m sprank Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 We have had a very good track record with CNT down pipes. They are a copy of an Invidia. So, the Invidia is obviously nicer. The CNT is the best "bang for the buck" down pipe. It is not perfect and we do not recommend too many "copycat" products. I do agree with Mike (AZP) that the Cobb, Invidia and TurboXS pipes have the best QC and are some of the nicest. The Perrin pipes look cool, but are expensive and tend to hit the firewall on an LGT. I also agree with Mike (AZP) on the Invidia upipe. If going aftermarket, best pipe for the money. I have had to repair 1. Weld at the turbo flange cracked. But that is still the best track record. I have seen more OEM up pipes break into two pieces than I have Invidia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BGPKR Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 A DP is definitely my next upgrade. Anyone have info/opinions on shorty DP's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Few and far between these days. Most are 1 piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Thanks for the great reviews guys. Mike@infamous and I both work our butts off to provide world class customer service coupled with fair pricing. We are also both subie die hards, having owned 10+ subies over the years and doing mods on them before there were any real resources on the Internet to just lookup a mod. I know it sounds like I am tooting my own horn but we along with several other Iclub members back in 1999-2001 wrote the book on doing lot on mods for subies. We never looked back and have done weekend installs every weekend since 2000 slowly building to where we are now. 3000 sq ft, 3 full time employees, 2 lifts, and 6 days of work with hours as late as 10pm 2 nights a week. We also answer emais and phone calls just about 24hrs a day. Anyone who comes to work with us must be on board with how we operate. We had a few guys come that ought it was a "job" they left shortly after because they realized we take it as a lifestyle, not a job. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.2971 | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Back on UPs, we also encourage the catless UPs from the sti and newer Wrx as well. Great value to be had there as well. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.2971 | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackWagon GT Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 I'm glad I found this thread as UP/DP/CB replacement is what I'd like to do next. Initially I was thinking about a Cobb DP and Borla CB, as they have OEM-compatible 2.5" flanges, but more than one fellow boost freak predicts that in the long run I'll regret not going full 3" from the start. Following the mentality of "do it once, do it right," I was considering a full Invidia system, but now it appears that I have other options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Back on UPs, we also encourage the catless UPs from the sti and newer Wrx as well. Great value to be had there as well. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.2971 | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" We "gut" older OEM up pipes for customers. $80 and a $40 core for your old one. so, $40 for the pipe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 We "gut" older OEM up pipes for customers. $80 and a $40 core for your old one. so, $40 for the pipe. Interesting. We never install gutted ones cause of the potential for residual material being left inside, especially if a customer does the gutting. -Paisan http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg%5Dhttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heedz Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Sti up on mine no issues. Will be going aftermarket with headers though. Erz downpipe catted no issues. Way better fitment than the Megan catless that was installed before. Cnt would be my choice unless you wanna spend a lot and get a product with a name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fahr_side Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 I'd certainly skimp on a DP and pay on the TMIC. If there are budget constraints, this is your best shot. Save a few dollars on your downpipe if you have to but do not cheap out on an intercooler. Having said that, be aware the AVO and Perrin TMIC designs are long in the tooth now, and were not the best solutions even when new. They are however much better made and more efficient than the no-name clones. Obligatory '[URL="http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/2008-gh8-238668.html?t=238668"]build thread[/URL]' Increased capacity to 2.7 liters, still turbo, but no longer need spark plugs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 Interesting. We never install gutted ones cause of the potential for residual material being left inside, especially if a customer does the gutting. -Paisan http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg%5Dhttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" We do them in house. I polish the ever loving snot out of them (internally and gasket surfaces) with a wire wheel once I get all the "matter" out. Not a money maker as it takes me a good hour to do it. But, I get the install. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 We do them in house. I polish the ever loving snot out of them (internally and gasket surfaces) with a wire wheel once I get all the "matter" out. Not a money maker as it takes me a good hour to do it. But, I get the install. Nice! -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.2971 | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atchipmunk Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Please do keep us updated if indeed you become the test mule for this new IC. Well, due to scheduling conflicts from my personal life and work, I won't be able to lend my LGT to Spearco/Turbonetics to do fitment testing for their new TMIC. But, mine is "in the mail" and should be in my hands tomorrow(Monday). The splitter/ducting for the LGT is not developed yet, but I'm gonna design and fabricate one myself to fit my car. Will start a new thread and post pics (maybe a DIY install thread) once it gets here and I can install it... In the meantime, here's some pics of the pre-production unit in an '08 WRX... http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk56/atchipmunk/0b8039e9.jpg http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk56/atchipmunk/a614769e.jpg http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk56/atchipmunk/35994df1.