I have been searching for a while and I seem to get the runaround. Nobody's website seems to have a direct answer either.
What is the biggest inter cooler I can put on my Evo 9 that will not need to cut the stock bumper for over 800WHP?
Right now I have a big *** Buscher BFIC core, 4.5in, on the car now and I had to super trim the bumper. I hate that I trimmed the round air vents. It looks tacky.

 

Are you the still running the crash beam? @ElRicoSuave

 

Nope, it is off. If there is an option to have it I'm open for it. I'd rather have it than not.

 

The ETS 3.5" will do what you're looking for. We made 857whp and went 180 in the 1/2 with it on a 2.4LR/6466 car.

 

^^^As noted above, that is likely one of your better options. I run an old school Nisei FMIC 3.75" & it just squeezes behind the crash beam.

W/out the c-beam you should have more options. Years ago, i was a big advocate for keeping the c-beam in place, but have learned it wasnt even used in Europe so its OK to run w/out

 

I have seen their's. The only thing that would keep me from getting the 3.5 is the limitation. I'm considering a larger turbo as well. It never stops lol.

On my other cars I also advocated for keeping it too. I haven't really seen it's effectiveness in the US. My thing is, if an accident happens, will insurance cover it because it is missing? That is what would get me. The car is a street beast.

 

Thats a very good point. Didnt even think about that until you mentioned it. Yeah, get into an accident & a good adjuster would certainly make an issue out of that

 

I'm in that power range and run the 4" hks r-type. Its the most perfect fit with no need to cut anything but doesn't work with crash beam.

 

That sure is an expensive IC.

Some good recommendations here. I will likely go the ETS route but seems like only 3 people chimed in. Was hoping for more options.

I understand @Letgetthisdone made over 850 with a 3.5", probably more ideal to get a 4" and modify a crash beam. My only thing is where the end tanks and the outlet and inlet are put. The BFIC was straight out, so I had to cut the bumper a lot. Does the 3.5 and 4" sit at a better angle? Their website never shows the look without the bumper cover on.

 

I run the 3.5" ETS. fits behind the crash beam but i removed mine to make the install easier. It will do what your asking of it now. If you want to go with a bigger turbo later i would look into a bigger intercooler now so you don't have to spend the money twice.

 

Right, and that is kind of what I am looking for recommendations on that. Sure I can run the 3.5" but I will run into problems the moment I decide to get a bigger turbo soon.

 

I'm not sure on the thicker intercoolers but on my 3.5" the outlets are pretty close to the bumper but fit behind it.. I'd call ETS and talk to them they will be able to tell ya if the thicker ones are in the same spot. I'm assuming they will fit behind the bumper. because they dont say bumper trimming is required for the 4" or 5" intercoolers.