TLP - ETA 10/24/08. 600WHP on 109 Race Gas, 504WHP on pump - *Post 1898* - Page 23

TheLimitedProject · 03-06-2007, 11:28 PM

^Thanks man

---------------------------
Update March 7, 2007:
1) WBR FMIC Installed
2) Q-Rack 11.5:1 steering rack arrived.

So, tough day at the office today!

I went through the always not fun job of installing my FMIC. This install is one of the worst I've ever done. Tedious, tedious, tedious.

So, like any FMIC install, I had to do some serious cosmetic reconstruction on my car. Obviously the OEM bumper beam is gone now, replaced by a much flimsier (lighter and smaller) replacement beam who's only job is to hold the core on. I don't know how I feel about taking off that heavy reinforced steel... it's obviously there for a reason in case you crash

So, the first part was pulling off all the stock stuff (bumper skin, bumper beam, windshield wash reservoir, cooland overlow reservoir) and unbolting the pan from the frame.

The second process was fitting the core. This required cutting a thin piece of metal that lays horizontal across the radiator. After doing this, I had to cut the tabs off both bottom OEM bumper beam bolt locations. Next, I had to carve up my windshield washer reservoir (I'm envious of you 04-06 owners... grrr). Finally, after all the dremeling, hacking, and swearing, the core was on... and looking good.

The third part was getting the tubing through. That was relatively simple, but it was a bit of a process feeding the passenger side tubing up through the wheel well. This kit works with the APS CAI, but just barely... there's barely room for anything between the piping and the CAI. Not only that, but the S-shape silicone connector has to be T-clamped on to the top of the fender pipe before hand... try feeding that through a tiny hole with a big ass CAI in the way.

Last, and the part I was looking forward to the most (

), was carving the isht out of my bumper skin. And let me tell you, there is serious cutting required. I'll let the pictures do the talking there. Oh, and the underpinning are murdered as well. This core's two pipes angle downward off the core, so there isn't enough clearance for the underpinnings to fit. So, they die.

But, after a long gross day on my knees, bent over, on my back, my FMIC is finally on.

The funny thing is that I've had it since early November. I just hadn't bothered to install it since the AP V2 for the '07s was such a long way off. No longer

Pics - and yeah, my car's really dirty and the lighting sucks a lot.

Too bad.

Getting the core mounted:

Washer bottle hack job:

New coolant bottle location:

Core is mounted:

Cutting the tabs:

End result:

So, you guys probably noticed that the engine bay pipes aren't installed yet. I'm just waiting for the AP to arrive since I'm going to need to be tuned for the FMIC and all the other go-fast parts.
----------------------------------

Last but not least, look what shows up:

This would be a 11.5:1 steering rack from Q-Rack. I got in on the group buy nice and early and voila... gotta love nice products. This thing looks awesome. I didn't plan on it being here so soon, so it's going to have wait until Thursday to get installed. I'll post a full review then.

Cheers,
Matt

***Tomerville*** · 03-06-2007, 11:41 PM

Coming along really nicely! How much of your front bumper did you have to shave? How long did this much of the installation take?
Congrats!

p.s. props for spelling voila properly haha

TheLimitedProject · 03-07-2007, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomerville

Coming along really nicely! How much of your front bumper did you have to shave? How long did this much of the installation take?
Congrats!

Once I get my sadly dirty car washed (or not

), I'll take some better pictures. But, I had to cut a lot. It surprised me actually. I saw "fastcb's" install, and he cut away a lot of his front bumper without test fitting, so I didn't want to do it that way. So, I test fitted it like 100 times and now the little lower black piece on the hole is flush with the core.
Anyway, I'll take some pics. It's not pretty up close...

Oh, install time was about 10ish hours (with breaks).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomerville

p.s. props for spelling voila properly haha

I'm not a "viola" guy haha. 10 years of full french immersion school has hopefully left me with a decent command of the language

**nandanrp** · 03-07-2007, 06:26 AM

What kinda ricer runs TWO intercoolers on their car, with only one functioning?

