[kaon]

Hi all,

I noticed that a lot of wrx's are modded to have the intercooler mounted at the front like under the radiator. I think this is the way the EVO's have their intercoolers right?
Do the EVO's simply have a more optimal stock design than WRX's?
So what are the reasons for moving the intercooler down there?


Some possible reasons I can think of:
1. frees up space for other mods under the hood.
2. can get rid of the hood scoop.

 

[MarineSGT]

3. Some say it gets a better airflow and thus can cool more efficeintly.

 

[sakura-iro]

front mount intrecoolers do get more airflow, that's the major reason people use them.

the drawback is that you have a lot more piping to pressurize, thus you get more lag. you may also end up blocking airflow to the radiator which can cause overheating (although i've never heard of wrx's having this problem).

if you're going to be spending a lot of time on the track (not the drag strip) where you'll be running at high boost levels for extended periods of time it's probably a worthwhile mod. otherwise it's probably a matter of taste on a street car.

also fyi every wrc team (inc. subaru) uses a front mount, so they must be worthwhile in that application.