Intercooler options

**Bubu** · 29-03-2008, 05:48 AM

I am shopping around for a front mount intercooler and so far there are a few options as listed below:

1. APR intercooler $2k+

2. Custom made FMIC. Could probably get one made by a friend or have a professional make one. $$???

3. The Seat (I think it was Cupra) FMIC (see link to photos elsewhere on this forum) which would probably have to be sourced from overseas $????

4. Use a Ford XR6 turbo factory FMIC or maybe a XR6 aftermarket FMIC. $150~ for 2nd hand factory unit.

So far the cheapest option is #4, using a factory XR6 FMIC. They can be had for around $150 and the inlet/outlet to the intercooler is on the same side as requiered for a Polo. I can have the mounting brackets, welded directly to the intercooler and get the pipeing done by a friend who does custom Holden and Ford turbo manifolds.
I cant find any info on the XR6 intercooler so I dont know how good it is but it has to be better than the one fitted to the Polo. For the total price of $150 to $300 it dosent sound like a bad deal.

I cant really justify paying $2k+ for APR unit even if it woks a bit better than the XR6 or custom made one.

Has anyone else looked at alternative FMIC other than APR? What other options are out there?

**Sharkie** · 29-03-2008, 07:09 AM

As good as APR's products are, in some cases they are just too expensive to justify....

Not to say its not a fair price for the manufacturing, research and reasonable profit that goes into it, but for people on a budget (she who must be obeyed frowns upon excessive spending on the toy) it is worthwhile looking elsewhere from time to time.

I spent a bit of time looking at different suitable intercoolers and eventually found one. It will be fitted this Wednesday for a total price less than half of the APR kit.

As Guy will point out it is important to take a number of factors into consideration, not least the actual fitment capability. There is only limited space to fit a FMIC due to intruding pipes from other radiator type thingies. Flow through the FMIC is important to prevent pressure loss not only to the boosted air but also to the coolers and radiator behind the FMIC. Restricted airflow to the radiator can lead to overheating of your engine which is not good ....

I'll take some pics of the FMIC I found and post later over the weekend with more pics on Wed/Thur of the fitted product.

BTW the XR6 core will not fit doe to its shape and size.

**BL33SU** · 29-03-2008, 08:10 AM

2. Custom made FMIC. Could probably get one made by a friend or have a professional make one. $$???

i like this option

**ralphk** · 29-03-2008, 08:58 AM

You get what you pay for

**VW GTI** · 29-03-2008, 11:41 AM

Sharkie, you mentioned all this info on yours but haven't said what it is or where to get it and how much... Please share?

**shaneth** · 29-03-2008, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by Sharkie

(she who must be obeyed frowns upon excessive spending on the toy)

Dont worry mate, i know exactly how you feel.

Originally Posted by tosspot

Sharkie, you mentioned all this info on yours but haven't said what it is or where to get it and how much... Please share?

I also would like more info and as much as you can give me

but when your ready. Should be good to see at the dyno day.

**Flaps** · 29-03-2008, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by ralphk

You get what you pay for

Do you?

I have a "custom bro" FMIC and exhaust. I have the same power as a polo with APR FMIC and APR exhaust. Give or take a 1 or 2 kw due to different dyno, temps etc.

Sure it may not be same quality but it does the same job.

**shaneth** · 29-03-2008, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Flaps

Do you?

I have a "custom bro" FMIC and exhaust. I have the same power as a polo with APR FMIC and APR exhaust. Give or take a 1 or 2 kw due to different dyno, temps etc.

Sure it may not be same quality but it does the same job.

I would have to agree. Can you tell us about your intercooler setup. Im also pushing Forge Motorsport to do a FMIC kit for the polo. Should be interesting to see what they come up with and at what price.

**Blitzen** · 29-03-2008, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by shaneth

I would have to agree. Can you tell us about your intercooler setup. Im also pushing Forge Motorsport to do a FMIC kit for the polo. Should be interesting to see what they come up with and at what price.

Sweet as...What have Forge said about that so far? I like the look of their FMIC kits.