Guys, I just read this post from DSMtalk.com and thought I'd bring the discussion over here since many of us look to have cheap alternatives for a "stage 2" upgrade. Consider 3 stock sidemounts used in tandem to create a big FMIC...

Find 3 stock DSM intercoolers...


Cut off the endtaks...


Have them welded together in a top to bottom configuration...


OR a side to side configuration...


and on the car...


I think it's worth heavy consideration. Especially given that these intercoolers are erated to cool ~200HP apiece and can be had for ~$40 a pop. A pretty good bargain for anyone. On another note, I think the general consensus is that the top to bottom config will be more efficient.

I guess it depends on how cheap you can find 3 side mounts and the cost of fabricating end tanks if you cant do it yourself. Might be cheaper to find one used big one.

I was thinking of using and audi s5000 or mid 80s chrysler frontmount, the dimentions will fit and the end tank probably wouldn't need to be modified. Either can be found on ebay for +/- $75.

But after serious concideration I think i'm just going to go with the star stage II FMIC because i plan to show the car and I don't want a jerry rigged FMIC makin it look bad.

the custom look is HOT. I like it.

you guys just absolutely have to have that front mount huh. Since the original HRC stage 2 turbosystem uses a smi (upgraded thicker core).. I think the cheapest alternative would be to get the stage two piping and then use one stock intercooler from a 2g. And then upgrade later. Or do what I did.. go to the Tokyo Auto Salon and get a used Apex Skyline R34 IC for 250.00.

I'm not sure of that myself. I don't know if all the welding/cutting/piping is worth it in the long-run after considering what all you have to do to make it work. I like the skyline FMIC idea though.

haha or you can do what I did and get a starion intercooler for 5 bucks at pick n pull. I thought about doing that before. I bought a twin turbo intercooler set for a 300ZX and I was planning to weld em together but I think that's too much work and money spent on fabrications. If you got the skillz and the tools I say go for it but I had to pay like 100 bux to get my intercooler modified so there ya go. Hehe I bet they'd sell you that piping at some rediculous price also, you can go make your own piping for so much cheaper. Junkyards really save you wallet ^_^

I think building up a frontmount like that is a good idea if you can find some stock intercoolers for cheap, and if you or someone you know, could do the welding--that's the expensive part. For what it'll cost to buy the parts and labor fees, I'd recommend just buying a used, or new, Spearco or something for around $350-400.

Those are crappy cores and are not made for a front mount design. I would never use a stock GS-T core for a makeshift job like that. :-/

plus it's really ugly. i'd rather spend the money on a better pre-made cooler.

bring it on............

Even if it was much cheaper than the pre made one? my starion one costs like 200-300 to get the whole deal done, how much is it to upgrade intercoolers 800 bux or something? Oh well I guess you get what you pay for...

> Oh well I guess you get what you pay for...


bingo. there are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a part like an intercooler, but it really all rolls down to that basic concept.

bring it on............