Can this be done? If so is it easy to do... is there anything that I need to do special to install this?

Reason I ask is because I am going to upgrade my topmount for the time being... This is the actual JDM STI intercooler.. from what I have been told it is 40% larger than the WRX's, and 20% larger than the US STI version intercooler....


And problems that I might face...etc?

Thanks :-)

-Nigel

 

Good question. Im not completely sure... but I noticed that the bracket that the intercooler on my '02 bolts to is made to take the JDM intercooler too--you can tell because it is larger than the USDM cooler and there is an extra hole to the left that is made to accamodate the big J spec. intercooler. I wouldnt think you would have any problems. You may need to relocate some tubing though. where did you pick up that intercooler anyway?
I would love to get one myself... Ill ask around though and see what I can find out. let me know how it goes.

Tim

 

Looks like I am getting it :-)

Here is a picture of what it looks like minus the stock blowoff valve, I am going to use my stock bov because it's the same thing....






I'll let ya know how it goes.....

Should be fun trying to remove my stock one and putting this one on..lol I am NOT a car machanic... I try to get as much research done on the net about what I am going to do before I do it so I can have it all layed out for me... It was pretty fun installing my turbo timer.. I had 15+ sheets for reference and step by step instructions on what to do, what to unscrew and what to tap...hahaha

-Nigel

 

The IC is not that bad actually. First, attach all the hoses to the IC, except the one on the throttle body- put that on on the TB first. Then start with the blow off valve hose. Connect it to the intkae and BOV. Then plug the hose into the intake. By then, everything is kinda hard to twist around b/c it's almost-but-not-quite lined up. The last part is getting the hose attached to the TB and IC outlet. It's tough, just don't be afraid to bend the hose and mash it in there.

 

I have the STi intercooler. You should make SURE to check for rubbing against the AC lines in the rear, next to the firewall. Mine rubbed the thin AC line through, where it contacted the drivers side 'Y' duct inlet on the very back. Also mine hits the larger AC pipe on the passengers side, rear at the firewall, just above the valve. I cut and zip tied some leftover fuel line to the lines and have had no problems since.
Watch for rubbing at the attach bracket, drivers side front corner, where it bends, just where there is a small black piece if 'padding' material. I added a bit of extra material there, as well.
The 'rubber' ducting can be safely, and cheaply lubed with rubbing alcohol. I have a spray bottle filled with it which I use for this. Works great and evaporates leaving no residue, while being very materials friendly.
It IS flammable, beware around ignition sources.

I have the STi replica FSTB and can install/remove the IC without removing the STB.
I find it easiest to leave the TB hose attached to it, and I always remove the 'air bypass valve' from the IC, which IMO is much easier than any other method I have tried.
From start to finish I can(and have, several times) remove and re-install my IC in under 5 minutes.

Good luck. PM me if you need any help with it.

 

Would it help if I get Samco intercooler hoses? I figure since I have it off once I might as well get the better hoses? I really don't want to take this off more than once... I am no machanic by anymeans... and it will probably take me the ENTIRE day to get this off then put the new one on...

Also am I correct in saying this will NOT give me any more HP, this is only to cool my turbo better... And when I get a stage 2 kit from turbo XS this intercooler will actually benefit me and will complement the stage 2 turbo back exhaust and UTEC...?

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

The STi intercooler will not work with the stock 'Y' piping.
You will remove one(don't remember which) of the cast inlet ducts(and all 4 bolts) from the stock IC and use it with a kit that you(should) get with the STi IC which contains another cast inlet duct, a cast 'Y' duct, a short piece of silicone hose and a larger 'L' shaped silicone hose(I had to trim mine a bit) and some hose clamps.
Take a moment to visualize which way the 'L' shaped hose goes, before you install it, as it only goes one way.

Also, you should get the STi scoop and splitter w/seal in order to get maximum effect for your IC.
Without a splitter and seal that match your IC and scoop, you are better off not changing your IC because air will flow around your IC not THROUGH it.

 

You lost me with the cast inlet ducts... :-(

Already got ya beat on the STI hood scoop and air splitter... I got that about 1 month ago :-) But you are saying that since I have the STOCK IC that I am not really cooling the intercooler but more like puching the air around my IC with the STI hoodscoop and splitter?

Thanks,
-Nigel

 

OH BOY...lesse here....

Let's start at the bottom....If you already have the STi scoop and STi splitter with the rubber seal on it, then Don't worry about it.
That is exactly what you need.

OK....

If you have the IC, as pictured in your above post, then you don't need anything else.
I was unsure if that was what you had or just posted a pic of an STi IC. I got my IC new, and had to assemble all the pieces.

Pop the old one off and install the new one...Cake. Use a bit of rubbing alcohol on the hoses and done in a flash.
If you have trouble getting the turbo hose on, you can reach under the IC on the passengers side and wiggle it a bit.
Make sure to position your clamps so the screw adjusters are 'screwable'.

I apologize for any confusion.
PM me if you run into anything you can't figure out, and I'll try to help if possible.

 

Understand now :-)

Question though why use alcohol? Reason I ask is doesn't that stuff "dry" things out. My gf uses that to dry out her face before she puts some type of lotion or something...

I think I am going to get the Samco hoses and use them, that way I have better quality hoses and from what everyone is saying they last longer and are better quality... Just that damn price!...lol

-Nigel

 

Alcohol will evaporate completely, leaving no residue what ever.
It lubricates well, is cheap, and won't cause any damage.
Just put some on the hose and turbo outlet, and the hose to the TB and on the TB and wiggle em together!!!
Your hoses are better than Samco's if the ones you have are STi(looks like it).
Samco's SUCK IMHO....I have used them. Perrins are beter, by far.
....Forget hoses.....INSTALL IT already!!!Make sure nothing has crawled into your IC at the TB opening....bugs...lizards...etc.
I'm R&R'ing my springs as soon as it gets light enough this am....
Just do it!!!