Have you measured those temperatures Francis?ScoobieWRX wrote:That should take care of a lot of the underbonnet temps.
Newage STI topmount intercooler.
- ScoobieWRX
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Yes - with a gun type infrared thermometer.
Around 45degC on a hot summer day and 35-38degC on a very warm day but that's when stationary and that's usually when topmounts suffer heatsoak probs. I've had autumn/winter intake temps stationary c. 10-16degC and just a bit higher on a very cool spring day.
Not such a problem in the winter but summer can be an issue when stationary but no problem when on the move as the intercooler gets good airflow up top. I've never had a prob with underbonnet temps even with the WRX intercooler.
I know there are many dedicated followers of FMIC's and for good reason but in my opinion there's no point unless you're making some decent power. I won't change to a frontmount until i change my turbo and i'm looking for over 400bhp.
I say again the STi topmount is a cracking intercooler and does a great job. Stick a blanket on your blower and it really does help. I've heard of over 5degC lower temps just by fitting one of those. Makes sense if heatsoak is a big issue to you.
Around 45degC on a hot summer day and 35-38degC on a very warm day but that's when stationary and that's usually when topmounts suffer heatsoak probs. I've had autumn/winter intake temps stationary c. 10-16degC and just a bit higher on a very cool spring day.
Not such a problem in the winter but summer can be an issue when stationary but no problem when on the move as the intercooler gets good airflow up top. I've never had a prob with underbonnet temps even with the WRX intercooler.
I know there are many dedicated followers of FMIC's and for good reason but in my opinion there's no point unless you're making some decent power. I won't change to a frontmount until i change my turbo and i'm looking for over 400bhp.
I say again the STi topmount is a cracking intercooler and does a great job. Stick a blanket on your blower and it really does help. I've heard of over 5degC lower temps just by fitting one of those. Makes sense if heatsoak is a big issue to you.
Buggers cancelled my op just a couple of days before it was due. Inconsiderate barstewards!! 

Waiting now for another execution date!!:headhack:


Waiting now for another execution date!!:headhack:
Ok, so you know temperatures when stationary with the bonnet up...
A simple thermocouple in the airstream close to the throttle body really is the only way to know what the engine experiences.
I should point out that Francis' statement "STi topmount is a cracking intercooler" applies ONLY to newage scoobs. The classic STi TMIC is demonstrably crap and you should not be tempted to buy the one that I have for sale!!
A simple thermocouple in the airstream close to the throttle body really is the only way to know what the engine experiences.
I should point out that Francis' statement "STi topmount is a cracking intercooler" applies ONLY to newage scoobs. The classic STi TMIC is demonstrably crap and you should not be tempted to buy the one that I have for sale!!
Have you seen what Andy Forrest has achieved with a topmount? :-D
That said, Andy F is pretty exceptional
The other advantage of a FMIC is the space it clears at the back of the engine and the opportunity to get shot of the 'parachute' on the bonnet.
It's also been said that the topmount is not suitable for high speed cruising (as in autobahn) and a number of cars have experienced engine failure due to the inefficiency of the scoop system at prolonged high speed.
Andy, is your sales patter reverse psychology
That said, Andy F is pretty exceptional

The other advantage of a FMIC is the space it clears at the back of the engine and the opportunity to get shot of the 'parachute' on the bonnet.
It's also been said that the topmount is not suitable for high speed cruising (as in autobahn) and a number of cars have experienced engine failure due to the inefficiency of the scoop system at prolonged high speed.
Andy, is your sales patter reverse psychology

Handle every stressful situation like a dog. If you can't eat it or hump it, piss on it and walk away!
- ScoobieWRX
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Yep....I thought we were talking about newage sccobs 
I don't have a thermocouple in the throttle body and i don't know anyone on BigPower that uses one as a perm install but there probably is.
The only company i know of that make aftermarket K Type Thermocouples for throttle body applications is AEM in the USA, and the yanks certainly know about keeping their scoobs cool.
But Gerry.....I love my scoop so it's staying!! :P
I don't have a thermocouple in the throttle body and i don't know anyone on BigPower that uses one as a perm install but there probably is.
The only company i know of that make aftermarket K Type Thermocouples for throttle body applications is AEM in the USA, and the yanks certainly know about keeping their scoobs cool.

But Gerry.....I love my scoop so it's staying!! :P
Buggers cancelled my op just a couple of days before it was due. Inconsiderate barstewards!! 

Waiting now for another execution date!!:headhack:


Waiting now for another execution date!!:headhack:
Where on earth do i get a turbo blanket? I looked in the bedding section in Debenhams but couldn't find one :lol:ScoobieWRX wrote: I say again the STi topmount is a cracking intercooler and does a great job. Stick a blanket on your blower and it really does help. I've heard of over 5degC lower temps just by fitting one of those. Makes sense if heatsoak is a big issue to you.
Thanks for everyones help and advice, some interesting food for thought. I picked up an STI topmount along with a secondhand gearbox today and should be back on the road tomorrow and ready for Snett on the 22nd

A turbo blanket is circa 80-90 quid from Demon Tweeks, but why bother trying to work round the problem when a FMIC sorts it all out in 1 go for a similar cost to a top mount and blanket etc.
If your going to be doing loads of trackwork then its a given, sack off the TMIC and get a FMIC and it'll save you a step and money get it done again and then mapped again....the classic saying, do it proper and only once!
If your going to be doing loads of trackwork then its a given, sack off the TMIC and get a FMIC and it'll save you a step and money get it done again and then mapped again....the classic saying, do it proper and only once!
And another thing I would say you really should get unless you have it already is a oil temp gauge. Imprezas get really hot on trackdays and unless your know your not driving the car hard I would say you need one because if the oil gets too hot thats when you spin a bearing like lots of other Imprezas do on track, especially if your running more power than standard.
A 50 quid gauge is cheaper than a 3-4k rebuild!
A 50 quid gauge is cheaper than a 3-4k rebuild!