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I must admit, I am a bit confused by the popularity of $1000 TMIC's. If you need better cooling and capacity, go FMIC for that kind of money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atchipmunk Posted June 3, 2012 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I must admit, I am a bit confused by the popularity of $1000 TMIC's. If you need better cooling and capacity, go FMIC for that kind of money. Personally, I much prefer the better "packaging" of a TMIC setup. I like the idea of a shorter intake tract, and don't care for all the added piping that a FMIC requires. IMHO, it clutters up the engine bay. I especially dislike the way most of the FMIC piping that comes off of the compressor outlet looks. Looks like an afterthought (which it is). That, and I think a good TMIC is more than adequate for my future power goals (stage 3 w/a BNR 18g). Were I looking to go really big, then I'd have no choice but to go for a good FMIC and I'd accept the compromises in packaging/looks, etc. But that's just me... Btw, Mike...got a question for you about a part. Gonna PM or email you so as to not clutter up this thread anymore than I already have... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Personally, I much prefer the better "packaging" of a TMIC setup. I like the idea of a shorter intake tract, and don't care for all the added piping that a FMIC requires. IMHO, it clutters up the engine bay. I especially dislike the way most of the FMIC piping that comes off of the compressor outlet looks. Looks like an afterthought (which it is). That, and I think a good TMIC is more than adequate for my future power goals (stage 3 w/a BNR 18g). Were I looking to go really big, then I'd have no choice but to go for a good FMIC and I'd accept the compromises in packaging/looks, etc. But that's just me... Btw, Mike...got a question for you about a part. Gonna PM or email you so as to not clutter up this thread anymore than I already have... I agree with you. Not from a looks standpoint but from a performance stand point. FMIC adds a lot of lag due to all the piping and all those connections are more places for them to pop off under load. In racing we like to keep things simple, because in order to finish first, first you must finish. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: paisan@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Honestly Mike... that thing is so big it is going to heat soak from just the turbo. It is directly over the turbo. Also note that due to size and BOV placement, looks like any taller BOV than OEM will hit the hood. I have yet to see a TMIC that makes as much power as a FMIC (except on stock turbos). I do admit that I have seen pipes come loose. But those have always been install or quality (of FMIC) issues. Plenty of race teams run FMIC's. Do your proper prep and they are just as reliable. Better kits contain less piping and connectors. Properly set up systems (complete mechanical) will see very little (if any) throttle response change. It is possible to keep charged air in the pipes between shifts. Like I said, for $1000 I dont get it. Even an 18g can benefit from a FMIC. We hit 400whp with a BNR billet wheel 18g on e-85 with a low end FMIC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Honestly Mike... that thing is so big it is going to heat soak from just the turbo. It is directly over the turbo. Also note that due to size and BOV placement, looks like any taller BOV than OEM will hit the hood. I have yet to see a TMIC that makes as much power as a FMIC (except on stock turbos). I do admit that I have seen pipes come loose. But those have always been install or quality (of FMIC) issues. Plenty of race teams run FMIC's. Do your proper prep and they are just as reliable. Better kits contain less piping and connectors. Properly set up systems (complete mechanical) will see very little (if any) throttle response change. It is possible to keep charged air in the pipes between shifts. Like I said, for $1000 I dont get it. Even an 18g can benefit from a FMIC. We hit 400whp with a BNR billet wheel 18g on e-85 with a low end FMIC. We found the APS ones from Australia were great in terms of fitment. As for on the racetrack, yes fmics have their place, however, a track car is a very different beast than any street driven car. I just see no need for a fmic on a street driven car, on a racecar, possibly. Just my philosophy is make it handle better and it will be more reliable and faster than adding power alone. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.2971 | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Also mike, take into account total fmic cost v. TMIC cost. Yes, the parts may be close in price, but for the non DIYers, the fmic install is much more $ to have it professionally installed. -mike http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.2971 | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m sprank Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 ^True. The PW is also pretty nice (for a TMIC). But still overkill. An AVO fits the bill for 99.99% of users who want a TMIC. Especially street cars. Cheaper than a PW and can be installed in a jiff by a DIY'er. Fits as close to stock as anything. Far more "stealth". I have run a AVO on my car twice with great results. Meaning I have installed two different AVO TMIC on my car over the years with different set ups. When I wanted a TMIC, it worked like a champ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planelazy Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 In the end it just depends on what the owners goals are.. I'll end up getting a ProcessWest TMIC for several reasons... but I'm not looking to set records. Plus, I don't like the looks of FMIC's.. every ricer in town wants to race you. TMIC, it still looks stock, and morons just think it's a Corolla with a PepBoy's hoodscoop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No DRFT Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Camry* I have no control over drippie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvaman61 Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Wow, good read. Made my nooby mind hungrier. Sounds like theres at least two A+ vendors here. I love sensing the passion. The vendors for my last platform sucked. I just want to ask if the OEM STI UP fits correctly. Sounds like it does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrw Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 I just want to ask if the OEM STI UP fits correctly. Sounds like it does. direct fit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZP Installs Posted June 4, 2012 Share Posted June 4, 2012 Wow, good read. Made my nooby mind hungrier. Sounds like theres at least two A+ vendors here. I love sensing the passion. The vendors for my last platform sucked. I just want to ask if the OEM STI UP fits correctly. Sounds like it does. Yup great fit and can be had for inexpensive. -Paisan http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/91072632.jpg http://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/141039922.jpg%5Dhttp://www.pbase.com/paisan/image/133406601.jpg http://upload.pbase.com/image/137566671.jpg 11+ Years Maintaining, Modifying and Educating TriState Subaru Enthusiasts. Call directly as We carry almost every manufacturer now, so before you buy parts call us. AIM: AZP Installs | E-mail: sales@azpinstalls.com | 725 Fairfield Ave | Kenilworth, NJ 07033 | 908.248.AZP1 (2971) | T-1 Certified Amsoil Direct Jobber "Race Tested, Enthusiast Approved!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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