SMIC Heatsoak

[CnoTataymo]

I was wondering, has anyone ever really experienced their CustomMSP or Turbohoses SMIC heatsoaking between 8-10 psi? I'm stuck on either getting one of those or custom FMIC. In the winter time, temperatures in my area are 40-60 degrees and in the summer time 80-100 degrees.

[210_ZOOM]

if i could go back i would do a FMIC, with the hardpipes and IC the cost is about the same. Go FMIC.

[mazdaspeedwerx]

get a fmic. I thought about a sidemount for about 10 minutes when I realized they are not that much bigger than my stockie and wouldnt take that much to get heatsoaked. especially on really hot days at the track

[BOOSTR]

I bought my smic because of heatsoak. Commuting daily was a bitch with the euro spec diesel shoe box. No problem at all now.

[jlee29]

I like my smic we have similar temps as you do and have never had a problem. ( I also took $5.00 and about 30min to hooked up an intercooler watersprayer from the windshield washer pump, incase i do have any problem it might help)

[Jaysanooch]

I'm happy with mine and with the hard pipe, short ram intake trio....I felt a significant improvement. You gota be really beating it to actually feel the heat soak. I think it's worth it and it's a 15 minute install compared to a fmic.

[yashart_mp3]

smic with unichip @ 10psi = no problems what-so-ever. SMIC is worth every penny

[JDM Sam]

You will never get the consisent charge air cooling vs a FMIC on this car.
If you want the best performance on the MSP a FMIC > SMIC.

Most of all, once you reach a certain boost level that SMIC will become ineffecient and an interwarmer.

[ChopstickHero]

smic with unichip @ 10psi = no problems what-so-ever. SMIC is worth every penny

WERD

[wicked]

You will never get the consisent charge air cooling vs a FMIC on this car.
If you want the best performance on the MSP a FMIC > SMIC.

Most of all, once you reach a certain boost level that SMIC will become ineffecient and an interwarmer.



this is true,but consider that a lot of people are planning on keeping stock internals,and turbo so they won't be boosting all to much.
for them the SMIC is the way to go.

bolt-in,great gains,and perfect for the daily driver who needs a little more from thier MSP.

[ChopstickHero]

i don't need a FMIC to cool my temps down for my 5 mile commute to work in the morning. lol

[JDM Sam]

I understand that point. Consider this, the price of hard pipes plus a side mount is right around the same price of the cheapest FMIC kit made.

[hoindawall]

i've had the turbohoses smic and the mam fmic kit. i prefered the smic because spool up was noticably quicker and also the fmic blocks the a/c condenser causing my a/c to not get cold in hawaii's 80-90 degree weather.

[wicked]

I understand that point. Consider this, the price of hard pipes plus a side mount is right around the same price of the cheapest FMIC kit made.


consider this.

...........the SMIC will out perform any FMIC thats comparible in price,and can be installed by anyone with out having to pay for a install like so many members here have done.

I have driven the MAM,HIGHBOOST,and TURBOHOSES.
at stock boost to 10PSI the TURBOHOSES SMIC takes the cake,above that it's the MAM FMIC,simply because at that point your needing a FMIC.

[Jaysanooch]

i've had the turbohoses smic and the mam fmic kit. i prefered the smic because spool up was noticably quicker.

Ya no kidding...and add a 3" turboback and spoil up is just ridiculous, I'm loving it!

[JDM Sam]

consider this.

...........the SMIC will out perform any FMIC thats comparible in price,and can be installed by anyone with out having to pay for a install like so many members here have done.

I have driven the MAM,HIGHBOOST,and TURBOHOSES.
at stock boost to 10PSI the TURBOHOSES SMIC takes the cake,above that it's the MAM FMIC,simply because at that point your needing a FMIC.

I don't see that happening especially here in TX during the summer.
There was a guy with an aftermarket SMIC I did some work on, and it would start to get heat soaked after running around the town to pick up some stuff, short trips. Meanwhile, I'd boost in my car for a longer time and the cold side of the core would always be cold to the touch.

My opinion is if you're going to spend $800 on a side mount setup, just spend the extra $200 to get a good FMIC. However, if you pay someone to install it, I see where the extra cost comes from.

[GhostMercury]

i like the SMIC upgrades better because i am not going to boost above 10 psi, plus it is less noticable for those like me going for a sleeper type look. and i can do the install without a drill

[msp35]

i like the SMIC upgrades better because i am not going to boost above 10 psi, plus it is less noticable for those like me going for a sleeper type look. and i can do the install without a drill

I find it hilarious when someone trys to say the msp, with it's bold colors, body kit, and fairly large wing, is a sleeper.

[jmv]

haha, yeah. One of my friends asked me if my car was a 'sleeper'. i said... "are you kidding?? Its bright F**KING orange!!!"

Personally i really like my MAM fmic. At current, since i'm only on stock boost till i get the unichip tuned, i do wish i had quicker spool, BUT, even after loooong trips i've never had any hint of heat soak. At autocrosses when i leave the car on basically the whole heat (with the hood open in grid), it stays consistant. Its wonderful. Can't wait to hit 10-11 psi.

[GhostMercury]

how are you gona get heatsoak on long trips. unless you are boosting the whole time...i dont get it

[Perro del Sol]

how are you gona get heatsoak on long trips. unless you are boosting the whole time...i dont get it

That was going to be my question.

[Knox Joe]

I get heatsoak on my TurboHoses SMIC. (deadhorse

[Notorious_V.I.C]

FMIC, isn't really needed IMO, cause when are you going to boost above 10psi, plus if you where i would say EMS and other precatuions are needed. Listen to Wicked, he know's what he is talking about, we both were going to install my MAM FMIC when i had it, plus remember there is more of a pressure drop with a FMIC. I have the Turbo hoses SMIC V2, and can vouch if youd on't plan to boost above 1 bar then stay with that.

IF you can afford a FMIC get it, but chose wisely, I prefer the BEGI FMIC, or if you have the patience, and money Perrin FMIC, just would get the core made smaller to fit the stock numper support. Perrin has the most direct closest to stock piping.

[Blake]

Fmic.

[jmv]

how are you gona get heatsoak on long trips. unless you are boosting the whole time...i dont get it


well i had it all the time with the stock interwarmer when driving to school. I wouldn't have been boosting at all, but of course by the time i get from my parents house to scool (an hour or more away depending on traffic), theres NO power. The same can and will happen with an upgraded side mount, of course not as quickly due to them being more efficient. I understand the reasons for going with a sidemount, not as much pressure loss easier to replace, etc, but no one will be able to convince me that you get as good airflow to your SMIC as an FMIC.... smic's can still heatsoak. Shoot so can fmic's, but not if you're moving at a steady pace.

[mazdaspeedwerx]

but with fmic you get all the ladies thanks to its sexyness. or you get abunch of douche bags saying its fake for some damn reason. I cant tell you guys how many times I have heard that one

[jmv]

but with fmic you get all the ladies thanks to its sexyness. or you get abunch of douche bags saying its fake for some damn reason. I cant tell you guys how many times I have heard that one


hahaha, i've gotten that once or twice.

[msp35]

That was going to be my question.

Just because you're not accelerating, it doesn't mean the turbo stops flowing. Even when not *in boost* you're still pushing air from the turbo which is warmer than ambien air (usually) It'd only be a matter of time before it'd heatsoak.
FMIC on the other hand has more surface area to disipate the heat. So even on a long trip youd be more likely to warm the smic than a fmic.

[crashkelly]

FMIC, isn't really needed IMO, cause when are you going to boost above 10psi, plus if you where i would say EMS and other precatuions are needed. Listen to Wicked, he know's what he is talking about, we both were going to install my MAM FMIC when i had it, plus remember there is more of a pressure drop with a FMIC. I have the Turbo hoses SMIC V2, and can vouch if youd on't plan to boost above 1 bar then stay with that.

IF you can afford a FMIC get it, but chose wisely, I prefer the BEGI FMIC, or if you have the patience, and money Perrin FMIC, just would get the core made smaller to fit the stock numper support. Perrin has the most direct closest to stock piping.

Never once got heatsoak with Turbohoses...I boost 9 psi and very much agree with what V.I.C. said

[503MSP]

does the piping matter when it comes to heat soak issues with a SMIC?

[PlatinumMSP]

i had a hiboost fmic on my ride, turbo lag from it was shitty, i bought a turbohoses smic a couple days ago and its on the way, so i'll let you guys know how it goes.

[CnoTataymo]

i had a hiboost fmic on my ride, turbo lag from it was shitty, i bought a turbohoses smic a couple days ago and its on the way, so i'll let you guys know how it goes.

I want to know how this goes.

[JDM Sam]

Another keypoint is the surface area that is exposed to airflow.

