TurboXS and APS both have nice kits from what I read. both allow you to keep your fog lights (if you care about that) and come equipped with a replacement bumper beam (since it would normally have to be cut.) You WILL have to cut the pastic bumper itself to allow for proper fitment, but that cutting will not drastically affect the structural rigidity of the car.

Of course, FMIC's really don't show their value until you have some higher-horsepower mods to go with it (like a bigger turbo.) And if you have a bigger turbo, then you should also have some engine management, and more fuel.

Bottom line, my worthless opinion says that you won't see much in the way of gains for the price unless you have mods that are begging for an FMIC.

Don't forget the increase in lag with an FMIC too.

 

^^^^^^Agreed!

 

Hmmm, I wouldn't agree with the need for a bigger turbo to make FMIC's have value. Better cooling for a charge is better cooling for a charge, no matter the turbo size.

Now combine that with the increased lag, bigger turbos will increase the lag anyway. So a bigger turbo and longer piping (a la TMIC -> FMIC) can be a significant increase in lag.

Were I to go FMIC, the turbo upgrade I would be thinking about would centered around getting a true ball bearing turbo.

Btw - from experience with a prev gen Eclipse GSX, a little Garret T25 preformed significantly better with an FMIC.

jason

 

Hmmm, I wouldn't agree with the need for a bigger turbo to make FMIC's have value. Better cooling for a charge is better cooling for a charge, no matter the turbo size.

Yes, to an extent, but the stock IC isn't that bad or inefficient, nor are other TMIC's -- Even APS has notes on their site about the advantages of their FMIC when dealing with 400 and 500hp applications. You certainly don't NEED a bigger turbo with an FMIC, but what benefit would you gain by having an FMIC and a stock turbo? Obviously, the decrease in heatsoak is a huge benefit, but I cite increase in lag, and not a tremendous gain in HP, especially for the price.


Now combine that with the increased lag, bigger turbos will increase the lag anyway. So a bigger turbo and longer piping (a la TMIC -> FMIC) can be a significant increase in lag.
yes and no. A bigger turbo does have an increase in lag, but that's the world of turbo's. If you're looking for a decrease in lag, then a FMIC on a stock turbo is not the way to go. A bigger TMIC would do the job much better.
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Were I to go FMIC, the turbo upgrade I would be thinking about would centered around getting a true ball bearing turbo.

Good call - while there isn't a laundry list, there are some nice examples to choose from.


Btw - from experience with a prev gen Eclipse GSX, a little Garret T25 preformed significantly better with an FMIC.

Out of my leauge - I don't know much, other than what I know about the WRX. This is not meant to be a flame, but what works on one type of car in no way indicates what will work on another type. Look at CAI's -- on some cars, they can see gains of 10-20hp, on the WRX, it's basically considered dangerous, and will net you nearly zilch. A stock WRX turbo with an FMIC will not perform significantly better, as indicated by the dyno plots I have seen.

I guess what I'm saying is that your money could be better spent elsewhere if you're looking to upgrade. FMIC's are certainly pretty, and are very good performers, but when it comes right down to it, there are a LOT more high powered WRX's that have no problems with upgraded TMIC's and are doing just fine. There are certainly many "pros" for the FMIC, but for your situation, it doesn't sound like the best path (IMO, of course!)

 

no, adding a FMIC w/n make your car unreliable.



first pic is the new turbo xs FMIC, the second is APS' DR 500

 

here! here! I'll drink to that

I'm no expert, and I wouldn't suggest listening solely to me, but it sounds like you want to mod -- maybe you already have? So if you want to increase performance, there are MUCH better things to do first before going with an FMIC. You can EASILY get together an idea of potential mods, and you will always be able to add an FMIC when "the time is right." But if you're looking for some increase in HP, there are probably better routes to take. Let us know what you have in mind!!

(Are you looking for top speed, 1/8th or 1/4 drag, low RPM HP increase, torque, AutoX killer, handling, Rally, show car, etc... give us something to work with of your "dream" setup, and I'll give my .02, as I'm sure others will too) as to what would make the most sense. (In OUR opinions)

 

OK-- now you're talkin.

Welp, to be honest, I agree that those FMIC's look great, and can do some serious damage with the right setup. That said, this would be a terrible mod for your "first" mod.

I'll throw out my .02, and others can chime in and do the same, or contradict me

1. If you're looking for low-end power, then I think one of the cheapest (although, certainly not EASIEST) upgrade would be an uppipe. Why? It eliminates a cat, that isn't exactly "crucial" to emissions. In doing so, it allows the turbo to spool up a bit faster, thus helping your "low end" out. While it's just speculation, chances are it won't hurt you in your "quest to 150k miles" as it simply allows for more effecient breathing. With that said...

2. Some form of a turbo-back exhaust, in some combination will also help low-end power. Now there has been a lot of "proclaiming" by very smart people with very impressive qualifications that say with a turbo, you need "the biggest pipe you can get." (Usually 3" or bigger). That said, there is certainly a crowd (for instance, Scooby Sport) who proclaim they can produce more low-end power and torque, but sacrifice some high-end power with their 2.5" design. Believe what you will, as they are trying to sell a product, but speaking with some first-hand users, they seem to agree.

3. Engine management - do the breathing mods, and you can unlock some more power from the cars' computer, and do it SAFELY. ECUTek, or possibly some "newer" form of tuning (ie. Cobb) that would be a set it and forget it solution. Should ALSO help in low-end power.

With these relatively simple, and RELATIVELY inexpensive mods, you'll have something you should be extremely satisfied with, and assuming you drive nicely, you should be in pretty good shape for many years and miles to come.

Now of course, the disclaimer - doing one of these *could* blow up your engine in a week. It's a risk one needs to be aware of when they mod. If you've had your ride for 18 months, you still have a fair amount of time left on that warranty. Doing these mods and blowing something up will NOT allow you to receive warranty service, so it's sort of a gamble.

So, that's my short and somewhat concise .02 as to where you should start looking.

 

i totally agree. uppipe and turbo back exhaust would be very good first mods and can only help the car's performance. you will also enjoy the new sound your car makes and wonder how you went stock all this time. upgrade the ecu after you are done with teh exhaust.

 

Go for it.
http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/wrx/exhaust.htm
http://www.airpowersystems.com.au/wr...pe/up_pipe.htm

List cost:
uppipe=330.00
TB =1230.00

You can have both for a great price shipped
dave@wannaberacing.net