i have a 93 rx7 w/ 88,xxxmi's and just doing the preventive maintenance mods. so far i have d/p, water temp gauge, miata thermoswitch, silicone vacumn hoses, boost gauge, flowed and balanced injectors. i drive the car almost everyday and its still runs very good and was wondering about the stock intercooler. i read that its useless and creates nothign but heat. should i upgrade to a v-mount (overkill) or a aftermarket smic?? also whats a good brand to go with??

 

i plan to keep the car mostly stock, no big turbos or anything like that

 

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"
Or
"If you don't plan on running more boost, don't upgrade it".

 

It's OK at stock boost levels. If you're staying pretty conservative and want to upgrade it, I'd look at a good stock mount intercooler - that should do the job nicely.

Dale

 

You should look to replace the stock radiator before you replace the IC.

 

or do both at the same time if you have the funds for it

 

Sounds like you're off to a good start. You don't really need to upgrade the stock IC for your uses but even a small to medium aftermarket SMIC will give you cooler intake temps and increase the lifespan of the turbos (less pressure drop). I would look at the used market -- people sell PFS, Pettit, and Greddy SMICs all the time for pennies on the dollar. The PFS in particular is nice because it works with the stock intake plumbing.

 

The Greddy works with the stock plumbing as well. But the PFS and Pettit come with their own air ducts; you have to find a Pettit duct or fab your own with the Greddy.

 

Good points, Kento. I should also mention that the small to medium SMICs allow you to keep your full-size battery. Not everyone wants to relocate it to one of the bins! That said, if you do upgrade the IC, or even if you don't and want to shave 10 lbs off the front end, pick up a 51R battery and TurboJeff's battery tray. Highly recommended when running aftermarket ICs.

 

this is pretty much my daily driver so i cant go all crazy with the mods. plus im putting cash on the side if the motor poops. i just want to keep the original motor running as long as in can. well imma search the classifieds for a radiator and maybe an intercooler