I have an 06 tr with a big 16 and a turbo xs fmic and cobb ap as well as tbe
My question is do i need the fmic. will the car run better with a stock sti topmount? and if so will I need to get the car retuned if I swap intercooler setups? Any help would be great.
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Properly tuned the FMIC setup would be better than the Top Mount, but the top mount might reach full boost sooner. If your car isn't running very good with the FMIC then you need to see a different tuner.
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the car runs great, like you would never tell it was modded until you lay into the throttle. but im always getting drilled by the other subie guys about having a fmic they say its bad and a tmic is better. I think cobb stands behind tmic's to. I just wanted some info from people who know what thier talking about as opposed to local retards.
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I say **** em its your car I will have mine tommorow More top end gains less heatsoak ill take that for a little more lag. Looks utterly sexy to imo
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Properly tuned fmic beats a timc hands down .. the issue is the tmic users will tell you otherwise because other forum posters say as such.
(former tmic advocate here)
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well think about it.....if you have a tuned TMIC then the air will get to it quicker then it will to a FMIC.....the top mount is closer then the fmic.

the top mount intercooler doesnt have long ass pipes. as for the FMIC does. its common sense.
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yea it might take longer to spool than a top mount but top mount sits above turbo and engine, heat rises more heat = less efficiency. Front mount is at a lower level and not above tha motor. You just use thermotec heat wrap on the cold side to block engine/ turbo heat.

Bigger gains can be found in front mount intercoolers:eek:
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Thanks guys I will stick with the fmic. With that turbo and the 2.5 there is almost no lag anyway even with the fmic. so if it isnt broke I wont fix it.
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Here is a VERY informative thread about the effects of a FMIC on a smaller turbo such as the VF39. There is a ton of info to soak up and think about before you make the decision to go FM.

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71375
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i heard that a front mount wouldnt be good in my situation because i frequently drive on muddy dirt roads and a fmic would get clogged. but i also kno that a tmic wouldnt give me as much top end power. would it be bad if i have a fmic and go on these roads 1-2 a week?
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if you're going front mount you can try to reduce your piping in different ways. one way is the reverse intake manifold idea or also rerouting pipes somewhere other than through the fenders.
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