Obviously there is going to be more pressure drop in a FMIC over a SMIC just because there is more piping to pressurize, however, is there a noticeable difference in turbo lag if you were to change from a SMIC to a FMIC.
I dont mean if you were to test this on a dyno either, just driving the car around, could you really tell.

Assuming of course both of the intercoolers were of great quality and design.

Just wondering because I was thinking of buying the Apexi kit before the price sky rockets to $2500 or so.

Its hard to really know by just reading the posts in a search. Everyone has there own opinion.

 

I've been learning alot from Kevin Wyum's posts on pressure drop. From what I understand from Kevin's posts, the IC core size will dictate the amount of pressure drop. The larger the core, the lower the pressure drop. The longer piping with FMICs don't contribute to pressure drop. I'm told there is "some" lag with longer piping. I have the GReddy Type 24 V-spec 2-row FMIC setup with J-spec twins. I don't have any noticeable lag with my setup. The cooler air intake temps from FMIC (vs SMIC) compensate for any perceived boost lag from FMIC's longer piping, IMHO.

 

I will probably go with the Apexi kit then. I would go with a Greddy, but I dont want to cut into my 99 bumper.

 

I have a greddy 2 row. If I had it to do over again I would get the Apexi. The piping is shorter and, as you said, it requires less hacking to install. From what I understand the greddy has a larger core, but considering how much of it sits under the upper part of the bumper skin I tend to think it hurts performance more than it helps.

 

? guys, about the Greddy. If it so far forward in the bumper is there a way to cut the piping like maybe 1" to move it closer to the rad. or is there something I am missing?

 

If I were doing this again, I would have sprung for the Type 32 V-spec 3-row GReddy and a Wisesports nose, plus a pair of Rotary Extreme Monster oil coolers the air will still flow up the upper part of the 2-row FMIC, and gets more direct air than the Apexi kit.