Why do Subarus have top mount intercoolers?

Why Subarus Have Top Mount Intercoolers
Subarus have top mount intercoolers for several reasons, as highlighted by various sources:
1. Cooling Efficiency:
– Top mount intercoolers allow the ambient air to pass through a cooling device sitting on top of a hot engine, which makes the intercooler work much better.
– The shorter path from the turbochargers to the intake in top mount intercoolers allows for more efficient airflow, providing air quicker and sooner.
2. Convenience and Fitment:
– Upgraded top mount intercoolers are generally easier to install than front mount intercoolers, making them a convenient option for installation.
3. Performance Upgrade:
– The stock top mount intercooler in Subarus is often considered overworked, under-designed, and generally inefficient for handling the power levels that newer Subarus produce, making an aftermarket intercooler upgrade a popular choice.
4. Turbo Spooling:
– The shorter piping from the turbo to the intake manifold in top mount intercoolers allows the turbo to spool faster, contributing to improved performance.
In summary, top mount intercoolers in Subarus offer improved cooling efficiency, convenience in installation, and performance benefits, making them a popular choice for many Subaru owners.

What does a Subaru intercooler do?

Intercoolers are often used in high-performance cars and trucks with turbocharged or supercharged engines. By cooling the air before it enters the engine, the intercooler helps to increase the amount of air the engine can take in. This, in turn, helps improve the engine’s power and performance.

Does a bigger intercooler cause turbo lag?

If you were to stick a bigger intercooler on a car with no other mods then yes, there’d be more lag however the only reason you’d fit a larger intercooler is because your upping power and so it’d be mapped to suit.

Do you need a tune for top mount intercooler?

With increased cooling you can run more aggressive timing. But you don’t immediately need a tune. I have, and have had for months, my GS tmic on my car without any additional tuning. It’s fine, don’t worry about running it.

Does a top mount intercooler add horsepower?

To put it bluntly, intercoolers do influence horsepower but they do not create it. Horsepower is a force created by load, which mathematically can be measured as torque multiplied by rpm. The laws of thermodynamics dictate that the larger the temperature difference, the more energy is converted in combustion.

Why does Subaru use top mount intercooler?

WRX and STI intercoolers are top mounted from Subaru. We all know this. It’s nice that Subaru keeps a functional hood scoop on these cars. Being able to pass ambient air through a cooling device sitting on top of a hot engine definitely makes the intercooler work much better.

What are the advantages of top mount intercooler?

A top mount intercooler will be more efficient with airflow than a front-mounted, with the only reason being the shorter path from your turbochargers to intake. You’ll get air quicker and sooner, but don’t confuse this with lag, as it is pressurized.

Can you run a turbo without an intercooler?

Yes you can. The intercooler is used to cool the air coming out of the turbo before it goes into the engine. This increases the volumetric efficiency of the engine. But it is not necessary to have an intercooler along with a turbo.

What is the difference between top mount and Fmic?

A top mount with shorter pipe length and correct pipe sizing will win the throttle response battle every time. The FMIC is an easy victor when stationary. Hot air rises, so the TMIC sitting above the engine will absorb some of this heat. The heat soak is most noticeable sitting in traffic, staging or on the grid.

How much HP does intercooler add?

5% to 10%
Normally intercoolers add horsepower based on percentage of increase not a specific number. The average increase between without and with is 5% to 10%.

How much HP does a top mount intercooler add?

It will depend on the vehicle, engine, turbo installed, ambient temperature, humidity, altitude, etc. Normally intercoolers add horsepower based on percentage of increase not a specific number. The average increase between without and with is 5% to 10%.