xcntrk75

Hey all, just wanted to share some info and pics of the TXS, Forester XT specific, top-mount intercooler kit.

I had an opportunity to be the first 07’-08’ FXT owner to attempt an installation of this fantastic TMIC. Working with the professionals at Andrewtech Automotive and TurboXS, we test fitted and ultimately installed this performance TMIC on my FXT. The kit previously had only been “confirmed” on FXT’s up to 2006 so testing the fitment on my 08’ was important towards expanding the MY compatibility of this particular product.

The intercooler kit is fantastic! The enormous core is based on the popular TXS WRX version only shortened in depth a little to compensate for the larger DBW throttle body. The end-tank design was also modified for FXT specific fitment. As you can see in the pics, the TMIC took up every inch of free space between the AC lines, firewall, and throttle-body; yet is a snug fit that doesn’t rub or touch anything. In fact, no manipulation of any existing components was necessary for the perfect fitment. The kit also includes an FXT specific silicone Y-pipe (longer 90 degree bend – DBW), a new silicone TB coupler, and all misc parts including T-bolt clamps! (Many inferior kits come with the undesirable pipe-style clamps)

I also combined this new TMIC with the latest TXS BOV designed specifically for the suby intercooler flange. TXS makes this new BOV in both 100% recirculation and a 50/50 recirc/vent model (I chose 100% recirc ).

Pics of Intercooler and BOV:









Pics w/factory shroud reinstalled (no rubbing or interference either!):

xcntrk75

Products Used in this review:

Subaru Forester XT Top Mount Intercooler (FXT-TMIC)


WRX/STi Racing Bypass Valve (WS-RBV)

sirwilliam

Will post comments/questions in other thread...

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BLUE WASABI

modliving

Is the 100% recirc louder than 50/50?

Andy_PHA

does the kit come with the intake elbows on the back, or do you have to reuse the ones off the stock IC?

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06 FXT Limited 4EAT 18G powered.

noob

great pics.just ordered n recvd same tmic fm dave@integrity performance.no bov ordered tho.will b installing it next week.good to see excellent fit n bov looks wicked.reviews please.

xcntrk75

Reuse the stock elbows.

The BOV is a neat design, but in all honesty unnecessary unless you’re outperforming the stock valve. I hate atmospherically vented valves and with a CAI you’ll still hear the venting anyway.

SKSTI

Quick questions:

How much (or lack off) coverage sticking with the stock splitter?

Are you using the stock (modified?) on or an aftermarket unit?

Thank you in advance.

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06 CGM FXT

xcntrk75

I’m using the stock splitter. It continues to provide sufficient flow and does not interfere with the new IC. An aftermarket or modified splitter would help to increase the flow directed over the larger IC and maximize the benefit obviously.

Hyperion

Any suggestions on what after market splitter would matchup to the TMIC best?

Thanks,

Stu

Integrity Performance

take the rubber shroud off
take tin snips or something and slice the rear corners of the "chimney" so that you can bend the back "wall" back at about a 45deg angle.

That will get you a roughly 1/2inch gap from the IC to the chimney, with about 95% coverage of the core. It was almost perfect on my FXT.

yuephoria

Thanks for the review, xcntrk! The TurboXS intercooler looks really pretty in that engine bay.

So, if I'm planning on swapping to a VF-43 turbo, is this the right intercooler for it? How does it compare to a JDM STi TMIC? My concern is fitment for the JDM STi TMIC, but the TurboXS one seems to fit fine.

The reason why I'm asking is because, pricewise, they are very similar in new condition. I'm all for JDM bling, but if the TurboXS TMIC yields cooler air than the JDM STi TMIC, then I'm all for the TurboXS.

Thanks for the help!

Integrity Performance

The STI tmic does obviously work quite well with a VF43, and I even used it on a 20G for a while (was not the best match though lol)
HOWEVER, the TXS tmic flows a LOT better, and cools the air charge better, as well as resists heatsoak better.

The benefits from those differences are many.

More free flowing gets you
-Faster spool, less resistance for the turbo to overcome to put pressure in the manifold
-more boost at redline, again, the turbo doesnt have to work as hard to get pressure in the manifold.
-more low end, low load throtte response and power. Why? Because the engine, while not in boost is essentially a low compression naturally aspirated engine. And having an intercooler before the throttlebody is a BIG restriction on its ability to breath. A better flowing TMIC will allow it to breath easier, which means, more power when you arent in boost, or in very low boost (1-3PSI), which is where 90% of your around town driving will be anyway.
-lower air charge temps out of the turbo, before it even hits the intercooler. Why? Because, again, the turbo doesnt have to work as hard to get pressure into the manifold, which means its working more efficiently, which means it wont heat the air up as much.

How much more free flowing?
The 02-05 WRX tmic has an almost dead on 3PSI pressure drop. The STI is only marginally better, and the JDM one, if its the one that is slightly wider, is only marginally better than that.
The TXS has a roughly .3 PSI pressure drop.

This means, to get 18PSI in the manifold, the pressure that the turbo must produce at its outlet is
21PSI on the STI tmic (give or take half a PSI or so)
18.3-18.8PSI on the TurboXS tmic.

See the advantage there?


Its bigger, so it wont heatsoak as fast
Air can get through the core easier (outside I mean) so it sheds heat a bit faster as well, when it does get heated up.



So the TXS tmic will still be better (a good bit better) than even the STI tmic.


If you are looking at picking one up, I can give you a good deal on one :)

yuephoria

Thanks, Integrity, for the TurboXS Intercooler 101 lesson! Very informative.

I'll sent you a PM about the TurboXS Intercooler...

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2008 Forester Sports XT
Cobb Accessport v2 Stage 1
Soon-to-be VF43'd