(j/k

)

Chris05STi · 03-07-2007, 06:36 AM

^Hey....I am running my Defi Imperial Boost Gauge, and the Stocker at the same time...tooooo busy with work and customer cars to even have time for my car

**nandanrp** · 03-07-2007, 06:42 AM

Dude...Chris it takes like an hour TOPS to take out the OEM gauge

Chris05STi · 03-07-2007, 06:46 AM

Add that into 40 hours here at D.O.D, helping to replace the internals of a Auto-Trans on a '95 2.2L Coupe, getting ready to boost a 2.5RS, and working on various STi's. Yah, it sucks, I still have to do that and install my E-Con for my Coilovers! I am becoming like you now ahhhhh. j/k

Albanianimpreza · 03-07-2007, 06:51 AM

maybe you answered this and im just a little bogged down, what made you go for the fmic? why not a bigger core TMIC without the lag? didnt they do tests that show tmics work just as well? or did you just love seeing the fmic. lol

Chris05STi · 03-07-2007, 07:01 AM

Well correct, with a 20g you may want to go with a bigger TMIC like the APS or whatever. 20g with Meth Injection, especially a mod'ed 20g with Meth could be pushing the envelope on the bigger TMIC's. He is going with the Element GT52 Turbo...that sized turbo, you def want to go with a FMIC. The bigger/aftermarket TMIC can't support the flow, and will def heatsoak to crap. Worried about "lag"? Mod the turbo like I did with mine to increase spool up, add some Meth Injection, and your golden, trust me

.

Albanianimpreza · 03-07-2007, 07:22 AM

HOLY BOJANGLES CHRIS! 61 PAGE JOURNAL! lol. ahh yes i knew i missed something about the turbo. Couldnt you just Cryo the tmic, and wrap the turbo up to level out those problems? i wish i hads moneys to get a bigger turbo in my L

Chris05STi · 03-07-2007, 07:57 AM

Cryo Treating the TMIC won't solve anything with this turbo he is going to run. Its still going to heat up no matter what, and that will in return affect the temps of the air inside the TMIC. But even then, the flow that this turbo will require won't equate with the TMIC flow it provides, therefore if you wanted to go bigger a FMIC would be needed, since that size won't be able to fit under the hood. Hence the reason why people go with FMIC's, and people running turbos like these, really should, going with a TMIC will just be silly and restrict the capability of the turbo's potential. What about in the summer with 90+ degree weather stuck in traffic with the A/C on....hows the performance going to be with this turbo and TMIC? Exactly, stuck in traffic

.

TheLimitedProject · 03-07-2007, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nandanrp

What kinda ricer runs TWO intercoolers on their car, with only one functioning?

(j/k

)

That would be me

I was thinking of fabbing up some ghetto pipes in the meantime that would wrap the FMIC pipes around the engine bay to end up blowing air directly onto the TMIC and turbo. Then it would be a dual-intercooler setup. I need some stickers for my car now

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris05STi

Cryo Treating the TMIC won't solve anything with this turbo he is going to run. Its still going to heat up no matter what, and that will in return affect the temps of the air inside the TMIC. But even then, the flow that this turbo will require won't equate with the TMIC flow it provides, therefore if you wanted to go bigger a FMIC would be needed, since that size won't be able to fit under the hood. Hence the reason why people go with FMIC's, and people running turbos like these, really should, going with a TMIC will just be silly and restrict the capability of the turbo's potential. What about in the summer with 90+ degree weather stuck in traffic with the A/C on....hows the performance going to be with this turbo and TMIC? Exactly, stuck in traffic

.

Exactly. Thanks Chris

I deliberated for a long time on whether I was going to stay top mount or front, even after I had purchased the FMIC.
I know people are running the GT52 on a big TMIC, or even the stocker, but they're leaving a lot on the table. I understand not hacking up the car to make a FMIC fit (after yesterday, trust me, I understand

), but if you're spending all that cake on a big turbo, why hold yourself back?

I could have had the GT52 coated and wrapped, my downpipe wrapped, heat-shielded to the max... but if still would have suffered from heat soak during a heavy session. This way, I don't even have to think of that.

