Ms3 Fmic

[zoomspeed3zoom]

After looking at protege garage there are now numerous FMIC kits for the ms3. There is a range of about $200-300 between most of them. With few being installed yet I was wondering which one would be the best choice, and if for the money a fmic would even be the best mod choice? Thanks for any input.

[numbnuts22715]

whats all done to your car now?
If you dont have an intake, I think the corksport would be a great choice because it has an intake included, so it would probably give the biggest gain over any other fmic with the stock intake.

[zoomspeed3zoom]

I already have the mazdaspeed cai installed, so another intake would be useless.

[Munnugles]

and the ms intake would be useless too cuz most fmics run thru were the cai runs and you cant have both, and you would need a short ram

[Captain KRM P5]

what i like about the corksport is the options you have out of the box - whether or not to run open BOV or recirc the BPV, choice of flange for the valve (HKS, GReddy, stock) and that it has the thickest core by a full half inch. i think its well worth the money spent.

[IDRVSLO]

I completely agree...but I am kinda biased too! I have had the Corksport FMIC on my car since December with absolutely no problems. It looks great and performs perfect. I too had the MS CAI before and the gains with this kit over the CAI are a huge jump. Running recirc on it is a very nice option that they now offer!

[laloosh]

This is the way i look at it. i have yet to see a ms3 fmic in person, but after talking to ken and driver i decided to forth with the Corksport.

When you get a corkport you not only get a fmic, but you also get an intake and i believe a inlet pipe to the turbo. Kill 3 birds with one stone.....well c if my mind changes once this thing comes to my doorstep.

[evo2ms3]

and the ms intake would be useless too cuz most fmics run thru were the cai runs and you cant have both, and you would need a short ram

He could convert his intake to a sri, since the mazdaspeed is in two parts. If he did that, he should be able to fit just about any other front mount.

[JamJam]

I would really like to see the Corksport FMIC with air filter assembly. Pictures would be awesome.

[sleeper3]

if I had it to do over again I'd go with the corksport.

here it is installed on a 6:

http://corksport.com/content/00/01/06/61/73/userimages/Installed%20MS6%20engine%20bay.jpg

[sleeper3]

looks quasi-sleeper if you ask me.

[JamJam]

looks really clean. I like the placement of the filter. Im thinking of ordering one of these but would like to know if this can be done at the house with minimal automotive tools. I live in Las Vegas so the summers hit 114 and I really think a front mount will do more good then the stock TMIC!

[sleeper3]

once again, the climate where you live has no effect on the decision of top mount vs front mount. here is what you should consider: do you sit for long periods of time and then need instant power? (ie drag strip, autocross etc) if the answer is yes, a front mount might be more suited to what you need.

[JamJam]

looks really clean. I like the placement of the filter. Im thinking of ordering one of these but would like to know if this can be done at the house with minimal automotive tools. I live in Las Vegas so the summers hit 114 and I really think a front mount will do more good then the stock TMIC!

[sleeper3]

that's like saying wider tires would grip better than skinnier ones.

[JamJam]

that's like saying wider tires would grip better than skinnier ones.




I did not compare top mount to front mount! I said that the FMIC would be better than the Stock TMIC. We could go round and round and opinion each other to death about what’s better TMIC or FMIC but that’s not what this post is about. Regardless, let’s go with what your saying is true. Heat soak is obvious! If my car is sitting in the hot Las Vegas sun has a hood temp of 138 degrees! I say 138 degrees because I have one of them laser temperature meters and have tested my hood temperature. Under the hood with the car sitting, NOT RUNNING, the intake on my VW Golf GTI 1.8t was 129 degrees. The car was the same color I have now, Silver! Let’s say there is a TMIC sitting there absorbing the heat from the hood or the engine which is directly under the hood. You start that car up and you already have hotter intake temperature than you would with a FMIC! Is it much cooler, probably not but I will guarantee the TMIC will be warmer. Now you start driving and the intercooler will cool down eventually but will it ever be as cool as a FMIC! NO the front mount is not attached to a motor operating at a certain temperature and regardless it’s separated by several feet of tubing. Again the FMIC may be warm but I don’t think it will be warmer than a TMIC would be under the same conditions whether the outside temperature is 70 or 115.

