I new to the RX7 world and had a question about going single. If you go single do you need a FMIC or would a SMIC also work and what are you guys thougths? I know most people run FMIC by I heard disscussion that a SNIC might be better. FWIW I live in Georgia and the heat a humidity get reaaly high. So any opinions would be grerat.

thanks Gun

 

You should do a search on this, I'm pretty sure there has been a couple detailed threads about it.

Most people will tell you FMIC for drag racing and SMIC for track racing. Some people will say the only real advantage to FMIC is the look. Some will say the pressure drop of a FMIC is too great. Some will say SMIC get heat soaked too easily. Some will say SMIC don't get heat soaked even in stop-and-go traffic. Some also like to give their FMIC good lovin...but we wont mention any names..........

 

I've got an M2 Medium with the A'PEXi RX6 kit. I road race (track) the car, and I think an SMIC works better for that because an FMIC impedes flow to the radiator more than an SMIC. However, if you aren't road racing an FMIC is probably better. SMICs do heat soak, and it seems highly likely that you can get a cooler intake charge with a FMIC. I might try an FMIC for that reason after I switch to NPG+ coolant and the huge Koyo radiator. I don't know if it will work, but I guess I'll find out. I've seen several FDs overheat at the track with FMICs, so my opinion on that subject is based on experience rather than hearsay. FDs with SMICs can overheat, too, but the ones I saw with FMICs overheated more quickly and more severely.

SMICs can pose a challenge when dyno tuning, too, because they heat soak more easily with the limited air flow you get from fans. Intake temps get high and you have to take a break.

One of the challenges of running a SMIC with a single turbo is the intake. I used 90mm Santoprene hose from McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/) to move the filter to the side of the IC. This is my setup:
http://www.maxcooper.com/rx7/gallery/mycar/index.html

I have been a big supporter of SMICs in the past, but the advnatges in cooling of a FMIC (just perceived advantages at this point) have made them more attractive to me now than they were in the past. Yes, I am changing my tune a bit.

-Max

 

I haven't done a extensive search yet but I will when I've got more time. I don't plam on runnning at the track or the drag strip at the beginning. I just be looking for a kick a$$ street car that is as reliable as I can make it. I probally be driving it a good bit but I do have another car as a daily driver so it won't be my only car. The turbo I plan on is one of the TO4's probaly the S version. Not sure yet.

thanks Gun

 

To Wankawankel,

I find this comment interesting. Would you please provide some details on the basis of this comment?

Thanks

 

I hope you're kidding!
The intercooler is one of the most important things on any turbo car!
I felt a HUGE difference in power after i added it to my stock turbo'd car, and to top things off, it makes things safer will the cooler intake charge.
With considering the pathetic size and capacity of the stock intercooler on fd's, an upgrade is probably one of the smartest things you can do.

 

running 15 psi on a stock IC is not a very good idea. 12 is about the limit of the stocker.

 

hey max...i dont see a BOV anywhere??

i know you can run the Apex single without a BOV, but its still a good idea to have one.

 

I took the pic right after I finished the install. I added a TiAL BOV a little bit later. It makes strange noises and is really hard on the turbo pipes without a BOV.

-Max

 

Max,

Is there a reason why you went with the M2 medium instead of their Large SMIC?

Thanks

 

I didn't want to relocate the battery. It turned out to be a good decision, considering the results of SCC testing that showed the Medium to perform very similarly (lower pressure drop, similar cooling) to the old version of the Large model. M2 has since changed the core of the Large to have lower pressure drop. I actually got my IC from ASP before M2 took over production. I did end up getting a new pipe from M2, though, and it fit much better than the ASP pipe did. I ended cutting my old ASP pipe to connect the single turbo to the Medium.

-Max

 

Oh but the girls do like the "big" one! Size matters