When replacing the side mount in the same stock location, half the core is still covered up by the bumper beam. This doesn't change the fact its covered up still.

If you think a SMIC won't heat soak, go make about a 1 hour drive in traffic in warmer weather where it will be more pronounced and see for yourself.

I run my own custom made FMIC core and can't speak for the other brands out there, but if you want to go fast you want to get a FMIC. Piping size, length, bend radius, does matter along with the core size & fin design in relation to your anticipated CFM air flow, boost level, and hp goals.

Bang per buck ratio here the SMIC is only worth it if you don't care about doing a lot in the long run. Moreover, if you are looking for a slight boost in performance over stock.

[210_ZOOM]

i had a hiboost fmic on my ride, turbo lag from it was shitty, i bought a turbohoses smic a couple days ago and its on the way, so i'll let you guys know how it goes.


were u at stock boost? What other mods did you have at the time. Just wondering how your lag was that noticeable. Please elaborate, or someone with the same experiences pleas add something.

[wicked]

Another keypoint is the surface area that is exposed to airflow.

When replacing the side mount in the same stock location, half the core is still covered up by the bumper beam. This doesn't change the fact its covered up still.

If you think a SMIC won't heat soak, go make about a 1 hour drive in traffic in warmer weather where it will be more pronounced and see for yourself.

I run my own custom made FMIC core and can't speak for the other brands out there, but if you want to go fast you want to get a FMIC. Piping size, length, bend radius, does matter along with the core size & fin design in relation to your anticipated CFM air flow, boost level, and hp goals.

Bang per buck ratio here the SMIC is only worth it if you don't care about doing a lot in the long run. Moreover, if you are looking for a slight boost in performance over stock.


I know what your saying,and I greatly agree,but you seem to think everyone wants to modify their car as much as we have.

the SMIC has a place here for a lot of MSP owners,and it serves it's purpose VERY well.
(BTW,I to run a custom FMIC 9"X28" core.

[JDM Sam]

I know what your saying,and I greatly agree,but you seem to think everyone wants to modify their car as much as we have.

the SMIC has a place here for a lot of MSP owners,and it serves it's purpose VERY well.
(BTW,I to run a custom FMIC 9"X28" core.

No, I know some people want simple bolt ons. I'll never understand spending $800 on a SMIC setup and saying its a GREAT improvement over stock.

In summary, I would spend the money to get the FMIC.

[BOOSTR]

I'll be the first to admit that I paid too much for hardpipes. I drive up to 2 hours each way commuting and do not suffer from heatsoak. Here in Florida, I think that the heat and humidity are as oppressive as any where in the country. Especially on sun soaked asphalt.

As far as extreme modifying and usuage, who on this forum ran their car harder than BlkZoomZoom. He ran a smic and I do not think that had anything to do with his engine letting go on the dyno.

An upgraded SMIC is great mod stock or not, period.

[Notorious_V.I.C]

does the piping matter when it comes to heat soak issues with a SMIC?

I would reccomend it, when you go in boost especially with the plastic pipes, they expand which is not good. And if you plan to boost above stock well, more then likly your pipe will crack, or come off that's what happened to my friends hot pipe.. If you can only afford a SMIC upgrade and can't get a full set of hardpipes try to find a used set or ask someone that is selling there. Or buy the SAMCO hot pipe.

[PlatinumMSP]

were u at stock boost? What other mods did you have at the time. Just wondering how your lag was that noticeable. Please elaborate, or someone with the same experiences pleas add something.

at the time I had a GHL turboback exhuast, injen cai, PnP vcts removed intake manifold, unichip with the SU base map, awr motor mounts, plugs, and I ranged in boost from stock to 12 psi. The hiboost increased turbolag at all boost levels. I think it has a lot to do with the poor pipe routing that the hiboost and begi chose for their hot pipe. The MAM and Perrin kits will probably have less lag, but the lag will increase regardless of which kit you go with. A smic will always give you a faster response than a fmic because of the shorter piping on it. It will never cool as much however, it depends on your goals. I was into heavily modding my protege back when i got the hiboost. Now i'm just doing some small comfirt mods. I spent $300 for a used smic btw, $600 for a used hiboost kit.

[rocketr2]

at the time I had a GHL turboback exhuast, injen cai, PnP vcts removed intake manifold, unichip with the SU base map, awr motor mounts, plugs, and I ranged in boost from stock to 12 psi. The hiboost increased turbolag at all boost levels. I think it has a lot to do with the poor pipe routing that the hiboost and begi chose for their hot pipe. The MAM and Perrin kits will probably have less lag, but the lag will increase regardless of which kit you go with. A smic will always give you a faster response than a fmic because of the shorter piping on it. It will never cool as much however, it depends on your goals. I was into heavily modding my protege back when i got the hiboost. Now i'm just doing some small comfirt mods. I spent $300 for a used smic btw, $600 for a used hiboost kit.

So it comes to FMIC= Turbo Lagg and SMIC= Heatsoak.
I really cant decide what to get now (shrug)

[BOOSTR]

Just get whatever you can find the best deal on. Either one is light years ahead of what you have now. Its really that simple.

[rocketr2]

cant we hook up a co2 cooler on the upgraded SMIC ?

[crashkelly]

cant we hook up a co2 cooler on the upgraded SMIC ?

Anything is possible...But back to this heatsoaking...I dunno if its different with other SMICs but I drive my car hard summer and winter and like i said before i have never suffered heat soak with Turbohoses(probably the favorite of my mods so far). The one major thing I can definately agree with JDMSam on is that it cost me just as much for this setup as it wouldve cost for a FMIC of the same engineering quality...in combination with the exhaust and the SMIC/hardpipes the turbolag is small....IMHO id say that is the most major concern...you may get more lag with a FMIC(with only small to moderate mods), but for high horsepower apps you will need it and the price between systems is very comparable. And FMIC's do look dope. You really have to build toward your ultimate goal...and if you dont have an ultimate goal id say get the FMIC so you can leave room for that "what if..." if you decide you want more hp.

[crashkelly]

PS. I love my turbohoses and wouldnt trade it for anything!

[Professor MSP]

I do not have a FMIC nor have I driven a MSP that has one installed, so I will remain silent on that matter.

I do, however, have a Turbo Hoses SMIC and hardpipes. I live in Florida like DAWIV, and like him too, I have not experienced heatsoak to any significant degree. From the beginning, and until recently, I had a homemade intercooler water sprayer hooked up, and I am confident that it was responsible, at least in part, for the absence of heatsoak. I now have a progressive alcohol/water injection system instead of the intercooler sprayer, and it works like a charm! Outside of my Unichip, the Turbo Hoses SMIC/hardpipes upgrade yielded the greatest performance increase (though I have yet to have the Unichip retuned for the alcohol/water injection).

One less expensive way to go is to purchase a used SMIC/hardpipes combo, and then purchase my complete homemade intercooler sprayer :). This is sure to keep heatsoak at a minimum. Also for just a few hundred dollars (the money you save by buying used), you can purchase a simple alcohol/water injection system.

[GhostMercury]

whats the difference between a co2 sprayer and a alcohol/water injection system.

[Jaysanooch]

whats the difference between a co2 sprayer and a alcohol/water injection system.

Ya I was going to ask the same thing. Actually, this has got me thinking now....It would be great to find a mini Co2 sprayer system to fit the smic....that would solve heat soak/if ever and avoid the fmic turbo lag.

Man, if this works/helps, I'm all exited now because I really don't want a fmic/lag since I really do plan on modding more and more down the road.

[smo0f]

going a bit off topic. but i just want to say hi to jaysanooch. proceed as normal. thanks

[JDM Sam]

C02 sprays C02 to chill the fins on the core. Water or alcohol injection injects a mist into the intake tract to cool the air charge and combustion chamber temps to resist detonation/knock.

[GhostMercury]

does it do this automatically or do you have to press a button? and how much are alcohol injection systems. and are they hard to install?

[Jaysanooch]

going a bit off topic. but i just want to say hi to jaysanooch. proceed as normal. thanks

Ya just a bit...lol! What's up there Mr.BMW!? I'll see you soon hopefully..I'm coming down the 23rd most likely. Anyway sorry guys...let's "proceed as normal".

[JDM Sam]

does it do this automatically or do you have to press a button? and how much are alcohol injection systems. and are they hard to install?
On sprayers/chillers, it all depends on each unit. They all have various activation methods.

Alky injection has its own controller and pump. It's a technically oriented installation for alcohol injection. It's in depth and similar to a wet shot nitrous system install but more detailed. It does require some tuning to work properly and safely. It's safe to say if you aren't sure what to do, you will need to consult someone who has experience. I know Snow Performance kits start from $400 up.

[Professor MSP]

I agree with Sam's summary of these devices—he is one knowledgeable fellow. If I were located closer to his shop, I would definitely take my car to him to optimize my Unichip tune for the alcohol/water injection system.

My homemade IC water sprayer worked off a momentary button (I think that's what its called), meaning I pushed a simple button in the cockpit to activate the pump and thereby spray a mist of water on the IC fins.

Here are some places to learn about alcohol/water injection systems:

http://www.geocities.com/rad87gn/tech/alcohol.html
http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/alcohol-nitrous-propane-tech/
http://forums.evolutionm.net/forumdisplay.php?f=173
http://www.srtforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=189
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=145
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1861801

There are stickies at the top of the alcohol/water injection sections of the above forums that contain basic information about alcohol/water injection systems.

A few suppliers of said systems are (among others):

http://coolingmist.com/
http://snowperformance.net/
http://www.enginerunup.com/index.php

I purchsed a progressive 150 psi system from Engine Run-up—its comprised of a Coolingmist controller and Shurflo pump made to Coolingmist specifications, with other parts choosen/made by Engine Run-up. I believe that you can pick up a simple system for about $200 these days.

Hope this helps. By the way, even though the installation of the alcohol/water injection system is a bit technical, I found it a great learning experience. If you read the installation instructions many times before the install, and are patient and take your time, it is not terribly difficult to install a system.

Hope this helps.

[69RMSP]

Sub'n :P

Sam are you ever gonna show us whats under your hood?

[GhostMercury]

i still want to get a co2 sprayer for my smic. i will have to find an actualy sprayer that will fit

[JDM Sam]

Sub'n :P

Sam are you ever gonna show us whats under your hood?
There's nothing to see. It's what inside that counts! (lol2)

[69RMSP]

im sure ppl wanna see how you ran the pipes for your fmic and the dimension of the core :P.

It would of been nice if you lived in toronto, so you could tune my speed


There's nothing to see. It's what inside that counts! (lol2)

[CustomMSP]

All it takes is wrapping the Hot Side IC Pipe with some good quality heat insulation tape/sleeve to eliminate pretty much any possibility of heatsoak with aftermarket SMICs. That's where most of the heat comes from, and the SMIC has to work overtime to cool the absorbed heat through the Hot Side IC Pipe off.

[GhostMercury]

CustomMSP do you know of any intercooler sprayers(Co2) that will fit your smic. cause i will be picking your smic up from ken and start looking for a sprayer soon after

[BOOSTR]

If thats the route you want to go, all you need to do is measure it and anyone that offers a kit will make it to that dimension. Before you do that install his smic and see if you need it.

[GhostMercury]

i more want it for my own entertainment more then anything. lol

[BOOSTR]

Gotcha. Good choice and lets see pics when you get it fabbed up.

[GhostMercury]

But like CustomMSP said i will most likely find some black heat wrap and wrap the hot side. Just in case plus it gives me something else to spend money on and have fun doing

[CustomMSP]

CustomMSP do you know of any intercooler sprayers(Co2) that will fit your smic. cause i will be picking your smic up from ken and start looking for a sprayer soon after

Unfortunately, I'm not too knowledgeable on IC Sprayers.

Anatoly

[rocketr2]

All it takes is wrapping the Hot Side IC Pipe with some good quality heat insulation tape/sleeve to eliminate pretty much any possibility of heatsoak with aftermarket SMICs. That's where most of the heat comes from, and the SMIC has to work overtime to cool the absorbed heat through the Hot Side IC Pipe off.

Custom: any pics of your upgraded SMIC with the heat insulation ?

[CustomMSP]

Custom: any pics of your upgraded SMIC with the heat insulation ?
This is something anybody can do to their hot side IC pipe, even with the stock IC pipes and SMIC. Jegs.com and probably Ebay.com has great heat isolation/insulation products to choose from. It all comes down to how much money you want to spend. But one thing for sure, you can expect a more efficient IC setup.

[hotrodf1]

This is something anybody can do to their hot side IC pipe, even with the stock IC pipes and SMIC. Jegs.com and probably Ebay.com has great heat isolation/insulation products to choose from. It all comes down to how much money you want to spend. But one thing for sure, you can expect a more efficient IC setup.


Can someone explain to me why you would want to cover the hot IC pipe? Aren't we trying to get rid of heat from that side?

Won't the heat tape keep heat "in"? Or are you trying to keep the underhood heat away from the pipe?

Along with that, I would think you would cover the Cold side going to the intake so that underhood heat doesn't heat the charge that was just cooled.

But hey - I might not know what I'm talkign about. Someoen has surely thought about this.

[Jaysanooch]

Can someone explain to me why you would want to cover the hot IC pipe? Aren't we trying to get rid of heat from that side?

Won't the heat tape keep heat "in"? Or are you trying to keep the underhood heat away from the pipe?

Along with that, I would think you would cover the Cold side going to the intake so that underhood heat doesn't heat the charge that was just cooled.

But hey - I might not know what I'm talkign about. Someoen has surely thought about this.

I'm with you man, I was thinking the same thing. I've been wanting to do this, but I also find it hard to believe it would significantly improve performance. Plus I like the bling of my polished pipes. I'm curious though so please....someone clarify for us.

[CustomMSP]

The majority of the heat inside the IC pipes comes from radiant under the hood heat. We wrap the pipes to keep that radiant heat out. Belieave me the difference in air temperatures is drastic.

[ChopstickHero]

The majority of the heat inside the IC pipes comes from radiant under the hood heat. We wrap the pipes to keep that radiant heat out. Belieave me the difference in air temperatures is drastic.

i think wrapping pipes is a great idea to try and keep the heat out. too bad it looks so ugly. definitely no bling factor there. which brand of heat wrapping do you use?

[CustomMSP]

I used heat pipe insulation out of a hardware store for my personal use. It doesn't look good but works very well. You can always use exhaust pipe wrap, but then there's a chance of rust years down the road. However, the IC pipes are not stressed enough to worry about cracks or other related problems. If done right, I think the exhaust wrap will add a more purposeful look to the car :)

[Jaysanooch]

The majority of the heat inside the IC pipes comes from radiant under the hood heat. We wrap the pipes to keep that radiant heat out. Belieave me the difference in air temperatures is drastic.

What about using this adhesive aluminum looking stuff? Any good? This could be the solution to keeping the pipes looking pretty(er).

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_750869_-1_10261

[CustomMSP]

What about using this adhesive aluminum looking stuff? Any good? This could be the solution to keeping the pipes looking pretty(er).

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_750869_-1_10261

That should work well.

[hotrodf1]

What about using this adhesive aluminum looking stuff? Any good? This could be the solution to keeping the pipes looking pretty(er).

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10002_750869_-1_10261


I have used that stuff before on different areas of my Camaro.

It gives a race bred look that I actually find more appealing than the traditional "bling".


Seems to work pretty well, but hard to measure effectiveness as well.

[CustomMSP]

I have used that stuff before on different areas of my Camaro.

It gives a race bred look that I actually find more appealing than the traditional "bling".


Seems to work pretty well, but hard to measure effectiveness as well.

It should be very noticeable difference by just feeling the top of the SMIC end tank.

[Jaysanooch]

I went ahead and ordered that adhesive aluminum heat wrap and put some on my hot pipe and cold pipe last night. The weather is still to cold to feel any improvement but I find this stuff looks better than your regular heat wrap.

[GhostMercury]

i thought you only had to wrap the hot side

[Jaysanooch]

i thought you only had to wrap the hot side

I thought you only needed to wrap the cold pipe at first then Custommsp recommended to do the hot pipe aswell.......so I did both!

[GhostMercury]

i would have sworn that he said wrap the hot pipe. but im sure doing both can only help it

[CustomMSP]

I thought you only needed to wrap the cold pipe at first then Custommsp recommended to do the hot pipe aswell.......so I did both!
Looks very good! You may wrap both sides, but the hot side is the critical one. About how thick is the wrap?

[Jaysanooch]

Looks very good! You may wrap both sides, but the hot side is the critical one. About how thick is the wrap?

Thanks! It's pretty thick but probably a little less than the regular stuff. Your thinking I should double or even triple wrap the hot pipe?

[CustomMSP]

Thanks! It's pretty thick but probably a little less than the regular stuff. Your thinking I should double or even triple wrap the hot pipe?

See how the one layer does first.

[Notorious_V.I.C]

I went ahead and ordered that adhesive aluminum heat wrap and put some on my hot pipe and cold pipe last night. The weather is still to cold to feel any improvement but I find this stuff looks better than your regular heat wrap.

good job in wrapping the pipes. Where did you get that heat shield from? I have the same intake but am looking for a heat shield.

[Jaysanooch]

good job in wrapping the pipes. Where did you get that heat shield from? I have the same intake but am looking for a heat shield.

Thanks man, the heat is an Injen and I needed to buy the Injen filter to make it work. I also needed to change the transition coupler since the heat shield mounts in between the Injen filter base and the coupler, with a t-bolt over all of that. I think it's 3" to 3.5" transition coupler....it all holds together but you can't tighten it to much since the Injen filter has a rubber base, but it works.

I got the heat shield locally but you can find it on the Injen website.

[BOOSTR]

I went ahead and ordered that adhesive aluminum heat wrap and put some on my hot pipe and cold pipe last night. The weather is still to cold to feel any improvement but I find this stuff looks better than your regular heat wrap.

Outstanding wrap job. That wrap looks real good on both pipes. (thumb)

[Jaysanooch]

Update on the adhesive heat wrap......please note that if you running an extra injector set up, DO NOT put this stuff between the pipe and the coupler.

I didn't see the harm in this but I go to check last night and my cold pipe is moist with gas....freakin scary! I tighten the clamps even more and went for test and still gas. I need to remove the heat wrap in between the coupler and pipe, it never leaked before. I guess metal and rubber kinda melts together slightly which gave me a perfect seal before.

[69RMSP]

Have you ever dyno'd your car?


Update on the adhesive heat wrap......please note that if you running an extra injector set up, DO NOT put this stuff between the pipe and the coupler.

I didn't see the harm in this but I go to check last night and my cold pipe is moist with gas....freakin scary! I tighten the clamps even more and went for test and still gas. I need to remove the heat wrap in between the coupler and pipe, it never leaked before. I guess metal and rubber kinda melts together slightly which gave me a perfect seal before.

[Jaysanooch]

Have you ever dyno'd your car?

Ya last year with this set up minus the J&S safeguard....I made 196/189 @9.5psi with 13 degree's of timing pulled between (5000-6500rpm).

My timing is a little more agressif now with the J&S...I'll be doing a dyno run soon.

[1moreMPH]

ok this thread is great help for the smic vs. fmic debate and after reading through it all ive got a little question. Earlier ya'll were saying that hardpipes are necessary to see gains from upgraded smic/more boost because they expand/pop off/can't handle it. Understandable. If we are a poor college student (lol), would buying JUST a Samco hot pipe be sufficient? Or would this not yield the gains from full hard-piping?

I am much more informed, but i still can't decide what to do!!!;

[210_ZOOM]

ok this thread is great help for the smic vs. fmic debate and after reading through it all ive got a little question. Earlier ya'll were saying that hardpipes are necessary to see gains from upgraded smic/more boost because they expand/pop off/can't handle it. Understandable. If we are a poor college student (lol), would buying JUST a Samco hot pipe be sufficient? Or would this not yield the gains from full hard-piping?

I am much more informed, but i still can't decide what to do!!!;


you should check out the *********************** website PM JDM Sam for some answers to these questions. He will not steer you wrong.

[1moreMPH]

you should check out the *********************** website PM JDM Sam for some answers to these questions. He will not steer you wrong.

haha, did that last week. he told me to get a fmic for sure, but i still want to entertain the idea of an SMIC and it's pros/cons/abilities.

[CustomMSP]

haha, did that last week. he told me to get a fmic for sure, but i still want to entertain the idea of an SMIC and it's pros/cons/abilities.

All you really want is the samco hotside pipe. The stock coldpipe is good when used with upgraded (bicylce tire tube) seals inbetween the IC and the throttle body.

[1moreMPH]

All you really want is the samco hotside pipe. The stock coldpipe is good when used with upgraded (bicylce tire tube) seals inbetween the IC and the throttle body.

ok thanks -- this is what i thought but needed verification. and if you don't mind, where are you located Custom?

[1moreMPH]

in regards to all this wrapping pipes talk: An important part of an efficient intercooler is the piping, and ones that do their job as best as possible have a lot of piping because it helps dissipate even more heat from the passing air (That's why large fmic's like the perrin, though a pain in the ass have a lot of piping). This said, why would you wrap the hot pipe? That would cut the air passing over the outside of it (thus taking heat away), and would actually keep the heat energy inside the pipes would it not? Wrapping the cold pipe makes sense, to block it from the hot engine bay, buy why is it good to wrap the hotpipe? Im confused.

[CustomMSP]

I'm in LA, CA.

The hotside pipe absorbs all the radiant heat fromt he exhaust system around it. That's why it's best to wrap it. I've noticed a major difference in temperature of the hot side of the intercooler end tank after I wrapped the hotside pipe.

[1moreMPH]

oh ok, so the air around the hotside pipe and exhaust system is hotter still than the air inside the pipes? that would make sense then, i just find that hard to believe!

[CustomMSP]

oh yea, especially around the turbo outlet, because it's right next to the exhaust manifold.

[HBreeder]

Awesome thread! Will be wrapping mine up soon.

[1moreMPH]

yes thank you for all the info everyone, this is a good thread. lots of information.

[Sleepy]

oh ok, so the air around the hotside pipe and exhaust system is hotter still than the air inside the pipes? that would make sense then, i just find that hard to believe!

Don't forget that while you're sitting at the lights, the compressor isn't heating up the intake air, but there is a lot of radiant heat getting into the pipe (ie heatsoak) and in turn heating the air. So, when boost comes on, the hot pipe can't absorb any heat from the charge air because it's hot already. Same goes for the intercooler and cold pipe.

This is why I'm interested in wrapping and spraying for my turbo kit to cool the parts while in stop/start traffic.

[1moreMPH]

yea that's true... I just always thought the charge air would be hotter than the engine bay, even if you're stopped after warming up. Wrapping i suppose would help a little, i dunno if it's worth the hassle though if you've already installed the hotpipe. a spray would probably cool it down a lot, not to mention be cool as hell haha.

[carbonkid]

sub'n

[Gasological]

ok this thread is great help for the smic vs. fmic debate and after reading through it all ive got a little question. Earlier ya'll were saying that hardpipes are necessary to see gains from upgraded smic/more boost because they expand/pop off/can't handle it. Understandable. If we are a poor college student (lol), would buying JUST a Samco hot pipe be sufficient? Or would this not yield the gains from full hard-piping?

I am much more informed, but i still can't decide what to do!!!;

Hook me up with that hottie in your sig and I'll get you the cold pipe. (boobs) (boobs)

So far I've liked getting the coldpipe because of the blow off valve. Love me some pssssshhh.

[Kypatrick]

Good Thread, im in the same Boat, FMIC or SMIC.
Does the Brand of SMIC really make that big of a difference. the turbohoses is pretty pricey, but the Protegegarage and S.U. cost the same. Im gonna go with the ProtegeGarage, it looks like it would have the best fitment.
Also i hace a Samco hotpipe, would it get heatsoaked as easy as a hardpipe?
Also, my boost is at 9psi.

[CnoTataymo]

I've got the SMIC from protegegarage and it's pretty good. The fitment was barely off but it fits good. All I did was bend the radiator support (I think that's what is was) a little and it fit perfect.

[Kypatrick]

I've got the SMIC from protegegarage and it's pretty good. The fitment was barely off but it fits good. All I did was bend the radiator support (I think that's what is was) a little and it fit perfect.


Cool, ill be ready to bend!

[crashkelly]

Good Thread, im in the same Boat, FMIC or SMIC.
Does the Brand of SMIC really make that big of a difference. the turbohoses is pretty pricey, but the Protegegarage and S.U. cost the same. Im gonna go with the ProtegeGarage, it looks like it would have the best fitment.
Also i hace a Samco hotpipe, would it get heatsoaked as easy as a hardpipe?
Also, my boost is at 9psi.

umm the pgarage and SU SMIC are the same cost because they are the same intercooler....fitment on turbohoses is fine and they at least have a dyno chart with the gains on their site.

[Kypatrick]

umm the pgarage and SU SMIC are the same cost because they are the same intercooler....fitment on turbohoses is fine and they at least have a dyno chart with the gains on their site.


So u recommend the Turbohoses? How much difference could there be? I seen the side-by-side with the stock one. It sucks, u can see straight through it!
I am not worried about 1 HP right now, if there is $150 more for that 1 HP.I did figure the SU and Pgarage were the same, its obvious from the pics. I appreciate peoples opinions and guidance, im just indesicive.
I basically am gonna have a $1200 budget for mods, heres what i had in mind:
Pgarage: SMIC
BoostScience RDV
S.U.: Front and back ENG Mounts
ColdPipe
Crksport: Unorthodox Racing underdrive Pulley

and i have 2 spare gauge pod spots, so i was gonna get them.

[CnoTataymo]

Doesn't the one on protegegarage.com have a dyno chart too?