| JSC Speed Project GT35R STi: Phase 2 |
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Now that my oil in the intake situation was "fixed" for the moment, I decided to do less fixing and more upgrading! Running an 18G turbo with a top mount intercooler is ok - but it's probably the limit of that intercooler setup. Since I knew I would have a bigger turbo setup in the future, and the 18G could use some additional cooling, I installed the Perrin Signature Series Front Mount Intercooler. This is simply one of the best intercoolers available for a WRX or STi. The fitment is perfect, and it really gives you a boost in performance. |
| Installation of the Perrin Intercooler is not a difficult task - but it is time consuming. The install requires the removal of the stock top mount intercooler and hoses. The next step is to remove the bumper and stock bumper beam. The stock bumper beam is not reinstalled as Perrin includes a new support. Bolt the new bumper beam to the frame, and bolt up the intercooler. The next step is to remove the coolant overflow tank and replace it with the Perrin overflow tank. This is a pretty simple process. | |
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| Now you have to mock up the intercooler piping. A front mount intercooler runs piping from the turbo to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to the throttle body. Get all the pipes in place with the couplers and T-bolt clamps ready to go. Tighten all T-bolt clamps when the pipes are lined up. |
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The final step is to cut the front bumper. Most of the cutting is done behind the bumper to make the intercooler and piping clear. You also need to cut some of the opening in the front - and most of the black section as well. I found this to be the most time consuming process. It actually took longer than installing the FMIC. |
| Now I have some intercooler bling up front, time to get some nice wheels! This car came equipped with Volk TE37's. These are very nice wheels, but I felt the black with polished lip look is not for me. If they had been bronze I would have kept them - but then I never would have had my Enkei RPF1's! These are definitely one of the nicest sets of wheels on the market. I was able to fit 18 inch RPF1 wheels that only weighted 17.8lbs. They look great, and really give the car an aggressive look. |
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| Another quick upgrade that can be installed in a matter of minutes is the Carbing Strut Bar. This is one serious strut bar. It is light weight, and you can really tell that it is a quality piece. It also includes a master cylinder brace, so you're really getting your moneys worth. Although you only have to remove a few bolts to get this part on - it is best jack up the front of the car, just enough to get the weight off the wheels. If you loosen the strut bolts and lower the assembly, the bar is much easier to get on. |
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