Can I Refurb My Stock SMIC?

[tonyhawk]

I have an intercooler question…

 

From what I have read on here, the stock SMIC is usually knackered after 10 years or so (mine is 15 years old now…bless), but what makes it knackered? Does it get blocked up, does it degrade?

 

I know next to nothing about these units so I may be asking a really stupid question, but, can they be refurbished? More to the point, could I do it myself?

 

I have been reading the argument in the many, many posts regarding FMIC over SMIC; eventually I'm hoping to take my car to about 550/600rwhp, but at that power, I’m still not sure from the pro’s and con’s put forward, which one is best. However, with no cash to buy either at the moment, it's a mute point, so I was left wondering whether I can refurbish it myself?

 

Any advice?

 

Ta.

[Tricky-Ricky]

Its more a case of corrosion weakening the alloy part and eventually getting a hole, that and the corrugated bits in between, however mine is in good condition and i am using it with a singe turbo with no problems.

[bolarbag]

What is your air intake temps on the oem smic?

 

I wonder if there would be any difference at all, and if it would increase/decrease response fitting a FMIC,

 

I guess now with most sups boosting a FMIC before they even come off the boat it would come down to cost, and generally its cheaper to buy a blingy FMIC than to buy a brand new oem IC

 

But even a difference of a few degrees iat would deem one to be better than the other

[Chris Wilson]

Short answer, no. The cores are crimped to the end tanks and will be a bespoke size. Getting bespoke cores made that will crimp will cost more than a new I/C. As TR says, the cores corrode, so need replacing over time. Salt as spread on UK roads is the killer. That's why UK MKIV's have worse I/C's than fresh imports.

[tooquicktostop]

600 RWHP and a 15 year old stock IC do not go together at all, I think IMI had some issues when mapping with a SMIC on his single, he has fitted a FMIC now

[tonyhawk]

Cheers for that.

 

I did wonder if it was a corrosion thing. I haven’t had mine out, so I can’t testify as to its visual appearance, but even though it was a Jap import about 4 years ago, a 15 year old unit is probably due for retirement….

 

600rwhp is where I’m aiming for; right now I think it’s around the 350rwhp (not yet tested) so it’s not a desperate thing, however I’ll be doing a fuelling and ECU upgrade shortly, so I thought it pertinent to ask. I’ll add it to the list of ‘things to buy’…

 

All I need to do now is find a bank with the back door open and no one looking…

[Tricky-Ricky]

What is your air intake temps on the oem smic?

 

I wonder if there would be any difference at all, and if it would increase/decrease response fitting a FMIC,

 

I guess now with most sups boosting a FMIC before they even come off the boat it would come down to cost, and generally its cheaper to buy a blingy FMIC than to buy a brand new oem IC

 

But even a difference of a few degrees iat would deem one to be better than the other

 

TBH i have not bothered to check intake temps, will get around to it at some point, but i doubt they are any higher than with small twin hybrids, in fact i would hazard a guess that they may be lower.

 

600WHP on the std SMIC may be pushing it somewhat, but i think it can handle 500-550FWHP.

[monkey3]

Cheers for that.

 

I did wonder if it was a corrosion thing. I haven’t had mine out, so I can’t testify as to its visual appearance, but even though it was a Jap import about 4 years ago, a 15 year old unit is probably due for retirement….

 

You won't need to take it out for a corrosion check (well I didn't need to).

Stick your hand in the opening in the bumper up to the IC and gently run your finger along the vanes.

If they snap\crumble\don't put up any resistance then it would be knackered.

 

This will tell you if it's really bad.