Side mount or front mount?

[Ms95TSi]

I have a 95 TSi fwd. All it has done to it is a ebay 16g and a 1g bov. I finally got to do a boost leak test and had boost leaks freakin everywhere. I'm gradually getting them fixed. Anyway my side mount is where one of the big boost leaks is. Someone drilled two holes in it, wth! I've been told to go with a front mount instead of the side mount. I know that you usually don't need a front mount unless you have a big turbo but I want some more opinions before I decide what to do. Thanks!

~ToNi~

 

[matthewdesigns]

The search function goes a long way on this site

Here's a current thread about smic's, and why they are not all bad. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/turbo-system-tech/353069-smic-info-true-false.html

 

[gearhead37683]

the side mounts are ok, to be honest with you most people use front mounts because the way they look not because they need them, so it all depends on what you are planning on doing with your car, there is alot of info on these site that will help you decide which way to go.

 

[Smurf2gGSX]

The search function goes a long way on this site

Here's a current thread about smic's, and why they are not all bad. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/turbo-system-tech/353069-smic-info-true-false.html

Agree completly with the search feature on the site, i use it nonstop.

IMO i would say go with a front mount just cause i love the way it looks, but it depends on your opinion. The supra sidemounts are good.

 

[Ibbanez]

With out a doubt FMIC all the way, you wont be sorry.

 

[habitatguy187]

the side mounts are ok, to be honest with you most people use front mounts because the way they look not because they need them, so it all depends on what you are planning on doing with your car, there is alot of info on these site that will help you decide which way to go.

Soooo not true. I was heatsoaking my sidemount all the time this summer on my stock turbo, which is smaller than a 16g. Plus the 1g sidemount is bigger than the 2g so it should cool better, yet mine wasn't doing a good job even after I cleaned it out.

FMICs are not just for looks, they will receive much more air through them than a sidemount ever will.

 

[untouchablecc]

This has been asked a lot but i dont mind helping you. First you need to figure out your goals for the car. Do you want to run high boost, pump gas? Do you want to keep the 16g or plan to upgrade. If you like running 16 lbs of boost and super fast spool and are okay with that then keep the side mount, if you plan on running high boost without race gas and want a bigger turbo down the road then you need a larger intercooler. I run a front mount with 22lbs on pump gas and i get a count of knock here and there on summer days so that should help you with knowing your limits on the stock side mount.

Btw if you have a few small holes in that intercooler take some JB weld to them if you cant get someone to lay a bead of tig weld on it. I know its ghetto but i have fixed them this way 3 times and ones on my friends daily driver of 2 years now.

 

[Ms95TSi]

I need to remember to use search first, I'm sorry! It's definitely very helpful.

I have to run but wanted to make a quick reply. I also do love the way FMIC's look and want to get one. I don't have alot of money right now but if it will run better then it's worth it. I plan on keeping the 16g for at least a year then I'll probably want to go with a bigger turbo. I just don't have alot of money right now to mod the crap out of it. I want to do little mods throughout the next 6 months. Right now I'm trying to get all my boost leaks fixed and replace some little things; spark plugs and wires, throttle body seals, intercooler piping, fuel filter, intercooler, and boost gauge and controller.

 

[skatershawn]

The search function goes a long way on this site

Here's a current thread about smic's, and why they are not all bad. http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/turbo-system-tech/353069-smic-info-true-false.html

haha.... this thread was posted like two days ago too...
ive been watching this thread!!
Its kind of turning my thoughts to go with a bigger sidemount till i put my hx35 on!!!

but yes Research first!!

Thanks



good luck!

 

[evood69]

Depends on how much power you plan on trying to make and also a looks stand point. A FMIC is in my future to get done, but probably wont until I need one, of course they look cool. But some people prefer to stock/sleeper look.