96 Tsi FMIC question....

[pnbdash]

how's everyone doing? my question is very simple
I have a 96 tsi fwd - stock; I'm guessing I have a t25 turbo on it ...
but I really want to get a front mount intercooler but I'm not sure
what size-dimensions should that fmic be so i don't have to deal with
any turbo lag... some people have told me they haven't experienced
any lags and others have said that they have... any suggestions or
recommendations??




thank you....

 

[Boostinsideways]

No reason to upgrade to a fmic on that t-too small. Even if you max its effciency range your not gonna heatsoak the stock unit.

 

[GMCometh]

I would upgrade to a larger turbocharger before getting a fmic. However, if you insist on getting one now, I'd look into the punishment racing fmic.

On another note...start here Upgrade Path

 

[pnbdash]

since the whole pipe that goes to the intercooler from the intake throttle is all messed up and rusty ... I wanted to replaced it .. and i thought why not get a fmic and pipes as well... but not a BIG fmic though


thanks ^^

 

[crash89]

A big front mount will just save you money in the long run and make your car faster by more cool air

Actually with the t-25 a front mount will hurt him more then help. As stated above the t-25 will not start to heat soak the stock side mount even when the turbo is at its highest efficiency.

To the OP also with a stock turbo you have very little to worry about with turbo lag with any size IC. The turbine wheel is quite small and builds boost pretty damn fast. However, you have one of the least flowing turbos DSMs were equipped with. If you'd like to stay with a stock platform Id suggest upgrading to a 14b. I know a guy who made over 300 awhp on a 14b, stock side mount and a safc and managed to run a 12.004 1/4 mile. Granted you will most likely not have the same outcome, a 14b is a hell of a lot better then the t-25..

 

[pnbdash]

thanks ... I replaced the pipe from the intake throttle /bov all the way to the side intercooler... I'll be keeping it for now... i'll prob get a 16g later on once i do ill go for the fmic

 

[JusMX141]

A big front mount will just save you money in the long run and make your car faster by more cool air

Wrong. A giant intercooler on a car with a small turbo which doesn't create a ton of airflow will increase the pressure drop to the point that the car can effectively be slower due to less boost pressure at the intake manifold. It will also cost you money because you'll be overworking the turbo to make or maintain the same boost you were before you installed a giant intercooler, leading to premature turbo failure in some cases (especially on T25's).

You have a lot of reading to do on the topic of intercooler theory.

 

[Chengy]

I'd just get hard pipes for the upper and lower intercooler pipes for now. No need FMIC yet.