at least modify the stock duct so that it only feed the IC. The stock duct is a poorly designed afterthought and nearly useless. It doesn't extend into the bumper opening and feeds the batter, ac dryer, intercooler, and intake... In doing so it fails to scavenge cool air from the bumper and instead pulls hot engine bay air into the intake and in the process hot air across the intercooler.
