Starion intercooler [Merged 9-7] FMIC front mount conquest

[rdrkt]

I don?t think you are entirely understanding the theory behind the starion ic. It has huge pressure drop meaning that you are losing a lot of boost. It also wont provide adequate enough cooling for just about any upgraded turbo. Even if you can get the core cheap you still have to fab up all the piping it just isn?t worth it. I would try to mod the stock sidemount and then save your pennies until you can afford a real intercooler.

 

[boostineklipz]

starion ic's suck...dont waste your time...supra sidemount IC in my opinion is the only way to get a cheap IC that works better then stock.

 

[1QWK4]

Don't even waste your time with it. Just clean up your stock one or just get a real FMIC.

 

[NJGSX96]

Don't do the Starion. Save your money for a real FMIC or get a Supra SMIC. It is just not worth the time, money and hassle.

 

[Bigwilly6754]

well, i have a 88 starion intercooler on my 2g , i had it modded on both ends to 2.25 inch piping, and after the install there was every minimal pressure drop, also it does a sweet ass job of cooling off air one side will be warm and the other side is nice and cold!!!! and the total cost of the project including all new piping for the entire car and the intercooler was 250.00 so in my case if u dont got the cash for a real FMIC go with the starion!!

 

[95_GST_AL]

i found one in good condition for $150. is this to much or a good deal? will it make that much of a difference for a cheap ugrade from my side mount intercooler? what else will i have to buy to get this to swap out? thanks in advance.

 

[G-Ell]

The starion FM really doesn't flow much more than the stock sidemount. Yes it does a better job at cooling, but if you're looking to run some MAD boost, it's probably not worth it.

Depending on how you set it up, you will for sure need a set of new innercooler pipes. Couldn't tell you where to find them, but there are shops that can make a set for you.

 

[gstspyder1998]

IMO that FMIC is too expensive!!!

 

[tjh-dsm]

Don't waste your time w/ the Starion, it doesn't do much good. If you want a cheap IC upgrade, find an 93-98 Supra SMIC, there's a bunch of VFAQ's on installs of it on DSMTalk.com. It's easy to do and you need minimal, if any additional pipes, just reducers and connectors.

 

[90TEclipseConv]

I recently bought a used starion intercooler and planning to put it on my 1990 TSI and replace the sidemount. I was wodnering if anyone here has done this themselves with good success and how it was done aka. what kind of piping and parts and how much. Any help is greatly appreciated
-90TEclipseConv

 

[Low Flying GS-T]

You can either order your mandrel bends on the internet or like I had done for my FMIC have a muffler shop buy the bends and weld them and mount it. But me personally I wouldn't waste my time with a starion FMIC it just not worth it too small and the gains are minimal sometimes is some applications you lose power.

 

[Low Flying GS-T]

$150 is WAY TOO MUCH! That intercooler is only worth it free or damn near free. Your still going to have to have the pipes made for it.

 

[FlyTSi]

Yeah I agree, screw that starion junk. If you get a FMIC, make it big and without any home depot piping (trust me i know). The Supra SMIC is an excellent idea. I had one about a year and a half ago and ran consistent low 13's with it and a plain jane 16G.

 

[Bigwilly6754]

acutualy i have a starion intercooler cost me 75 for the intercooler and all new piping cost me like another 75 total cost was like 150, then i had it rewelded and man that thing rock on the stock turbo very little noticable pressure drop and i think it works great!!! its no apexi or greddy but it was 800.00 less!!

 

[G-Ell]

Originally posted by Bigwilly6754
acutualy i have a starion intercooler cost me 75 for the intercooler and all new piping cost me like another 75 total cost was like 150, then i had it rewelded and man that thing rock on the stock turbo very little noticable pressure drop and i think it works great!!! its no apexi or greddy but it was 800.00 less!!

Oh yeh, I definately agree. It's a better improvement over stock, but most people get rid of them because they can't push too much boost threw them very efficently.

 

[tjh-dsm]

Check the other 'Starion' thread on this page, has some more info, I wouldn't waste my time w/ a Starion.

 

[1gjohn]

Just my opinion but even if the starion give you a little better top end from the cooling and thats what you have(or what your budget allows)I say go for it.Then when you have the funds your pipes are run and you just need to install your new intercooler.Doesnt tom stang run a starion intercooler?And if im not mistaken isn't he in the 11's.I looked very hard into starion intercooler and have not found any track times for before and after install.if any body knows of any i would be interested in seeing them.By the way i did buy a starion intercooler(almost)i got screw on the trader.But found a killer deal on ebay on a custom intercooler.I still would like to see track times for the starion.

 

[90TEclipseConv]

I will update with how the install goes and everything ...I have read alot of posts saying the starion is good and bad. It is worth the little bit of money I paid for it rather than going for a spearco or better. I am gonan definately do a track time after I install it
-90teclipseconv

 

[FlyTSi]

i had a starion for awhile, and it licked royal balls. if you need a cheaper alternative from a buschur or a spearco, try the supra sidemount. i had one on my car for about 6 months in 2000, and it waas great, much better than the starion.

 

[1QWK4]

Starion/Quest FMIC is garbage on a DSM. Dyno it and you will see the truth. Just clean up your side mount if you can't afford an aftermarket FMIC or get a Supra SMIC.

 

[EcLiPsEgSt97]

I have a Starion FMIC that someone gave to me for free...some of the little fins are bent but i dont see that as a big problem....what do you guys think of me installing it on my 97 GST??? is it a good idea? do you know of any problems that might come up???? has anyone here used a starion intercooler?????

 

[93laserR]

it wouldn't necisarily be a bad idea, but u prob would have to get some custom piping.

 

[Newlogics]

I just got Starion IC for my 1G as well...
gonna be installing it soon.

Would it be sufficient for T04 ?

 

[Black95GSX]

Depends on the T4 (wheither or not the starion fmic will be sufficent) -- but I'm going to be pretty damned sure that it will not be sufficent - unless you get a very small T4 (but why?!?!)


Eclipsegst97 -- I'd suggest getting some custom end tanks made - it's a little bit more expensive, but you'll be a LOT happier with it when the project is over.

 

[nothing stock]

I know you won't listen to me, but I'll tell you anyway.

Been there done that, it sucks, don't waste your time. Save money, get a spearco core. If your poor, don't mod your car. You can wait two months for a real intercooler. If you can't TIG weld yourself, then your not going to do this (properly) for less than $150.

But I don't know anything...