Which one to get? I mean obviously eBay ones are gonna be cheap, but cheap for a reason. Surely they're not complicated pieces of kit? Whats the differences between say, a £150 eBay kit and a £500 HDI Hybrid FMIC?


Or is there any other brands/ recommendations for my GC8 V4 STI?


cheers


Ash

 

Go for one with the fewest pipe sections/joints. My HDI kit (GC8) only has 4 pipes, doesnt require any cutting of the body apart from the middle section of the bumper.

End of the day theyre a heat exchanger and air goes from a to b. I've not yet come across someone who's seen a vast improvement going from a budget one to a branded one or said that their FMIC was holding them back.

 

PS, someone will be along shortly to say you need a map after fitting one so keep £550-600 a side for an ESL map.

 

that's what I was thinking... unless they're shoddily made?


even if I already have an aftermarket ecu? (and map but obv I know it will have to be re-done)

 

Depends what aftermarket ecu you have. Only ones available for a V4 are ESL, Alcatek or pre-historic Apexi. Will need a map tweek regardless.

Whats the reason for going fmic? V4 sti top mount will handle up to 330ish bhp if in reasonable condition, going fmic will benefit but only if the other ingredients are there (decat, fuel pump, induction kit, injectors etc)

 

This is usually what price is based on. Not sure what the fitment is like on a budget one. I'd say avoid the bargain basement ebay stuff.

 

my wrx has a japspeed fmic fitted, it was on ecutek map. andrew carr has been over to change it to a mafless setup and its made such a difference to the drive of the car

 

andy car has ecu'd and mapped mine. I'm pretty sure he uses ECUtek as well.. I'll have a look up for the japspeed FMIC.


I have uprated pump, 550cc injectors, full 3' decat and apexi panel filter (better than induction imo apart from a straight cold air feed with resonator delete?)hence why tmic isn't enough

 

he does, i just wanted mafless. drives so much better

 

Carberry rom which runs mafless is the way forward get rid of the maf which is great so no future problems there..

As for the hdi fmic it is a quality bit of kit had one on my old bug with the core painted black but a pita to fit... Too many joiners and pipes for my liking




Martin

 

Never been a fan of the hdi pipework going cold side pipe over hot turbo.

 

Hdi core is good quality as been said before hence price tag, I've seen a lot of different pipe work for them, maybe they changed them.

But here's mine hdi pipe work going opposite way

 

All these people going on about EcuTek and Carberry Rom, when the OP has a V4.

 

oops well spotted Micky

Martin

 

Apart from me, because I actually read the original post

 

Was speaking personally, not about the op. He can do what he likes

 

im so confused right now >.< I work with fighter jets normally so i'm just trying to get my head around stupid jap cars (I love jap cars). im meeting andy carr next sat so will discuss with him my options, also need to ask what ecu (if any) hes used on the map, as ive heard various things about what he uses on v4s...


thanks for all the input and pics, though they only lead to more questions -


will the kit I buy be going cold pipe over hot turbo? how do I know?
is the japspeed one ive been offered for £199 brand new (through the trader on here) any good?
can I drive off boost till I get a remap or will it be undriveable till I do?


ugh! haha


Ash

 

Japspeed one, yes the group buy price is brand new from japspeed


Jake

 

Japspeed one is fine, however will be changing to murray clamps and different hoses. Pipe routing is okay, there are better/neater out there, but it does the job. I wont be changing it put it that way