Benzsupra Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Hi everyone, I'm slowly getting the bits together to BPU my car but i'm trying to do it at a realistic cost. I've seen all the branded bit's but i really don't have the cash for them. However i've seen this on eBay and i wanted opinions on whether it's gonna be a load of rubbish or ok for BPU? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Toyota-Supra-MK4-JZA80-Front-Mount-Intercooler-FMIC_W0QQitemZ220383555812QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item334fe230e4&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1683|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50 If you've got a minute have a look and see what you think. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMiFFAD Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 (edited) I have that very kit I bought it as a bit of a risk... but am very very pleased with the quality of it. I've since got a few more bits through that company, they are based in Ireland, always very helpfull and gave me trade price on the other bits The one thing the FMIC lacks compared to the like of HKS/Greddy are the "other" bits tha go with it, you dont get any brackets, replacement water res etc. Having said that they wernt too hard to build/borrow/steal, took me a day and a bit to fit it. The quality of the actual IC is great, seems really well put together, the pipes are ally, which means they will probably look shabby after a while, you could coat them in something first if this worrys you. the connectors and clamps - considering the cost of the kit, are awesom! The silicon hoses are on a par with samco, and the clamps are the same style as mikalor (which i liked so much i bought a load more off of them for my intake pipework!) To summarise - if you dont mind a bit of fabricating of brackets and fiddling about, get it bought Edited May 30, 2009 by SMiFFAD (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viv Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 I have read that there are usually fitting issues with ebay kits. I personally do not see the need to get a FMIC when the stock SMIC is perfectly capable of handling BPU power levels (provided it is in good condition). If anything, I would rather wait and upgrade my SMIC to something such as the one provided by Chris Wilson or wait for the new Whifbitz SMIC to be released. At least you can keep all the stock ducting that accompanies the SMIC rather than not have any for the new FMIC. There are also a lot of other factors to consider e.g. - are you looking to for more power later, such as gong single? If so, then is that ebay kit going to be suitable for your goals in the future? Or will you have to buy another, larger FMIC with better end tank design that is better quality etc...? Or maybe that’s me reading into it a bit too much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benzsupra Posted May 30, 2009 Author Share Posted May 30, 2009 Thanks for the replies, I'm not planning on ever going single but i want a FMIC because (at the risk of sounding chav) i think it looks cool As long as it still does the right job equal to or better than the stock IC then I'm having one!!! Thanks for all your help guys. Ben Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 If you are not going for higher power, you might want to consider a new rad. As cars get older and older the condition of the rad is soon shown if it is suspect, once you stick a FMIC in front of it. Personally I would stick with a SMIC and mesh the front if you want a different look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tricky-Ricky Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Nothing wrong with the stock SMIC if its in good condition, i still have mine with a single;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris and Alana Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 the pipes inthe add dont look shiney but i take it from your pic they are? also, can you use the stock air box or do you have aftermarket filter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMiFFAD Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 the pipes inthe add dont look shiney but i take it from your pic they are? also, can you use the stock air box or do you have aftermarket filter? They are quite shiney, not mirror finish like stainless though. Stuff removed: AC fan Rad bottle Stock air box Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TopgunTT Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 I think the front of your car looks good like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terminator Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 When my standard SMIC turned to dust I wanted to get an FMIC, but change my mind when I found alternative SMIC's that would support anything up to 500bhp. These uprated SMIC's utilise the standard air ducting so get maximum air flow through them. When people fit FMIC to their cars, many often don't pay enough attention to alternative ducting, which can lead to over heating problems. Air will take the easiest route which will be under or over the car and not though the bay where it is needed most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistonbroke Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 I for one find a nice shiney FMIC pleasing to look at. Even if the SMIC is capable, I'd get it just for asthetics Edit, and I have one on mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mplavery Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 When my standard SMIC turned to dust I wanted to get an FMIC, but change my mind when I found alternative SMIC's that would support anything up to 500bhp. These uprated SMIC's utilise the standard air ducting so get maximum air flow through them. When people fit FMIC to their cars, many often don't pay enough attention to alternative ducting, which can lead to over heating problems. Air will take the easiest route which will be under or over the car and not though the bay where it is needed most. I can soo What the Terminator is saying, I have a fmic but have a DO-LUCK front end so in theory lol i should have better cooling at the front Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul mac Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 I for one find a nice shiney FMIC pleasing to look at. Even if the SMIC is capable, I'd get it just for asthetics Edit, and I have one on mine. And there really isn't anything wrong with that, we all make aesthetic decisions with our cars so whats wrong with it aplying to the intercooler. A lot of people have said on this thread "as long as the SMIC is in good condition", these really must be a rarity now, mine fell to bits about five years ago, as for buying an uprated SMIC i know these are good quality but they are very expensive in comparison to these ebay FMICs. The kit mentioned does look pretty good, basic bar and plate construction but lookS good value for money and will be more than up to BPU small single levels, it would need some proper ducting, agree with Termy though, get a new radiator as a crusty old one may be right at the edge of providing enough cooling, putting a FMIC in front of it may end up with overheating. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMiFFAD Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 At the end of the day, i have to put my hand up and admit i bought it for the bling factor mainly... Although on warmer days i'm conviced it offers better air cooling than the SMIC, which you could really feel being sapped in comparison to cold days. My SMIC was in servicable condition, but having had a SMIC on my sx blow the end tank off on a motorway i wasn't keen on that happenening again either! So i know this is nice and solid - especially with the decent clamps they provide. This is what i constructed for the intake: (as the standard AB doesnt fit with the IC pipe in the way: The filter and 45 degree shiny pipe are from ebay (2fast2cool) and the connectors and clamps are from jperformance (who supply the FMIC) Heat shield was made by me from an old bit of ally Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pistonbroke Posted May 31, 2009 Share Posted May 31, 2009 Loving your work Smiffad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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