upgrade path opinion

[T Series Boost]

This is an 'is it worth it' type question.. since so many ppl have done it, I probably should too.
I've completed the upgrade path except for intercooler piping. Im still running my SMIC. Question is, should I be upgrading to a front mount? I see that the stock one is good to 400hp. I am probably in the 300 - 350hp range and don't plan on going much further (I'm sure we've all said that at one point...) Is the stock I/C a bottleneck? The turbo I have is pretty efficient at the boost and flow levels Im at so cooling isn't that big an issue for me. That, and I live live up north eh
opinions appreciated... oh, and the car's vital stats are up to date in my profile if that helps.

 

[dsmtbopwr]

IMO id get a fmic.

 

[Guilty1s]

The stock 2g uicp is probally most of the bottle neck... have you seen it?

 

[Absit]

The stock SMIC will suit you for now, and be better than an FMIC due to less pressure drop. Get a hard pipe kit for it and enjoy.

 

[BichoteAWD]

definately get hard pipes for the ic of planning on keeping the side mount. they are very unreliable. persoanly i would get a fmic and be prepared for the future

 

[T Series Boost]

The stock SMIC will suit you for now, and be better than an FMIC due to less pressure drop. Get a hard pipe kit for it and enjoy.

Nice. Sounds like hard piping is the way to go.. and that I still have more to read. i.e. UICP. I had to look that up. I've already relocated the battery.

I think I'll keep the side mount for now, but based on the replies it could go either way. I was worried that it was a bottleneck. thanx

 

[Tanro]

IMO for the price you will pay, just get a VRSF or PR-Racing fmic.

VRSF 2G Front Mount Intercooler Kit : 2G DSM (On Back Order) vrsf fmic 285....

Or pay about that for a SMIC hard pipe setup. That core will leave you plenty of room to grow.

 

[Kingcof22]

GET an FMIC.. ETS kit if you wanna keep your fogs if thats important to you.

 

[JasonStern]

IMO, go FMIC if you have long-term high horsepower goals and are okay cutting up your car a bit. if you plan on sticking with a T25/T28-style turbo, keep the SMIC. if you find yourself heatsoaking the SMIC, you can always look at alcohol injection. likewise, if you buy used hardpipes, you can probably sell them down the line for about what you paid for them should you decide to go with a FMIC later.

 

[jmdst28]

i just ordered the ETS 7" kit. true you can keep the fogs or is that just for talons

 

[CONSIGLIERI]

OR you could get a SUPRA SMIC...

 

[99 gst spyder]

you must be boosting high to get to 350 hp, and your goal is 400 on the smic. haha, smic is a restriction on anything over 300hp, unless you like engine knock. have you done any logging or some sort to see if the smic is right for you? you should go with a fmic, smaller turbo put out more heat which creates knock and will require a fmic with less restriction on higher boost to let you up to 350hp.

for better or worse, get a fmic with hard piping.