This TMIC FAQ says the PW TMIC is bar and plate.

^ I hear a lot of talk about this PW TMIC yet I've never seen any proof that it's worth spending the ~ $1000 on..

Is it really that much better than say.. Upgrading my GC8 TMIC -> GD TMIC & adding a water spray kit ( all up costing me $150 for the bigger TMIC, Y pipe & spray setup )

I'm not saying it isn't I'm just wondering if anyone can show me the difference? Seems like a lot of money for a TMIC.

Heck I'll get one eventually if it's a huge difference Ive just found no proof.. "been looking around for ages"

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1989 Legacy GT --> 2001 GD WRX --> 1999 GF8 WRX --> 2001 GD WRX

not worth it, just buy a GD sti cooler.

job done!

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Long live the WRC

So this is my story and this is what I'm thinking:

Got a new WRX last month MY01 Bugeye, has a 600x210x75mm FMIC and a stock TD04 pushing about 13.5psi "stock"

I've never had a FMIC and in all honesty I'm not a massive fan of the added lag it's giving me, doesn't feel like I'm getting full boost till im up around ~4000rpm.

I've got a stock MY04 GD Top mount sitting in the shed but I'm not sure if it's worth it.

The FMIC does give me some grunt but not down low only up high.

Future plans are a Verso/ecutek tune and a TD05 or VF34 if I can stretch the budget.

So... should I keep the FMIC or put the stock GD one back on? Or sell both and get a AVO/PW top mount considering my future plans?

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1989 Legacy GT --> 2001 GD WRX --> 1999 GF8 WRX --> 2001 GD WRX

Sell both and get a second hand STi TMIC, should be more than enough for a VF34 from what Ive been told.

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Ryan

No probs, so that's +1 for selling both and getting a bigger TMIC.

I'm all good with that I'm just struggling to find any info on FMIC vs bigger TMIC (AVO/PW/STi)

I don't mind doing it, just trying to find out if it's worth the swap if I'm upgrading the turbo soon, if a bigger turbo reduces the lag then the FMIC can stay and I can move on from this aspect of the build and start looking into tunes/turbos.

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1989 Legacy GT --> 2001 GD WRX --> 1999 GF8 WRX --> 2001 GD WRX

Correct me if I'm wrong(often the case)
But generally won't a bigger turbo increase lag, as it takes longer to spool up?
I know certain characteristics such as twin scroll design etc can reduce this but as a general trend bigger turbo=more lag?

True, but why do a lot of high power "bigger turbo" WRXs have FMICs?

Offering a gain over the top mount?

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1989 Legacy GT --> 2001 GD WRX --> 1999 GF8 WRX --> 2001 GD WRX

I think it's to accommodate for more airflow into compressor side of turbo,
Bigger turbo slams more compressed air into engine=increased power but laggier spool

Biggest thing to consider is the construction of the intercooler and the piping length and diameters. These will be the biggest factors leading to a well set up car. Trying to get some 'china' core with kilometers of large diameter piping to run effectively will never happen.

Personally, I would stick with TMIC for as long as you can. I've done both and the TMIC was the better driving and faster car, with less power. I would personally rather have a car that responds at low rpm, than something with big power that takes 7000rpm to get on boost.

FYI: VF34 with TMIC:



VF34 with Trust/GReddy Spec R FMIC and Motec ECU:



As you can see, nearly another 1000rpm to hit peak torque.

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[COLOR="Gray"]550Nm off a 2L... Just wish it was in the dak dak...[/COLOR]