So just how much better is the Mishimoto top-mount intercooler (TMIC) compared to the stock unit? Well " only our testing will confirm this. Physically we can already see several improvements. Let's compare the core size in a simple chart.
Comparison of core thickness in stock intercooler (left) and Mishimoto TMIC prototype
A look at the bottom of both intercoolers reveals quite a few differences.
The wait is over! Time to reveal the full details of our prototype top-mount intercooler (TMIC). This unit is unpainted, and one of the more obvious features is its massive size! First, a few overview images of this cooler.
Thanks for returning to the final portion of this build. Now that we have finished testing, it is time to review our data and see the improvements our cooler provided. To start things off, here is a shot of the cooler fully installed!
Mishimoto 2008-2014 WRX Intercooler installed
Let's dive into the data. First, we'll compare the basic specs of our cooler versus the OEM unit.
Did you think we would just develop a top-mount intercooler (TMIC) for the GD WRX and leave out the STI? No way! At around the same time we began development on the WRX, we picked up a new shop vehicle, a 2010 STI. When a new vehicle makes its way into shop service, we need to be sure it accelerates and handles properly. The STI passed our checkup. We then set out to determine what products we wanted to develop first. We already had a few items on the market, including a performance aluminum radiator and a silicone radiator hose kit. Our first target had been a direct-fit oil cooler that proved to be extremely successful, providing a 20°F drop in oil temperatures during our testing. Next we created a plug-n-play fan shroud with dual 12" electric
The most obvious thing to do with your brand new WRX is to take it to the track immediately after leaving the dealership. Fortunately, the WRX is a rather competitive package right out of the box. Our initial driving impressions were very positive, and we have no doubt that this vehicle is going to make a big impact on the enthusiast world. We monitored fluid temperatures at stock power levels during normal driving conditions and found that everything seems to be in spec. We are assuming a majority of these vehicles will not remain at stock power levels
Testing time! Well " almost. We had a few quick testing details to sort out and some preparations before we actually began. First, we needed to drill and tap the stock intercooler as well as the Mishimoto prototypes so we could install our pressure/temperature sensors. Additionally, we decided to create a shroud for our TMIC fan to ensure that all cores would receive appropriate airflow on the dynamometer.
Tapping the intercoolers for sensors is a relatively straightforward process. We drilled into both end tanks and then tapped them
As I am sure you are aware, we have been working diligently to develop innovative components for the new 2015 Subaru WRX. To continue our video series regarding the new model, we have captured some of the new products in various stages.
Check out these videos featuring our in-house Subaru expert, Jason, as he provides an inside look at products we already have on the market, as well as two unique products we are currently working on.
Last time, we left you with a teaser of the rendering for our prototype of the top-mount intercooler (TMIC). Since then Dan has been hard at work refining his design. Our team worked up some CFD analyses of both the stock intercooler and the Mishimoto prototype. And, we also worked up a few functioning prototypes so we could begin real-world product testing. This project is moving quickly and our team is rather excited to see the outcome. Take a look at the finalized rendering of our cooler below!
