ETS TMIC Review

[JamesCH]

I recently put an ETS TMIC (available at protegegarage.com) on my 2009 MS3 GT.

The installation was pretty easy, I didn't have any instructions because I got mine used, but it was very clear where everything went. Took me about 30 minutes from start to finish. It appears to have excellent build quality, being a welder I noticed that the welds were of exceptional quality (probably pulsed MIG or very skilled TIG) and as a whole unit it feels very solid.

The performance gains were very noticeable. ETS quotes 20hp/20tq at the wheels, but it felt like more than when I added a MS CAI (my only other engine mod) which is rated at 25hp/30tq. Throttle response is fantastic and power delivery feels much smoother. I also noticed a small increase in fuel economy, maybe 0.5-1mpg, but I've only driven through 1 tank of fuel so far.

I would definitely recommend the ETS TMIC, especially if you live in an area where a FMIC might get damaged or destroyed like I do.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

glad to see you like the intercooler!

 

[ms6acton]

nice. im on the fence on which kind of intercooler to go with. what size did u get?

 

[JamesCH]

3.25" no reason to go smaller that I can see, and the 3.5" can hit the top of the hood, and probably blocks airflow because of how tall it is. I'd say it's worth the money.

 

[ms6acton]

cool. thanks for the info

 

[JamesCH]

(rockon) You'll be glad when you get it!

 

[PaPaSpeed]

How about some pictures JamesCH.
I just put mine on about a week ago. I'm sure enjoying it. I would also recommend the ETS to anyone looking for a TMIC.
Have fun.

 

[Ponypetro]

@ captain krm

is the statement true the 3.5" model will hit the top of the hood and blocks airflow in the bay? is there anyway a noticeable improvement when i would decide to go with a 3.5" instead of a 3.25".?!

can u deliver those polished to? i just read you offer a powder coating. how will that look like???

kindly regards

 

[iracer7]

I've got the 3.5" and a TRZ RMM and it doesn't hit the top.

 

[JamesCH]

I think that's the trick. If you get the 3.5" core you need to get a rear motor mount to make sure it doesn't hit the hood. At least that's what I've read from a couple sources.

The reason I say that it might block flow is because the 3.5" is very close to the top of the hood, and that could limit air flow through the core.

 

[Ponypetro]

well that sounds just logic to me. so perhaps it would be better and cheaper to go with a 3.25" core.

 

[JamesCH]

I thought so. There efficiency of the intercooler also tapers off as the thickness of the core increases, that is to say a 2" core is not twice as efficient as a 1" core, all else being equal, because the further through the core the cooling air goes the warmer it is, and so the less it can cool. So my intuition says that adding <8% to the core thickness has a marginal, if noticeable, benefit. On top of that, if the core or hood gets cracked from contact for any reason, then you'd have saved money twice: once for the thinner core and once for replacing/repairing any damage.

So get the 3.25" and enjoy the great performance and throttle response gains!

Also, I did a bit of research before getting mine, and ProtegeGarage.com has the best price, free shipping, and Ken (Captain KRM P5) who works at PG is a user here on MAZDAS247, and is great about answering questions.

 

[zx2man]

I dont think ETS makes the 3.5 anymore.......regardless..I have a 3.5....and its awesome..yes its close to the hood..but Air still gets in just fine and works just AS good as the 3.25 except its even larger for more volume of cool air. I have noticed great improvements with this tmic and am very satisfied. Proof is in the pudding..so when I go down to Surgeline tuning tommorro to get my car tuned by Tim Baily I will try to post up pics and maybe video of the dyno as soon as I can,And imsure it will be posted on the Cobb forums as well

 

[leadf00t]

I dont think ETS makes the 3.5 anymore.......regardless..I have a 3.5....and its awesome..yes its close to the hood..but Air still gets in just fine and works just AS good as the 3.25 except its even larger for more volume of cool air. I have noticed great improvements with this tmic and am very satisfied. Proof is in the pudding..so when I go down to Surgeline tuning tommorro to get my car tuned by Tim Baily I will try to post up pics and maybe video of the dyno as soon as I can,And imsure it will be posted on the Cobb forums as well

I cant wait to see your numbers !!

 

[jboucheb]

are you using the worm clamps? you have any issues with the boost tubes coming off if you drive it hard? just wondering....

 

[AllLostThings]

are you using the worm clamps? you have any issues with the boost tubes coming off if you drive it hard? just wondering....

This happens to me and I have to jam the front tube down and retighten the hose clamp again. It's kinda of a PITA but I like the gains I get from it. I really wish I didn't have to constantly check the tube though.