Everyone has their own opinions and theories on FMIC and TMIC and the ongoing argument on which one is better. Having lower intake temperatures at anytime is a Plus, whether you’re racing or not. Who will ever know when that SRT4 or STI pulls up next to you at the next stop light? I would hate to tell the guy that I have to get up to speed then we can play with each other because my intercooler is not as cool as it would be if I had 30 mph winds cooling it down.


it's amazing how much knowledge people claim to have and yet they will consistently lack even the most basic understanding of how things work.

This might be a Issue I have but I am here to learn! Teach me..

[sleeper3]

ok so basically you gave another reason why I am right. if you are sitting and then need instant power, topmount is not the best solution.

the tires comment was directed at your "front mount is better than a stock one" comment. of freaking course it is. an upgrade is called an upgrade because it is better. if it wasnt better it would be called a downgrade... or a sidegrade.

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

the tires comment was directed at your "front mount is better than a stock one" comment. of freaking course it is. an upgrade is called an upgrade because it is better. if it wasnt better it would be called a downgrade... or a sidegrade.

A simple "duh!" would have sufficed.

[sleeper3]

I'll remember from now on to keep the wit to a minimum.

[JamJam]

ok so basically you gave another reason why I am right. if you are sitting and then need instant power, topmount is not the best solution.

the tires comment was directed at your "front mount is better than a stock one" comment. of freaking course it is. an upgrade is called an upgrade because it is better. if it wasnt better it would be called a downgrade... or a sidegrade.

I was sitting here with friend of mine and we were going back and forth about the TMIC and FMIC and I kinda brought that out in my post. I see what your saying about the outside temperatures not making a difference and I apologize for misreading your original post. I have so much shit going on right now, Im out in the middle of the desert splicing fiber, debating with my co partner, and reading these forums. My post had a little bit of everything that had nothing to do with what you originally said.

So as your partner in crime stated!

Duh!!!!

[sleeper3]

also, I don't think there is any question that front mounts are better than top mounts. the only debate is value. when you can get a top mount for 500, but you have to pony up around a grand for a front mount, the question becomes "is it worth it?" I wouldn't worry about playing with an srt4 or a wrx. you're going to be faster or slower... unless your car is of exactly equal power as the other guy's, the heat soaked intercooler isn't going to make a difference.

[JamJam]

I'll remember from now on to keep the wit to a minimum.


Lets be civil! No need for elitism in these forums.

[sleeper3]

also also,

EW @ splicing fiber.

(I'm guessing you're talking about cabling and not breakfast cereals)

[sleeper3]

Lets be civil! No need for elitism in these forums.

I apologize and tip my hat at you.

[fourthmeal]

once again, the climate where you live has no effect on the decision of top mount vs front mount. here is what you should consider: do you sit for long periods of time and then need instant power? (ie drag strip, autocross etc) if the answer is yes, a front mount might be more suited to what you need.

I also live in Vegas, and I can tell you that the car is an absolute DOG when it is 110+ outside. And it stays a dog until you get moving for a few minutes to let the IC get cool. The FMIC kit seen here would be a fantastic move for those in the desert heat, for sure.

[JamJam]

I apologize and tip my hat at you.

No worries, Yea the splicing sucks but luckely I have good equipment so as long as everything is clean im good to go. Its being out here in the desert with military guys watching me that makes me a little irritated.

[sleeper3]

military guys are just irritating people.

[JamJam]

military guys are just irritating people.

Especially when they have a god complex because they carry weapons and think their job is important. Im ex military but was electronics, not security forces. Im up in the Area we dont talk about because one of them guys ran over a clearly marked fiber line. I dont mind it though! Do this for 2 days and I paid for the Corksport FMIC!

[speed3se-r]

I was sitting here with friend of mine and we were going back and forth about the TMIC and FMIC and I kinda brought that out in my post. I see what your saying about the outside temperatures not making a difference and I apologize for misreading your original post. I have so much shit going on right now, Im out in the middle of the desert splicing fiber, debating with my co partner, and reading these forums. My post had a little bit of everything that had nothing to do with what you originally said.

