which FMIC has no problems?

[All Boost]

Cutting holes won't be a problem. I agree that the place you cut for the ION kit won't affect the crash rigidity.
Its the 500USD for the AL rad that kills me. HEy mabye i'm just cheap.
Any word on the release of the Mazdaspeed one?

 

[iON Performance]

Black Majik MSP - for the FMIC you had posted in the pic, the end tanks are actually quite large. A large end tank generally allows more pressure drop, so in terms of a performance standpoint, it's not actually something you want to do.

 

[soundbombing]

it's actually my fmic. i like it a lot. cooling was actually fine until i upgraded to a THICKER rad and also longer. it would of been better to keep the stock rad but go with a black majic fan. you live and learn.

ion: you are right for the most part and i see why you said "generally". but i can peak @ 8psi @ night. in the day time it is a consistent stock 7psi. so i really don't have any pressure drop compared to stock.

it is well designed like your setup. well i have a spearco unit, 2.5 alum piping, t-bolt clamps, and efficent end caps that utilize the whole i/c compared to others. plus it looks damn good flush mounted.

what size is your piping on your kit?

 

[Leadfoot]

Nice mods...real clean look. what did that set you back (minus the rad...I'll take your advice & stay stock)? Plus, you have any difficulty w/ install?

 

[OrangeMSP]

spool kit on mine and love it! polish it up with some metal polish and get that "chrome" look to it also the intercooler wasnt hurt at all in the accident it durable

 

[prospeed]

I RECOMEND THE SPOOL FMIC . IHAVE NOT SEEN ANY COOLING ISSUES WITH MINE. I THINK IT REALLY HELPS OUT EVEN ON STOCK BOOST DUE TH POOR LOCATION OF THE STOCK INTERCOOLER.

 

[LiLiTaLy]

OrangeMsp- How's that spool kit coming? Didn't you have a t3/t4 and a bunch of other stuff?

 

[iON Performance]

soundbombing - we use pipes of different sizes on hot and cold side the cold side is 2.5"

 

[MSPDAVE125]

Which one did you get Dave?

HIGH PERFORMANCE RADIATOR 1995-2003 PROTEGE SEDAN, MP3 AND PROTEGE5 $485

OR

COMPETITION RADIATOR 1995-2003 PROTEGE SEDAN, MP3 AND PROTEGE5 $667

If I got a FMIC I would go w/ the High Perfromance since it's bigger(wider ... not thicker)... that way I can get rid of the POS we have If not, the Competition looks good for just a regular upgrade for us

What do you think?

I purchased the high performance rad. The Competition rad is a good buy if you plan to incorporate an oil cooler later.

 

[INGREXCO]

does it really matter how much boost pressure is lost, arent u still going to net a higher gain with the bigger intercooler?

 

[YuYuRena]

Yes it matters how much boost pressure you lose. Imagine you earn X amount of money, and the IRS taxes you. Now does it matter how much the IRS tax you?

Another example, if your compressor outputs 10psi but the inefficient IC loses 2 psi, so you only get 8 psi out. Now imagine a more efficient IC that loses .5 psi, so you get 9.5psi. The inefficient one nets you 20% loss while the more efficient one nets you 5% loss. This translate to how much power you make.

Now you can counter this argument by say turn up the boost even more. But look @ the compressor map. Sometimes turning up the boost shifts the compressor into a more inefficient opline. And the situation snowballs from there.

Why put more work than what's necessary? If you can get 100% of what you put in or as close to it and get it cooler and denser, than isn't that better than get it really cool and dense, but you lose 50% of it?

 

[Tito1]

Fmic location

Black Majic-So which of the spearco units did you use? Then is all the piping custom fabricated or did you use their u and j pipes?

Ion- with custom piping could your unit be located in the same location as black majiks'? Just wondering + dreaming I really just like the look of the fmic in the lower front facia.

Titio

 

[iON Performance]

Tito1 - our FMIC tucks up right to the bottom of the bumper beam. We wanted to have minimal overhangs (ie: into the grill area) to keep the center of gravity as close to the center of the car as possible.

The "positioning" is center, as there's tabs under neath and on the top to mount the FMIC itself to the car. Those could be changed, however it'll be ALOT of effort on your own end.

 

[Tito1]

ION- THanx for the info , but man does that web page need work.

 

[jrodhotrod]

Hey Tito,

I just got my ION FMIC this week. You can check it out when I get it installed, it's a high quality piece. And with the ceramic coating the pipes are shiny and pretty just like the other one shown on this thread.

 

[jrodhotrod]

I purchased the high performance rad. The Competition rad is a good buy if you plan to incorporate an oil cooler later.

Does that high performance radiator utilize the stock mounting locations/brackets? And what about piping, all included or was that extra?

 

[MSPDAVE125]

Does that high performance radiator utilize the stock mounting locations/brackets? And what about piping, all included or was that extra?

All stock mounting points. Your MSP upper rad hose needs to be flipped 180 degrees to the right. The lower hose is an exact fit.

I recommend getting a bag of clamps. And even installing them.

It is well worth the cash!

 

[Apexi]

has anyone tried putting in a lower temp tstat to fight overheating from reduced airflow?

 

[MSPDAVE125]

has anyone tried putting in a lower temp tstat to fight overheating from reduced airflow?

What reduced air flow? :wtf:

 

[Apexi]

from the front mount being in front of the radiator blocking a lot of airflow