Would it be worth getting a starion fmic if I have a HRC smic? Is it more efficient then the smic or would I just be getting it more for the looks? Opinions?

Not sure about the star FMIC, never had experiance with it. But FMIC's look great in general.

I believe the HRC SMIC is just as efficient if not more efficient as the Starion FMIC. The core of the Starion just isn't thick enough.

Right.

I have a starion, and while I think it's done an adequuate job for me, having heard the specs on the HRC SMIC, it's not really a fair comparison. The HRC SMIC is a performance intercooler capable of taking on HP levels well into the 300HP level, while the Starion is a stock IC that was expected to hold about 180 HP for its intended purpose and is better suited for the lower 200HP levels from a practical standpoint.

The nicest thing about the Starion IC is that, while it does a good job of cooling 10 psi or so, it looks great in your front fascia. :thumbsup

Just like Jason said. The HRC one is much more efficent...but does not look as good :). So if your going for performance. Get the HRC SM IC. But if your going for looks go for the Starion FM IC.

I would hope if your going turbo your going for performance. A turbo kit with a low performing FMIC is a lot of money to spend to "look good." Just my .02

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1999 GS Special Edition

>I would hope if your going turbo your going for performance.
>A turbo kit with a low performing FMIC is a lot of money to
>spend to "look good." Just my .02

Absolutely, but given the difference in stage 1 and stage 2 pricing, it's not a terrible idea to pay about 2200 for a stage 1 and buy a starion for $100 (that can meet your stage 2 needs) than it is to buy a stage 2 for 3000 and have an intercooler that may not be what you want as your final IC.

well also take into account that you have to modify the starion FMIC to fit your car at least I did to mine I put like 2.5" inlet and outlets so its gotta flow better than it used to. I heard the HRC one has less pressure loss though. any intercooler is better than no intercooler :thumbsup

>I would hope if your going turbo your going for performance.
>A turbo kit with a low performing FMIC is a lot of money to
>spend to "look good." Just my .02
>

true but i think some of us want to be at 5psi and be happy with that and having an ic is important to have a good/safe imo with boost spike taken into account.

Well i also have the Starion FMIC, and i really like it. My buddy put 3" inlets on his and ran a 12.0 with his, so i know it works...

deffenitly worth the $ IMO