<center><img src="http://johnbaas.dyndns.org/latest/IC_3.jpg"></center><p>
I am in the process of collecting parts for my T-28 upgrade. I am basically down to deciding on a FMIC and need help.

Here are the FMICs that I know of and what I Have read/think of them:

EVO - looks big, heard great things. The tubes are on the bottom - so I wonder if the extra height actually helps significantly. I also would need to lower it for my S4 bumper and it annoys me to have to cut up a brand new FMIC.

Forge - have not heard much, looks real good - but $1300? Is it THAT much better?

SPP - Have not heard much one way or the other, somewhat inexpensive and looks good.

SPP Z-Flo - Good concept, maybe superior - but I must admit that I do not like the design and will not get it.

APR - Even if they produce a 'Z' type that replaces the stock crosspipe - no go for me.

Custom - Cheaper, fit the S4 bumper perfectly - Dang John's looks nice. (thanks for the pic John) I wonder how the pressure drop and efficency compare to say EVO's???

I just helped to a T3/T4 install in an Integra. The "Kit" - which required fabbing everything, had a spearco core the same dimentions as John's. I made custom pipes and it worked and looked great. I cannot help but think this is my best option.

Any comments???? how can I compare pressure drop or efficency?? How do I size a core if I go that route??

 

and it worked great. I never had the fmic get hot on the cold side. The part that is behind the bumper still allows the heat to spread out over it. A few others have dropped the fmic down to work in a S4.

The SPP and Forge(matrix) looks pretty nice.

 

and it sounds like you are, then custom is probably the way to go.

As for pressure drop, I don't know. I have a manual boost controller, which is controlled by pre-IC boost, and the boost gauge is at the manifold. I didn't change the BC at all, and I'm still seeing the same boost settings that I was before.

Yes, there's some pressure drop, but I don't think it's any worse than stock. Spearco's old website lists a core that is 3 x 7 x 18.5 and will have a 1.5psi pressure drop at an airflow of 670cfm (roughly 360 g/s)

Less airflow will have less pressure drop, more airflow will have more pressure drop.

FWIW, I think the max amount of airflow I'm seeing right now, is around 270 g/s

I've got about $600 total into my IC, and that includes $85 worth of clamps. I don't know if the other kits out there include T-bolt clamps, but the insurance is definately worth the price

Right now, the IC is pushing on the bumper a bit, which is why it's slightly tweaked, so I'll either have to move the IC in a little, or grind a little more out of the grill opening (or both)

 

Re: Custom

 

<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1591877.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1591877.phtml</a</li></ul>

 

Perhaps this is the one you got? There is also one that is 2" wider - I may get.


BTW - thanks for the inspiration...<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;category=33742&amp;item =2410725873">E-Bbay Intercooler dude</a></li></ul>

 

I hesitate to ask, but what are you gonna run?

 

same guy, same core dimensions. Looks like the endtanks are different, the ones in the pic look like they are a cast one-piece, whereas mine were welded up.

2" wider, so a 22" core? It might match up with the S4 bumper opening a little better, but I don't think you'd gain anything performance-wise.

The 3" thickness and 6" height are about the max you can fit in an S4 bumper without cutting the support.

 

I only considered the wider one to fit the S4 bumper better. If you had it to do over again - would you get the one that is 2" wider? Yours looks so good - I am not sure if it would be better or not.

One more thing - I remember one of your posts about the piping that you got - do you have any words of wisdom in terms of what pipes and fittings to get? TIA!

 

would that it would fill the middle grill opening completely, if you look at mine, you can see the endtanks.

To me, it's not that big of a deal, I think I personally like to see a little of the endtanks, but it's pretty much up to your personal preference.

The tubing I used was just 2.5" mandrel bends used for exhaust tubing. A local exhaust shop may be able to get some for you, or if you want to pay the extra money, you could get some stainless bends.