So as your partner in crime stated!

Duh!!!!

splicing fiber optics?

[JamJam]

splicing fiber optics?

Yes sir

[speed3se-r]

Yes sir


Pretty much the same industry as me, except we do it in house and I run maintainence and calibration on the splicing equipment...just curious, who are you employed by, if you want to tell, if not, thats ok? just wondering.

[JamJam]

Pretty much the same industry as me, except we do it in house and I run maintainence and calibration on the splicing equipment...just curious, who are you employed by, if you want to tell, if not, thats ok? just wondering.

I actually work for the cable company here in town maintaining the copper and fiber infrastructure for the valley. I help a buddy out part time with fiber work (part time) for some extra cash. I say its extra cash but the wife usually sees it before I do.....(dunno)

I learned some mechanical and fusion splicing in the military but have been working on it as a civilian as it will be the future for most comm lines. Get a head start and you can make some good money.

[ericrapp]

So uh yes the topmount is always always exposed to more heat from the engine. The topmount also expels its heat onto the top of motor when the air is forced{ Moving } How well does either style IC recover from high heat when moving might just be all you need to know. Iwould Like to think my top mount will address my needs. But will it be better than a FMICs capability? I doubt it. Better than stock Hell yes!!

[JamJam]

So uh yes the topmount is always always exposed to more heat from the engine. The topmount also expels its heat onto the top of motor when the air is forced{ Moving } How well does either style IC recover from high heat when moving might just be all you need to know. Iwould Like to think my top mount will address my needs. But will it be better than a FMICs capability? I doubt it. Better than stock Hell yes!!

We got a little side tracked with conversation. I like the Corksport as it has the intake and FMIC all in one. I just want to know how involved it is to install one? I mean im not the smartest guy in the world so is this install friendly for peeps like me?

[ericrapp]

We got a little side tracked with conversation. I like the Corksport as it has the intake and FMIC all in one. I just want to know how involved it is to install one? I mean im not the smartest guy in the world so is this install friendly for peeps like me?

Yea when this animal came out I said to myself this is an interesting method. Waited for a report and went ets. Ive forgotten who has it, or is buying it. I'd like to know how it works. It's a neat idea! Sorry to interrupt. As you were gentlemen

[udontknowjack]

So uh yes the topmount is always always exposed to more heat from the engine!!

so if this is truth...wont sitting the intake on top of the motor sucking hot air?? becoming hai = hot air intake..

[Captain KRM P5]

you'll find honestly that the difference between a so-called cold air intake and anything else when you have a front mount is marginal at best.

[IDRVSLO]

Here are a couple threads with pictures and a little info about the install. It was too easy, I am telling you 5 hours and you will be driving around the streets. I did it in the dark with only hand tools and a led head mounted light. It was freezing outside and I think my total install time was 6 hours.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123691459

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123694524

Hope that helps for all of you Corksport fans. Great company BTW!

[speed3se-r]

back to the topic, but with a front mount intercooler, depending on how close it is to the radiator, wouldnt the radiator be heat soaked, thus making the engine hotter = bad. Anyone thought of that?

[JamJam]

Here are a couple threads with pictures and a little info about the install. It was too easy, I am telling you 5 hours and you will be driving around the streets. I did it in the dark with only hand tools and a led head mounted light. It was freezing outside and I think my total install time was 6 hours.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123691459

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123694524

Hope that helps for all of you Corksport fans. Great company BTW!

Awesome, thanks for the info!

[ericrapp]

back to the topic, but with a front mount intercooler, depending on how close it is to the radiator, wouldnt the radiator be heat soaked, thus making the engine hotter = bad. Anyone thought of that?

Yes you still need to get clean air to your radiator, a well designed system will account for that. Hot air intake? All ICs need to need air to pass through them to dissipate the heat Both are reasonable ?s Intakes draw their air from around the filter element thats why i prefer the Cai style it doesnt draw its air from engine bay as sri does more so at a stop