Buying a new intercooler and want to know which one I should go for? I'm not an hp junky and I just want to track my car on occasion. Not trying to build a big turbo supra beater, and may make 400whp someday but its not a big deal really. I'm going to buy all the piping as well.

I figured both are capable of 700hp crank but wanted to get evom's opinion first. AMS is too bling, nisei doesn't fit, and I don't really care much for the others (hks, greddy, etc.)

Car: Evo IX MR
Mods: full exhaust, arc airbox, 02 housing, fuel pump, boost controller, tune
Mods not installed but in house: Cosworth camshafts, cosworth ti valvesprings and retainers, arp head studs.

 

So, you're asking whether you should get a USA assembled unit with a custom core (ETS) or a cheap import?

Ummm...ETS

 

I have put both on cars, the ets fits better in my opinion. Also you really can't beat the great customer service that you get from ETS!

 

ETS for sure. Excellent service, pricing, and quality.

 

Ets Ftw

 

For build quality, fitment, efficiency, flow and thus value I honestly don't feel that there's a better option than our intercooler. You won't need larger than our 3" intercooler for power goals up to 500whp and a complete short route kit with all piping, 4-ply reinforced ETS silicone couplers, Breeze SS T-bolt clamps and hardware necessary for a bolt-on installation are included with that kit in short route configuration for $879. It's just $30 more if you want to retain your stock battery in the factory location If you have any questions just let me know

Tom

 

+1 on ETS.

 

I've had both and my current 3.5" ETS wins hands down on fitment and quality

 

You don't have to down my choices a simply reply would have worked. Thanks for your input though.

Thanks Tom my only concern with the mini battery is how it cold starts. I mean obviously the weight savings is worth it alone, in addition if I change out my stock BOV will I have fitment issues and not be able to recirc?

If that's the case I'll order my BOV first then the FMIC.

 

Cold starts?? I've never had an issue with a mini battery for two years, you will be fine.

 

As long as you get a factory replacement valve like the APS, Forge, etc. then you won't have any change in fitment. If you go with another unit it will be up to you to accomplish fitment with mounting and recirc, but that is easily possible with any recirculating BOV on the market with a bit of ingenuity. Unless you have the plastic VIII BOV or plan for more than 30psi in the future, the stock metal valve will definitely do the job.

A mini battery will of course have half of the reserve capacity but has more cold cranking amps than the factory battery. This doesn't pose a problem for regularly driven cars. Again, it's up to you on the success of a mini battery swap. If you plan to let the car sit for extended periods of time it's a good idea to leave the battery on a trickle charger to prolong its life and avoid jump starts. Also it goes without saying that available reserve capacity for running accessories like the stereo or headlights with the car off is halved as well.

Tom

 

Go ETS. They're full of win.

 

I would go ETS

 

ofcourse go ETS!!

 

I would go w/ ETS...I bought the Turbo XS fmic b/c of my time frame and stuff ended up not fitting, and I wish I would have just waited and gotten the ETS unit. The Turbo XS is a great piece, but fitment is not as top notch as the ETS unit.