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Subaru WRX/STi Top-Mount Intercooler 2001-2007

  1. 2001-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 6: Core Corrections and Final Data Collection

    2001-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 6: Core Corrections and Final Data Collection

    Interested in purchasing our WRX/STi top-mount intercooler? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto Subaru WRX/STi Performance Top-Mount Intercooler Kit

    While examining our existing intercooler, our engineers felt that yet another improvement was necessary. The current core composition was working well for our tests but would likely run out of efficiency with a higher-boost/higher-temperature vehicle. To adjust for this we added more boost tubes, changed our fin type, and increased the density of the fins. Our original cooler featured straight fins; for this test we switched to an offset fin style. The offset fins provide a huge improvement in heat transfer. Check out the images below showing the change.

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  2. 2002-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 5: Data Collection, Continued

    2002-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 5: Data Collection, Continued

    Interested in purchasing our WRX/STi top-mount intercooler? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto Subaru WRX/STi Performance Top-Mount Intercooler Kit

    As mentioned last time, our team decided to make an improvement to our intercooler design. Because of the cast end tanks, we were left with a rather thick inlet. The wall diameter was significantly greater than what we would prefer, and opening up this diameter would only increase flow. The inlet was removed from the intercooler and an aluminum pipe was then welded on. This thin-walled pipe would provide significant benefits in overall airflow.

    Modifying the Mishimoto prototype
    Modifying the Mishimoto
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  3. 2001-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 4: Test Fitting, Round 2

    2001-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 4: Test Fitting, Round 2

    Interested in purchasing our WRX/STi top-mount intercooler? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto Subaru WRX/STi Performance Top-Mount Intercooler Kit

    Finally in the comfort of our own garage, we could begin further testing and data collection with our intercooler design. Below is a first look at the Mishimoto intercooler fully installed!

    Mishimoto intercooler in 2003 WRX
    Mishimoto intercooler in 2003 WRX

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  4. 2001-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 3: Test Fitting and Data Collection

    2001-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler Part 3: Test Fitting and Data Collection

    Interested in purchasing our WRX/STi top-mount intercooler? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto Subaru WRX/STi Performance Top-Mount Intercooler Kit

    Armed with a 3D printed prototype and a full day of test fitting, we were able to produce some very insightful renderings of how this intercooler was going to look. Initial flow testing and calculations showed that performance would be ideal for our target power range. After spending some time with Solidworks, Kevin produced the fantastic rendering you see below.

    Mishimoto intercooler rendering
    Mishimoto intercooler rendering

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  5. 2002-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler, Part 2: Prototypes and Test Fitting

    2002-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler, Part 2: Prototypes and Test Fitting

    Interested in purchasing our WRX/STi top-mount intercooler? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto Subaru WRX/STi Performance Top-Mount Intercooler Kit

    Before we attempted the initial design, we first took a good look at the stock Y-pipe design. Although the spaced ports provide dispersion of air throughout the stock core, we saw immediately that this portion of the design needed improvement.

    Kevin, our lead engineer for this project, began by taking measurements of the stock engine bay and intercooler. He used these measurements to begin developing a Solidworks model that would emulate the direction we wanted to go with the overall design. Once the model was completed, it was time to utilize our 3D printer to create a prototype. The initial prototype would be used primarily to test fitment and check clearance before we developed a final prototype. Because this was

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  6. 2002-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler, Part 1: Introduction and Goals

    2002-2007 Subaru WRX/STI Top-Mount Intercooler, Part 1: Introduction and Goals

    Interested in purchasing our WRX/STi top-mount intercooler? Check out our product page for more information!

    Mishimoto Subaru WRX/STi Performance Top-Mount Intercooler Kit

    The Bugeye, Blobeye, and Hawkeye Subarus have always been a prime choice for a fun daily driver or project vehicle. With a burbley turbocharged flat-four and a robust AWD system, it is hard to beat the overall value of these early models. Nonetheless, the performance aftermarket is massive with documentation available for building your car from mild to wild. Key components to the aftermarket success are the large enthusiast groups such as NASIOC and IWSTI that provide a great place for swapping information on repairs and modifications, and also general discussions about why these cars are so great! These Subarus provide a great base for entry into the racing world, whether it be rallycross, autocross, or track days. Reasonably inexpensive

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