I was sold a car a with a Greddy FMIC on my 2002 bugeye, but its currently just running the stock TMIC.

The owner doesnt have the pipings, Greddy wont sell me just the pipings.

So basically I have the core installed, but at some point in this summer I would like to get the whole setup running and a tune.

Does anyone have advice on what I should do?

 

Either:

Remove the fmic, sell the core, and start/continue your mod path somewhere else.

OR

Contact a machine shop and see if they will custom make you some pipes.

Unless you know what you are doing, I recommend option 1. The fmic vs tmic debate is everlasting, search and read if you need more help deciding what to do.

 

import image racing sells pipe only kits! also there are a bunch on ebay.

Gimmick Motorsports Front Mount Intercooler Pipes 02-07 WRX/STi Import Image Racing

Perrin Front Mount Intercooler kit 02-11 WRX & 04-11 STi Import Image Racing

 

eBay. Piping is piping.

 

"Piping is piping"

Is this true? I'm a little hesitant to go with fmic because of the turbo lag due to more pipe distance, and I feel like this is amplified if I do a "bootleg" /nondesigned piping system.


But is the general consensus that eBay piping kits will work?

 

I don't agree with it. The mfr designs the piping diameter to match the core and application. That's why you'll see some kits with smaller or larger diameter piping. That being said, any difference is probably negligible.

 

Look at the inlet on the front mount and measure it. Look for piping for a knockoff of the core you have and bam all set. Piping is piping. As long as you use common sense obviously. Look for a pre bent kit. Odds are it will be complete with couplers and clamps.
USE HAIRSPRAY ON YOUR COUPLERS! Had one pop off the other day on the highway so I learned the hard way lol.

 

not to mention (im sure OP is not nearly as worrried about this). but what about airflow. does the route which it takes affect the cooling system? i.e. very sharp elbows or consistent bends. this was a reason i was thinking of going with a reversed intake mani/rotated approach. less piping.

 

Also, pressure test the system once you install all the couplers. I found 5 leaks and a cracked weld in my fmic piping while pressurizing to 30psi. If you dont want to deal with all of this just stick with your tmic, you really wont gain anything except for some extra turbo lag from running the front mount. They look cool though

 

I have a complete Greddy fmic (core + piping+ couplers and clamps) off my 03 wrx. It was on the car when I bought it and ed at eq tuning convinced me to go a sti tmic they are building the car now and should be done in a week or so (the wait is killing me after waiting over 3 months for there machinist to do my heads I'm sure ed and crew are going to do a great job on the build). Pm me a offer if you are interested, I will only sell complete set up (for a very reasonable price).

 

Surely you're kidding....