I dont think you need it unless your planning on going over 400whp..or like everyone else said if you live in warmer climates.

 

another thing to note - i believe the stock FMIC is lighter than some aftermarket ones.

i'll be doing bolt-ons shortly, and due to my autocross hobby (non-dragger here) i am keeping the FMIC stock due to weight savings. How much weight savings certainly depends on brand, but piping seems to be the way to go.

 

You know, I see a lot of claims like "the stock one is fine up to XXX hp" or the like... but no one ever has any data.

Seriously, no vendor can mount a simple delta-p sensor on their double-throwdown intercooler to prove it has "the best" pressure drop? Or a couple of thermocouples to prove it has "the best" cooling capability?

 

It can also help make your car less sensitive to knock on 91 pee-water

 

It's not that hot in california coastal area. The valleys get into the 100s though.

Thanks again on the further input. I'll try going with turbo and cams and IC piping first.

And yeah. I agree there isn't good data out there on intercoolers. I don't think I've been able to find any before and after results of intercoolers either. I thought I could be the first to test before and after but I guess that'll have to wait.