It'll be easier to tune because of the more consistent temperatures, and I'll always be getting cooler air = more power.

I spoke to Dave @ WBR about this intercooler and he showed me some data indicating that there wasn't any extra lag with this FMIC. That was the reason I bought it. So, the proof will be in a few weeks, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was still some lag.

Oh well, a small price I'm willing to pay for the end result

Chris05STi · 03-07-2007, 08:32 AM

Add Meth Injection and Lag can kiss your arse!!!!! It will really help the spool up!

TheLimitedProject · 03-07-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris05STi

Add Meth Injection and Lag can kiss your arse!!!!! It will really help the spool up!

***520*** · 03-07-2007, 09:23 AM

Does meth really help the spool? For some reason that doent make sense to me.

Car looks great mang.

03-06-2007, 11:28 PM	#331
TheLimitedProject Spec C Club Car: 07 STI LTD/08 STI Fav Mod: APS/Crawford/Cosworth/Aquamist Location: E-town, AB Posts: 2,339 Join Date: Apr 2005 Trader Rating: (5)	^Thanks man --------------------------- Update March 7, 2007: 1) WBR FMIC Installed 2) Q-Rack 11.5:1 steering rack arrived. So, tough day at the office today! I went through the always not fun job of installing my FMIC. This install is one of the worst I've ever done. Tedious, tedious, tedious. So, like any FMIC install, I had to do some serious cosmetic reconstruction on my car. Obviously the OEM bumper beam is gone now, replaced by a much flimsier (lighter and smaller) replacement beam who's only job is to hold the core on. I don't know how I feel about taking off that heavy reinforced steel... it's obviously there for a reason in case you crash So, the first part was pulling off all the stock stuff (bumper skin, bumper beam, windshield wash reservoir, cooland overlow reservoir) and unbolting the pan from the frame. The second process was fitting the core. This required cutting a thin piece of metal that lays horizontal across the radiator. After doing this, I had to cut the tabs off both bottom OEM bumper beam bolt locations. Next, I had to carve up my windshield washer reservoir (I'm envious of you 04-06 owners... grrr). Finally, after all the dremeling, hacking, and swearing, the core was on... and looking good. The third part was getting the tubing through. That was relatively simple, but it was a bit of a process feeding the passenger side tubing up through the wheel well. This kit works with the APS CAI, but just barely... there's barely room for anything between the piping and the CAI. Not only that, but the S-shape silicone connector has to be T-clamped on to the top of the fender pipe before hand... try feeding that through a tiny hole with a big ass CAI in the way. Last, and the part I was looking forward to the most (), was carving the isht out of my bumper skin. And let me tell you, there is serious cutting required. I'll let the pictures do the talking there. Oh, and the underpinning are murdered as well. This core's two pipes angle downward off the core, so there isn't enough clearance for the underpinnings to fit. So, they die. But, after a long gross day on my knees, bent over, on my back, my FMIC is finally on. The funny thing is that I've had it since early November. I just hadn't bothered to install it since the AP V2 for the '07s was such a long way off. No longer Pics - and yeah, my car's really dirty and the lighting sucks a lot. Too bad. Getting the core mounted: Washer bottle hack job: New coolant bottle location: Core is mounted: Cutting the tabs: End result: So, you guys probably noticed that the engine bay pipes aren't installed yet. I'm just waiting for the AP to arrive since I'm going to need to be tuned for the FMIC and all the other go-fast parts. ---------------------------------- Last but not least, look what shows up: This would be a 11.5:1 steering rack from Q-Rack. I got in on the group buy nice and early and voila... gotta love nice products. This thing looks awesome. I didn't plan on it being here so soon, so it's going to have wait until Thursday to get installed. I'll post a full review then. Cheers, Matt This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

03-07-2007, 07:01 AM	#339
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,733 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	Well correct, with a 20g you may want to go with a bigger TMIC like the APS or whatever. 20g with Meth Injection, especially a mod'ed 20g with Meth could be pushing the envelope on the bigger TMIC's. He is going with the Element GT52 Turbo...that sized turbo, you def want to go with a FMIC. The bigger/aftermarket TMIC can't support the flow, and will def heatsoak to crap. Worried about "lag"? Mod the turbo like I did with mine to increase spool up, add some Meth Injection, and your golden, trust me.

03-07-2007, 07:57 AM	#341
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,733 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	Cryo Treating the TMIC won't solve anything with this turbo he is going to run. Its still going to heat up no matter what, and that will in return affect the temps of the air inside the TMIC. But even then, the flow that this turbo will require won't equate with the TMIC flow it provides, therefore if you wanted to go bigger a FMIC would be needed, since that size won't be able to fit under the hood. Hence the reason why people go with FMIC's, and people running turbos like these, really should, going with a TMIC will just be silly and restrict the capability of the turbo's potential. What about in the summer with 90+ degree weather stuck in traffic with the A/C on....hows the performance going to be with this turbo and TMIC? Exactly, stuck in traffic.

03-07-2007, 09:23 AM	#345
*520* STi > EVO... Wait what??? Car: 03 EVO Fav Mod: stock :( Location: Michigan / Saint Louis Posts: 12,397 Join Date: Oct 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	Does meth really help the spool? For some reason that doent make sense to me. Car looks great mang. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

03-06-2007, 11:41 PM	#332
*Tomerville* Likkle Jacob Car: '06 STI Fav Mod: AVIC D-3 Location: Too many places. Posts: 1,116 Join Date: May 2006 Trader Rating: (5)	Coming along really nicely! How much of your front bumper did you have to shave? How long did this much of the installation take? Congrats! p.s. props for spelling voila properly haha

03-07-2007, 06:26 AM	#334
nandanrp Indiatr0n in yo IWDPL Car: 05FTW OBP STi Fav Mod: Brum Brum Location: downtown Chicago Posts: 48,830 Join Date: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (11)	What kinda ricer runs TWO intercoolers on their car, with only one functioning? (j/k )

03-07-2007, 06:36 AM	#335
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,733 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	^Hey....I am running my Defi Imperial Boost Gauge, and the Stocker at the same time...tooooo busy with work and customer cars to even have time for my car

03-07-2007, 06:42 AM	#336
nandanrp Indiatr0n in yo IWDPL Car: 05FTW OBP STi Fav Mod: Brum Brum Location: downtown Chicago Posts: 48,830 Join Date: Jun 2004 Trader Rating: (11)	Dude...Chris it takes like an hour TOPS to take out the OEM gauge

03-07-2007, 06:46 AM	#337
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,733 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	Add that into 40 hours here at D.O.D, helping to replace the internals of a Auto-Trans on a '95 2.2L Coupe, getting ready to boost a 2.5RS, and working on various STi's. Yah, it sucks, I still have to do that and install my E-Con for my Coilovers! I am becoming like you now ahhhhh. j/k

03-07-2007, 06:51 AM	#338
Albanianimpreza Grassroots STI Racer Car: Something Bloody Fav Mod: E85 Location: Nyish Posts: 591 Join Date: May 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	maybe you answered this and im just a little bogged down, what made you go for the fmic? why not a bigger core TMIC without the lag? didnt they do tests that show tmics work just as well? or did you just love seeing the fmic. lol

03-07-2007, 07:22 AM	#340
Albanianimpreza Grassroots STI Racer Car: Something Bloody Fav Mod: E85 Location: Nyish Posts: 591 Join Date: May 2005 Trader Rating: (0)	HOLY BOJANGLES CHRIS! 61 PAGE JOURNAL! lol. ahh yes i knew i missed something about the turbo. Couldnt you just Cryo the tmic, and wrap the turbo up to level out those problems? i wish i hads moneys to get a bigger turbo in my L

03-07-2007, 08:32 AM	#343
Chris05STi I Has a Turbo Timer Car: 2005 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Every single one! Location: NJ Posts: 9,733 Join Date: Jun 2005 Trader Rating: (27)	Add Meth Injection and Lag can kiss your arse!!!!! It will really help the spool up!