Hopefully I'm posting to the right forum.

I'm looking at fmics. I checked the review forum, but nobody has reviewed the Perrin STi front mount intercooler. Does anyone have any experience with that model?

Also, is it a difficult install? (Keeping in mind that I've never worked on a car newer than 1970.) Or, can someone recommend a good mechanic in the Santa Clara/Mountain View area?

thanks

 

im looking at that fmic too, so if you get it do a review......

if i get it ill make sure to do a review....

perrin usually comes with very detailed instructions, and i know that you dont need to cut the bumper beam so installation shouldnt be too hard (i hope)

 

the question should be; if you're this new to the game, do you really NEED a front mount intercooler? What else have you done with your car to make it necessary?

 

you mean with a 04 STi you want a FMIC even with that big hood scoop?
oh wait.. no wing.. you making a sleeper? are you planning on deleting the scoop too?
what other mods do you curretly have ? stock turbo?




aloha from the summit of Mauna Kea

 

Yes. I'm making a sleeper. I plan on deleting the scoop as well. For the time being, I'm trading hood scoops with a guy who has a WRX. Later, I'll try and find (or make) vents to go over the hole like they put on the Evo. The car is fully stock and I plan to mostly keep it that way. One of my friends suggested putting 2.5RS emblems on it, but that's just lying.

 

It would have never occurred to me that you were being a d*ck for giving sane advice. I asked for advice--if you think what I want to do is lame, just say so. I won't take it personally--but I would like an explanation of why you think I'm being lame.

peace

 

Seems they're a bit biased to BIG upgrades since they're advertising Prodrve staged packages which, to me, seem like hte most overpriced and underperforming packages on the market today. An FMIC may not be necessary for their power applications but upwards of 300whp, a FMIC vs. TMIC can cause a difference of anywhere from 10-20whp.

 

SPD USA, hehe...

No comment.

 

I too wrestled with the thought of whether it was necessary to get a fmic versus a tmic on my car over the past year.
I had an 1820 turbo, and decided to go witht he TurboXS TMIC.

Got a dyno tune, and while I was satisfied with the power, the torque just was not as high as I would have liked. Also, even though heatsoak was less an issue with this intercooer when compared to the stocker, I'd have to say that on hot days, one could still feel a pretty good drop in performance.

About 7 months after the TMIC, I decided to bite the bullet and pick up the APS FMIC.

Main difference I noticed after tuning was that my car seemed to accelerate harder and harder as the revs climbed.This was not the case with my old intercooler. Also, throttle response was slightly down. It isn't glaringly obvious, but I noticed it. Finally, I reached full boost about 3-400 rpms later than before.

Top end power was MUCH improced though, especially on the highway.

So was it worth going to a fmic? For me - Yes, but those who are trying to cut down on lag and keep up throttle response, and sharpness might want to think twice about it.

ymwv

 

I Say If U Dont Need A Fmic Dont Get It ..........the Turbo Xs Makes A Good Tmic ....but Alot Of People Get Fmic Because It Looks Cool........i Have A Fmic ( Blitz ) I Like It Alot W/ My Set Up ..........it Took Me And My Friend About 4 Hours To Put It On ..............the Longest Part Was Cutting The Bumper But Some Fmic's U Dont Need To Cut The Bumper ....


Aloha!

 

Perrin FMIC -

Great fit on the 04. Good fit on the 02 with some major bumper trim, but it works.

If you're making a sleeper and you want a fmic it may be better to go with a black one which I think APS makes, but you can always throw a grill in front of any of the fmic's to kinda hide it a bit and protect it from rocks, re-tread, birds, etc.

Install is pretty long. You have to remove the plastic bumper and the bumper beam and the headlights and fogs if you have them. There is some plastic fender liner on the drivers side of the 02 that needs to be cut in order to pass some piping through it. Install will take 6 to 8 hrs if you have all the right tools and you're doing it yourself.

Pros:
Kit includes everything you need.
Fits very nice.
Large bling 3" piping
Can use stock BOV
Large IC core
Great for track use (does what a FMIC is designed to do).
Great flow and cooling performance for high HP cars.

Cons:
Takes longer to spoooool with big turbo (fine for street, takes some getting use to for track). With an STi...not sure.
Loose fogs (if you care).
Have to replace OEM bumper beam with lightwight one from Perrin.
FMIC wouldn't survive front impact crash.

Here are some photos of mine:

 

more photos: