Lets talk Ebay FMIC. Especially if you have one.

[chicagoavenger]

I have read a couple of threads on ebay intercoolers but just wondering which ones out there that are actually good? Allot of them have something that goes like this

"Good for up to 500bhp(I have seen from 350-600). all our intercooler has been tested to withstand more then 80psi pressure and it has very small pressure drop across the end tanks, at 15psi inlet the out let has 14.8psi that means it has only 0.2 psi pressure drop ,compare to many other intercoolers it is an excellent figure (some intercooler has 1-2psi pressure drop) also at the same condition, the temperature has drop from 120 degree to 28 degree ( and it is an excellent figure for efficiency"

Is the above statement just a bunch of bs or true? Has anyone tried the Megan racing FMIC? I think it's crazy to spend 700+ on a core and piping. I really don't care about name brands I just want it to work. Kinda like a Dave Brode part or Megan Racing or Johnny Racecar FMIC all cheap but effective with great quality. Here are just a couple of FMIC I'm talking about that look good but do they perform and will they last? Please chime in if you have a ebay FMIC or had one especially if it worked or did not work well for you. thanks

Megan FMIC

No name brand but has the standard psi and efficiency spill

Street Imports FMIC

XOXO Core but has good feedback on the core

 

[TSIMonsteR]

I know I am painting my mounting tabs and the driver side pipe! I don't like the way the show through the fog light covers.

Looks really good though man. Keep that 2ga look, I like it! Too many people converting to 2gb's.

 

[EclipseTrbo420A]

Heres my kit Ill let you guys know how I get the stock fogs to work haha. Nice kit anyways. Im debating on keeping the lip or selling. I like it alot, but at the same time I dont. Opinions?

 

[T is for TURBO]

I know I am painting my mounting tabs and the driver side pipe! I don't like the way the show through the fog light covers.

Looks really good though man. Keep that 2ga look, I like it! Too many people converting to 2gb's.

Oh, I plan on keeping it. It grows on me more and more every time I look at it! Thanks for the compliments.

 

[RedTurboEclipse]

EclipseTrbo420A, whoa man, I havnt seen your car in a long time. Looks like you were busy making some changes. Glad you like the fmic kit. As for the car, IMO the lip may be a bit too much. The accents you did on the fog light holes/vents/bumper mouth would be just enough contrast for your car's color scheme. I would like to see it without the lip. I am getting this hunch that without it and with just the accents you did would look real good.

 

[toojung2die]

I've been following this thread for many weeks. I got a lot of help from seeing how other people installed their intercoolers. Thanks for all the ideas. This thread turned into a discussion about the XS FMIC kit but it originally started out about all eBay intercoolers. It's been so long since anyone talked about other cores I feel like my intercooler is "old school". Everything I used to install this intercooler was bought on eBay, with the exception of the Dejon Tools T28 adapter pipe. I had misgivings about cutting my turbo outlet but I finally decided Dejon Tools had the best solution for turning the outlet towards the driver’s side.

I bought the intercooler (18x12x3, 24.5" overall), 2.5" pipes and some cheap couplers with screw clamps last year. The dealer I bought the FMIC from no longer sells intercoolers. I didn't get the time to start the install until a few weeks ago. I used aluminum bar stock and angle stock to make the mounting brackets. You can stand on top of the intercooler and it won't budge. The power steering cooler lines were in the way of the driver side pipe so I cut the lines short, leaving just the loop and used power steering hose to run to the PS reservoir. I live in the Mojave Desert so it gets HOT here. If there's a cooler on something I want to keep it functioning. I was able to keep the stock trans cooler in the stock position. While fitting the pipes I decided the couplers I had were crap so I got some reinforced silicone couplers and t-bolt clamps.

I decided to get a short core for a few reasons. First, I like to see the end tanks in the grill opening. I like the look, sort of like the FMIC on an EVO. Second, there's room for air to pass around the end tanks to the radiator. Air can get to the radiator around the tanks, over the top and underneath between the FMIC and radiator frame. I have the stock a/c and radiator fans in place. I trimmed and put the top half of the radiator shroud back in. I've driven the car in traffic on a 112-degree day and the temperature gauge didn't move from its normal position. I still have to check temps using my pocket logger. Last, I don't feel I need a bigger core for my power goals and the FP Big T28.

So far I'm very happy with this install. I don't notice any additonal lag because while everything was apart I ported my exhaust manifold and turbine housing. I'm very glad I don't have any overheating issues. I think I finally have all the supporting mods in place for my next step: 650cc injectors and DSMLink!

 

[RiceKiller_TSi]

I've been following this thread for many weeks. I got a lot of help from seeing how other people installed their intercoolers.

Looks good to me.
So you were able to keep your stock cooling fan?

 

[EclipseTrbo420A]

EclipseTrbo420A, whoa man, I havnt seen your car in a long time. Looks like you were busy making some changes. Glad you like the fmic kit. As for the car, IMO the lip may be a bit too much. The accents you did on the fog light holes/vents/bumper mouth would be just enough contrast for your car's color scheme. I would like to see it without the lip. I am getting this hunch that without it and with just the accents you did would look real good.

Hey, Yea I have been busy most all of the "Good" stuff in my profile is new. DSMLINK clutch... and the other stuff like that. As for the lip Im glad you see where Im comming from. I loved my RMLip, But 2 years was enough....and not to mention the huge cracks associated with those 2 years. Right now, heres what I believe the outside of my car needs new head lights and a stock repainted bumper. My projectors were egged under my car cover this past winter and the egg sat there for months before I knew and was able to get to it.....Its not comming off and as for the bumper..we can all tell now. I might even want to lose the hood If I can find a hood in my color in good shape. Thanks though.-Matt

 

[EclipseTrbo420A]

I've been following this thread for many weeks. I got a lot of help from seeing how other people installed their intercoolers. Thanks for all the ideas. This thread turned into a discussion about the XS FMIC kit but it originally started out about all eBay intercoolers. It's been so long since anyone talked about other cores I feel like my intercooler is "old school". Everything I used to install this intercooler was bought on eBay, with the exception of the Dejon Tools T28 adapter pipe. I had misgivings about cutting my turbo outlet but I finally decided Dejon Tools had the best solution for turning the outlet towards the driver’s side.

I bought the intercooler (18x12x3, 24.5" overall), 2.5" pipes and some cheap couplers with screw clamps last year. The dealer I bought the FMIC from no longer sells intercoolers. I didn't get the time to start the install until a few weeks ago. I used aluminum bar stock and angle stock to make the mounting brackets. You can stand on top of the intercooler and it won't budge. The power steering cooler lines were in the way of the driver side pipe so I cut the lines short, leaving just the loop and used power steering hose to run to the PS reservoir. I live in the Mojave Desert so it gets HOT here. If there's a cooler on something I want to keep it functioning. I was able to keep the stock trans cooler in the stock position. While fitting the pipes I decided the couplers I had were crap so I got some reinforced silicone couplers and t-bolt clamps.

I decided to get a short core for a few reasons. First, I like to see the end tanks in the grill opening. I like the look, sort of like the FMIC on an EVO. Second, there's room for air to pass around the end tanks to the radiator. Air can get to the radiator around the tanks, over the top and underneath between the FMIC and radiator frame. I have the stock a/c and radiator fans in place. I trimmed and put the top half of the radiator shroud back in. I've driven the car in traffic on a 112-degree day and the temperature gauge didn't move from its normal position. I still have to check temps using my pocket logger. Last, I don't feel I need a bigger core for my power goals and the FP Big T28.

So far I'm very happy with this install. I don't notice any additonal lag because while everything was apart I ported my exhaust manifold and turbine housing. I'm very glad I don't have any overheating issues. I think I finally have all the supporting mods in place for my next step: 650cc injectors and DSMLink!

Im so jealous. How many miles are on your car? I dont see a spot of rust. I have living here our cars get demolished for half of the year and I hardy even drive in the winter. ITs gets dissapointing. This is the only reason I would consider selling my car and finding one like yours when I get out of college. Anyway Sweet FMIC Kit and it loks like a really clean install you did. GoodLuck with the car.

 

[toojung2die]

Looks good to me.
So you were able to keep your stock cooling fan?

Thanks.
Yes, I kept the stock radiator and a/c fans. No problem with clearances. I'm thinking of rewiring them so they come on together and adding a dash switch. We'll see...

 

[toojung2die]

Im so jealous. How many miles are on your car? I dont see a spot of rust.

It has 64K on the odometer. Cars don't rust in the desert. Ever. Your muffler lasts longer than your paint. The sun and heat rots the rubber and oxidizes the paint. First thing I replaced when I bought the car was the sun rotted rag top. It's kept in the garage now but I'm still constantly compounding out haze on the paint.

 

[EclipseTrbo420A]

It has 64K on the odometer. Cars don't rust in the desert. Ever. Your muffler lasts longer than your paint. The sun and heat rots the rubber and oxidizes the paint. First thing I replaced when I bought the car was the sun rotted rag top. It's kept in the garage now but I'm still constantly compounding out haze on the paint.

I see what your saying, but I would still take that over this crap.....for half of the year here it just plain sucks to own a car. I can wait untill I graduate. Im going somwhere flat and warmer for the most part. Anyway the car looks great.

 

[unlmtdndeavor]

Alright, here's the pics I took while installing the fmic on a 1G. It took roughly 6+ hours with two people. Most of the time is figuring out what to do to get the kit on the car. I have the explanations as part of the image.

Tools needed though is definitely a hack saw, preferably an electric one with a few extra blades. Also a drill to drill guide holes for cutting the metal plates.

If there's anything unclear or more specific info needed, please ask. I'm sure I might forget something.

-Alvin

anyone notice that alvin doesnt have the driver side support that attatches from the middle section of the car to the front cross member that the engine mounts to. i actually followed this and have hit a stop after hacking up a good amount. there is a mount right behind the drivers side tow hook that is in the way.

if you remove all this then what is there to provide support for the front cross member?

 

[unlmtdndeavor]

ok...so i noticed something. as a WARNING TO 1G OWNERS

This install can not be done on an awd.
There is no clearance because we have a beam running parallel to the radiator support and attatches to the frame right where the u-bend would run on the drivers side. I am going to get the tank rewelded. The side facing outlet will be cut and welded shut. A new outlet hole will be cut to make a rear facing outlet which will fit into the hole in the radiator support (with some trimming). I will post pics when done

 

[skinnykenny84]

I just ordered my fmic... I had it sent to me 2nd day air for barely anything extra. I e-mailed [email protected] and she replied in like 20 mins.

Thats funny cause Ive been emailing them for a week now with no response
.........and I was gonna get one but Im not so shure now.

 

[91-gsx]

ok...so i noticed something. as a WARNING TO 1G OWNERS

This install can not be done on an awd.
There is no clearance because we have a beam running parallel to the radiator support and attatches to the frame right where the u-bend would run on the drivers side. I am going to get the tank rewelded. The side facing outlet will be cut and welded shut. A new outlet hole will be cut to make a rear facing outlet which will fit into the hole in the radiator support (with some trimming). I will post pics when done

are you talking about making the 2g ssautochrome kit fit on a 1g? if so here is what i did a few pages ago.
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1869422&postcount=1104
later

 

[unlmtdndeavor]

looks like you cut down the piping on the drivers side correct? it looks like you cut it right at 90* bend. also, the intercooler looks like it is mounted at an angle as well.

it also looks kinda awkward as the piping parallel to the radiator. it comes out angled. was this just a bad picture or does it really look like that?

 

[DSM90AWD]

Check out my new eBay c ler projects

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Top one is a clone of the Spearco 2-221 though uses a Garrettish bar-plate core with staggered internal fin design which I was going to test against my Griffin Top/Bottom FMIC.

The bottom is a 24x10.5x3.5 (same design as above) core that I'm going to fab SM backdoor endtanks to and give the design back to the vendor to produce a cast version so us 1G guys can have a nice low cost kit with minimal cutting

Now just gotta get off my lazy arse and get to work

 

[EclipseTrbo420A]

Check out my new eBay c ler projects

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Top one is a clone of the Spearco 2-221 though uses a Garrettish bar-plate core with staggered internal fin design which I was going to test against my Griffin Top/Bottom FMIC.

The bottom is a 24x10.5x3.5 (same design as above) core that I'm going to fab SM backdoor endtanks to and give the design back to the vendor to produce a cast version so us 1G guys can have a nice low cost kit with minimal cutting

Now just gotta get off my lazy arse and get to work

I'm sure I speak for all the 1G guys when I say.....RUN!

 

[GreddyGst]

Check out my new eBay c ler projects

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Top one is a clone of the Spearco 2-221 though uses a Garrettish bar-plate core with staggered internal fin design which I was going to test against my Griffin Top/Bottom FMIC.

The bottom is a 24x10.5x3.5 (same design as above) core that I'm going to fab SM backdoor endtanks to and give the design back to the vendor to produce a cast version so us 1G guys can have a nice low cost kit with minimal cutting

Now just gotta get off my lazy arse and get to work

Whoa thats great news!! Helping the 1g guys + I'm sure your design will turn out better than the 2g kits haha. Good luck

 

[91-gsx]

looks like you cut down the piping on the drivers side correct? it looks like you cut it right at 90* bend. also, the intercooler looks like it is mounted at an angle as well.

it also looks kinda awkward as the piping parallel to the radiator. it comes out angled. was this just a bad picture or does it really look like that?

it acutally is angled slightly, but i choose to install it this way as my first idea, which just so happens to be exactly the same idea you had about cutting and welding the old opening shut, and then making a new opening so that it can go through the radiator support like sbr's 1g kits. this way cost me nothing more and everybody should be able to do this at home, as for cutting and welding aluminum, almost nobody has the tools for that. i also ran into another couple of problems when i tried doing it with my first idea, but im sure you'll soon discover them as well .
late

 

[unlmtdndeavor]

it acutally is angled slightly, but i choose to install it this way as my first idea, which just so happens to be exactly the same idea you had about cutting and welding the old opening shut, and then making a new opening so that it can go through the radiator support like sbr's 1g kits. this way cost me nothing more and everybody should be able to do this at home, as for cutting and welding aluminum, almost nobody has the tools for that. i also ran into another couple of problems when i tried doing it with my first idea, but im sure you'll soon discover them as well .
late

can you please elaborate with what problems you ran into with trying to relocate the endtanks. i would like to know before i send this out to my welder

 

[91-gsx]

can you please elaborate with what problems you ran into with trying to relocate the endtanks. i would like to know before i send this out to my welder

so you were going to send this out to your welder before you even found out if it fit the way you wanted it too? lets me ask you something, have you taken off your bumper and everything to see if your idea might mork? if you have not, i highly suggest it.
later

 

[skinnykenny84]

Thats funny cause Ive been emailing them for a week now with no response
.........and I was gonna get one but Im not so shure now.

Strange, about 5 min after posting that ^ , I got a reply. And she said she would give me a 2g fmic kit for $300 shipped! (ssautochrome)

 

[unlmtdndeavor]

so you were going to send this out to your welder before you even found out if it fit the way you wanted it too? lets me ask you something, have you taken off your bumper and everything to see if your idea might mork? if you have not, i highly suggest it.
later

actually..i have. thats how i found out that it wouldnt fit. i started to mock up how to cut up the radiator support when i realized that it wouldnt fit the way i wanted it to. i lined it up and i noticed that if i relocate the outlet pipe to face the rear, that it would go right through the existing hole in the radiator support. rather than making comments at me, would you please just share what you found out when attempting it yourself.

 

[tstkl]

so you were going to send this out to your welder before you even found out if it fit the way you wanted it too? lets me ask you something, have you taken off your bumper and everything to see if your idea might mork? if you have not, i highly suggest it.
later

so your saying the sbr 1g kit doesn't fit for a 1g, because thats what hes doing....