I know most car including j-bodies usually place an intercooler in the front bumper. Has anyone thought about placing an intercooler above the engine like some of the newer cars like the minis or mazdas. What would the pros and cons be in doing this. I would think the hood would have to be modified for the intercooler to get airflow over it. What do you guys think.

You would need to fabricate a hood scoop and air flow setup to properly cool the air charge. Even then, the TIC setups tend to flow less efficiently and are prone to heat soaking. That's why many high power STI's switch to a FMIC setup




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Roofy wrote:You would need to fabricate a hood scoop and air flow setup to properly cool the air charge. Even then, the TIC setups tend to flow less efficiently and are prone to heat soaking. That's why many high power STI's switch to a FMIC setup

Yup. That.

Ever notice how the first mod that WRX/STi owners do when they want to make real power is to switch to a front mount? Those cars have a top mount because they are designed for rally racing and top mounts wont get damaged by off road driving as easy.


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However, the top mount on the Suby's are still good for well over 500hp. Top mount is very functional for them with the scoop that they have, paired with the factory IC sprayer, its a good combo and works well.

The main reason they swap to a FMIC is looks. Which in turn hurts them. First mod they do is intake, catback, never tuning for it, put a bov on to replace the recirc and wonder why it runs like @!#$.