#1485, "RE: starion IC question" In response to Reply # 1
Lee is right! I do have a Starion that has been modded. I did not like the way the original top peice went up at an angle as well as the Diameter of the pipes, so I had them changed from 1 3/4 to 2" (should have had them done in 2" 1/4) and since I had to do that I had them Block off one of the orig top pipes( the small one) and had them cut a hole at the bottom side and place the new pipe there. The other one on top (the long one) I had them cut it and open the hole up for the 2" pipe and welded a 90 degree elbo, to bring it over the top of the I/C. The total I payed to have this done was $75. The elbo was ordered from RRE at and not included in that total. Hope that helps. SEE YA!!!!!!!!!!MWC
#1487, "RE: starion IC question" In response to Reply # 3
I had them cut one of the side original brackets off and weld it to the top of the I/C. I used the bottom bolt to mount it, only cause if I used the top one the upper I/C pipe would not pass through the bumper bracket under the headlight unless I lowered the I/C a 1" or so. This is not a must but you would have to put some "un needed" bends in the pipe if you wish to mount it to the top bolt. Hope that helps. SEE YA!!!!!!!!!MWC
#1488, "RE: starion IC question" In response to Reply # 3
I have the same plans as you (starion intercooler). Great thing about intercoolers is if the size is right (and the starion is just right for my needs) and the end tanks are in a decent position for your needs you can basically cut off and seal the original inlet ans outlet and put them where ever you need them to be for a clean install and change the inlet/outlet size to boot. My question is with the starion intercooler is it easier to run the outlet piping across the top like it comes (or like the star FMIC) and run piping from the turbo to the intercooler inlet on the drivers side OR is it better to flip the intercooler and run the piping from the turbo to the intercooler inlet on the passenger side and then run the piping from the intercooler outlet to the intake on the drivers side (hopefully I didn't confuse).
#1489, "RE: starion IC question" In response to Reply # 5
Here's my plan. I don't really like where MWC moved the pipe on the IC. With this I mean the pipe that was moved to the bottom of the IC. I don't like it because it now doesn't follow the tappering of the end tank which I think would lower the effiecency of the IC. But with that said it looks like that makes the install easier. So since we can't really max out our turbo what difference does it make. Also if you do keep the pipe at the top you will have more bends in the IC pipes to get it there too. As far as which side to run in and out of the IC, I think if you wanted the best route the inlet should run across the top to have the shortest path to the intake after the pressure loss caused by the IC. But my take on the path and pressure loss in the IC is the turbo is big enough that no matter how it is set up I will get 8psi in the intake no matter how it is run even if I do loss 2-3psi along the way from the turbo, just turn up the boost so you end up with 8psi. So I'm just going to change the pipe size to 2.25" and keep them in the same spots at the top of the IC and run the pipes which ever way is the easiest. I will also have it so the the top pipe runs the way MWC has it because it's the opposite way it was on the Starion so hopefully there won't any bent fins or damage on that side so it will look better. Here's a link to one of my friends sites which has pictures of his Starion install on his 1g which helps a bit because he left the pipes in the same spot (but you have to rotate the one pipe 90 degrees).
#1490, "RE: starion IC installation" In response to Reply # 6
I just wanted to bring back this fairly elaborate post I've already made about this very topc in case you missed it.
I would agree about the change in the i/c inlet location on the endtank not being the most "efficient", but it's still getting the job done in all likelihood. Realize that what you'll be paying for this as opposed to an aftermarket one is a big cost savings ands sort of a starter move. I plan on starting oout witht his one and then going with some sort of Spearco or Griffin hybrid that Skrilla recommends. The thing is, the I/C piping will all be worked out and that to mean is the biggest pain.
Anyhow, here is the old link to my long post re: this installation: