at what point is it a good idea to upgrade the intercooler? can't seem to find any threads that touch this subject.

 

when you have the money. seriously the stock ic is pretty subpar.

 

Right after its driven off the Mazda dealer lot.....

 

as soon as you have the cash for it

 

has anyone actually tested the stock IC to see how horrible it is?
i always hear about how bad the pressure drop is and how big of a restriction it is, but i've never seen any proof.

 

I've done some canyon runs up mountains with a bone stock RX7. There is a point when stock RX8's can start passing you on a mountain journey. It is just plain sad =~(

 

^ I think there was something wrong with that FD. I used to pull away from a friend's ZR-1 above 4000' or so on going up Angeles Crest Highway.

There's some old comparison data here:
http://www.fd3s.net/intercoolers.html#ICP

 

Keep in mind that the stock IC is designed to flow as much air as the stock airbox and exhaust would allow at 10 PSI of boost. When you start to increase air flow by opening up the intake and exhaust, you should address the flow capacity of IC also.

Personally, I'd probably do a larger SMIC right after doing a downpipe or opening up the intake. Cool air = reliable, safe power. Hot air, not so much....

 

I got stock IC. and once I got my intake system instoled I oreddy thinking about getting after-market intercooler.
Can any one recomend me a good IC kit for reosanibly price?
I was thincking about front mount IC, and the once where radiator and battery can be in same position.

 

just get a hood vented. if u afraid of hot air in the engine bay.

 

^its not that simple....

zheka - check the links in the FAQ thread for some good info

As a former FMIC owner, I think they suck. Again, lots of thread about it in the FAQ thread or the Archives.

 

Thanks guys, helps alittle.

 

why would a FMIC suck? what are you running then?

 

Some people like to avoid having something that large sitting in front of the radiator. That's why plenty of people opt for a larger SMIC or if they've got the cash a VMIC.

 

I personally would prefer a v-mount, but the cost of that set up stops me from going there, and I'm thinking that it would probably be overkill for a daily driver that would see 10+ boost on rare occassions. I'm thinking the smic is the way to go. any thoughts/advice?

 

Check the F/S section for a good used SMIC. For a street driven car boosting less than 13 PSI, the Blitz SMIC is great. No fitment issues and works well for the stock twins on moderate boost.

If you want to spend a little more money, the ASP/M2 Medium, Pettit Coolcharge II and PFS SMIC are all good options for SMIC's which don't require you to relocate your battery.

 

+1

 

Everyone has they're own opinion. I have just finished my build with a greddy 3 row FMIC and using a pwr radiator. I daily drive my car now, I was even paranoid about going with a FMIC, but I am amazed that my temps are extremely low! I also have a vented hood so that may help more since my radiator is in a vertical position, but to be serious I think going FMIC was a smart move on my part. I didn't opt for a SMIC because I wanted the IC out of the engine bay, so no heat soak. Didn't want a Vmount due to the price. The setup of the FMIC is very simple and easy, was not a headache at all to me.

 

Keep in mind it's Feb in the northeast......wait until august