Tmics arent actaully bad, they often have better thorttle response. Its not like they just chose an inferior method of mounting and intercooler, its just different.

 

The only limitation with TMIC is that it kinds of limit the power level because of the greater need of cooling - but then you're probably talking about 350-400+ hp. FMIC has more lag for sure...

 

find someone with an fmic w/pics.. look at the plumbing. its rediculous. even with the manifold flipped its pretty crazy. all that extra plumbing = laaag. if you look at a pic of the wrc engine bay they flip the manifold and mount the ic much higher than the usual and relocate the intake.. I think this layout is more efficient but still not as simple as a tmic.

 

The rally car's ic isn't a true fmic but until you have decent hp #'s the tmic better because of throttle response.

 

The answer to almost any of those type of questions is $$$. Why would Subaru (or any other manufacturer) spend the extra money when what they already have (TMIC) is adequate for the stock vehicle?

In addition to the added cost of a FMIC, I'm sure their production line is setup to just drop in the motor assembly with the TMIC. Do a quick estimate on the amount of additional labor required to plumb in a FMIC in addition to additional crash testing to prove that the change is still structurally sound. etc..etc...

So what about production cars that have a FMIC like the Evo 8 and SRT-4. I'm willing to bet that the design of the front structure allows for efficient installation of the factory FMIC with a minimal amount of man-hours. Other factors such as the higher profile of an inline-4 (unlike our flat 4) would limit the locations to mount an IC. In other words they they either would have to go with a FMIC or a much smaller IC mounted in the fender (ala DSMs).

 

the evo had a problems with crash tests because the cost of the repair was to expensive for the damage it would receive

 

well can anyone picture a bird eater scoop on an evo8 or srt-4? no, its subaru's tradition to have a tmic

 

bird eater hood scoop LOL

 

fmic's are illegal in CA, as well as other states i believe, just another reason why...

 

I agree with daredevil . . . but then again what isn't illegal in California these days (automotivley speaking)

"Go Big or go home"
WRX Rush

 

???What. They don't sell Evo 8s in Cali???

 

they do, but cali's got some stupid laws but the car manufactuers still break them. in cali, we need to have front licnese plates, but the vettes dont them, and i dont see them getting a stupid fix-it ticket. cali
-dashiet

 

I used to have a Vett and your wrong no front plate = fix-it-ticket no matter what you drive

The real problem is the cops being dicks to young drivers