I've searched this forum and can't really find a definitive answer.

When does the LICP become a restriction in the system? I have a bigger intercooler, and most recommend the UICP early on as an upgrade, but I don't really see at X horsepower/boost/air flow you need to upgrade the LICP. I figure when I take the bumper off to do the intercooler I'll do the LICP too, but do I need to?

 

Are you talking about the UICP? That is the one where you need the bumper off for access.

 

No, the lower. Can you do the lower with the bumper in place? I can't see how you would.

 

There is no gains from the lower pipe. It would be pretty difficult to install the lower without taking off the bumper mainly because the factory coupler clamps to the intercooler are positioned facing forward. Then again with you having a aftermarket intercooler, it all depends on the position of the clamps.

 

This is what I wanted to know. Thanks.

 

The guys over at AMS have told me the LICP is just sort of a "bleh" mod. And will net you no real gain.

I ran into this because I am putting on the SST transmission cooler kit for the MR/Ralliart on my MR, and I was wondering why some of the kits would say "Will not fit MR models." And they basically got to telling me that larger tranny cooler kit is going to be in the way of installing any LICP, but that I shouldn't be all worried about it because it's not like I'm missing out on being able to put such a huge and important aftermarket bolt-on piece on my car, and I wouldn't be seeing any huge gain in power or spool up just from missing out on a LICP.

So for me, I'd rather save my transmission by having a cooler on it that actually keeps it cool (something Mitsubishi just can't seem to get right), and forgo the LICP, than have a pipe that just looks cool through the grill, and that adds a pretty insignificant (if any) performance gain on its own.

 

Thanks! That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. And I too intend to put the SST cooler on, so I can cross the LICP right off my list.