with no additional hardware... and just a little 'massaging' of the mounting brackets (i.e.: loosen the drivers-side bracket bolt on the intake manifold, install STI TMIC, and then re-tighten the bracket bolt)

the USDM '06 TMIC has a cast 'Y' pipe (1-piece), so if you can get one from an 06 STI, it may be worth the cost/effort.

Only downside you can't put the CUSCO Strut tower brace back on... we'll have to go with a different bar.

Dunno if this was already known information, but I haven't been able to find SPECIFIC data on this.. so I thought I'd post it.

 

benefits I can see:
- Wider core that uses the full potential of the zero-sports replica splitter
- cast end tanks vs sheet metal of the stock TMIC
- 1-piece cast 'Y' pipe (y-pipe) vs plastic stock or Silicone y-pipe (after-market)

Differences right off the bat...
Intercooler is cooler to the touch than the Stock TMIC after similar drives and cool down.
Not hitting target boost at WOT, but since we're running a EBC, that's easily adjusted.

 

I have V7 JDM STI Intercooler on my car which is supposed to be the biggest intercooler that the STI has ever had. I am able to get my Cusco Strut Tower Bar on with no problems. All STI Intercoolers have a Cast Aluminum Y pipe with a Silicone elbow that connects to the turbo.

Glad that someone has been able to confirm that an 06 USDM Intercooler will fit on a 02 WRX.

Jon

 

I know that it fits on the FXT

 

I'd love to compare notes on this Jon,... the Cusco bar we have will not fit without some significant A/C line modification. Let me know if you are available this weekend and we'll meet up to see if we can get it right on the WRXGRL wagon.

 

Here you go. Is this the same STB that you have?

Also in the second picture notate the clearance issue with the A/C Line.

I've got double wrapped foam tape there right now. I'll be replacing that with water heater shielding in a couple of days :banana:

Hope this helps a bit.

Jon

- For me it was easier to have the bar disassembled in 3 pieces then install accordingly...

This setup of the engine bay is temporary right now...

 

nice.. thanks jon..
but I can't get the bar on... I have the strut top mounts already in place. but putting on the bar itself is the problem.

I can't seem to push the AC line down far enough

-tazer

 

yeah the top of the ac line might contact with the bar.. make sure you remove that bracket that holds the ac line in place on the left side (driver side). and that should give you more place. also BE CAREFUL with the ac line. if you bend it to much you're ****ed. the ac lines are very thing metal.

I'll have to look at mine again as well since the top of the ac line is making contact i think.

Jon

- i'll keep you posted