So this summer I'm looking to put the following things on my car:
Cobb Boost Control
CPE catback exhaust
Evo X BOV
and maybe replace the stock intercooler pipes

My question however is if you guys would recommend replacing the stock FMIC. I'm not going to be tracking my car because the closest track is about 3 hours away. I'll just be daily driving it. I know a lot of people replace the stock intercooler, but is it necessary if the car is not going to be tracked?

 

Its not necessary with the mods you have listed, but it will get you a significant boost in power.

 

really? what kind of power are we talking?
I thought it just added reliability to my car if I'm constantly driving it hard

 

It doesnt not result in more power...however going to a stock evo x fmic, licp, and uicp together will typically get you a snappier feel. this is mostly because the x licp and bov flow/hold boost better than the ra setup...the cooler your boost is the better you can utilize your boost you are making

 

The value is consistency. With the stock IC one run and you're done. it is heat-soaked. The EVO X sheds much more heat and allows back-to-back runs.


So, don't buy a RA Upper IC pipe. Get a used EVO X IC and EVO X upper IC pipe (UICP).

 

Seeing that your in Canada i recommend buying a used Evo X FMIC or going with Ultimate Racing and buying their FMIC + Pipes.

Makes a massive difference. Specifically with the metal piping over that flex tube bs too.

 

A big intercooler will allow you to maintain top power levels for a longer time (less heat soak).

If you aren't tracking I don't see why you need to upgrade it.

For now.

 

The big thing is replacing the upper and lower intercooler piping, on the ra the lower is designed pretty bad, with half the pipe cl9sed reducing flow, the evo x licp is a cheap smd longlasting remedy for that, the problem is the x licp only eorks with an x gmic...or you can try usinf reducers and such.

 

so would you just recommend replacing the pipes on the stock intercooler then?

 

yes it will gain you some power, not inly that, it combats knock as it increases the turbos efficiency, you will make more power at the same boost level.

 

The problrm is your going to need to adapt from a 2" fmic to the evos 3" licp...for 100 bucks used you cant go wrong with a stock evo x intercooler imho

 

I highly recommend upgrading your intercooler if you plan on tracking your car. The Ralliart intercooler is REALLY small and will heat soak quickly on the track. We have a 3.0" Ralliart intercooler available that would work perfect for your setup.

http://www.extremeturbosystems.com/E...-Pipe-Kit.html

Thanks,

Michael

 

slightly unrelated, but what kind of power gains can i expect to make with those mods?

 

Mid to high 200s.
Depends on the dyno and tune.

 

Even if you're not going to the track, you are modifying the car and expecting to be driving "spiritedly" otherwise you wouldn't be modifying in the first place. A fmic upgrade is one of the #1 recommended upgrades for engine safety, consistency, and reliability. As mentioned, the stock unit will heat soak quickly and become ineffective after even a very short period of hard driving. The Evo X stock piece is an ideal upgrade for your situation and makes the piping upgrade that much easier.

If you are willing to shell out a little extra coin, then ETS has a great economical option at a very competitive price relative to other pieces with higher performance in mind. They also look great!