Dyno 4: TurboXS Front-Mount Intercooler
343.9 HP / 327.4 TQ

Pros
Using the TurboXS FMIC enables the factory look for those individuals that want to retain the factory Subaru fog lights. When massive flow and cooling is needed, the TurboXS front mount intercooler delivers. Dwarfing the factory IC core volume by more than 3.3 times, the TurboXS Front Mount Intercooler bar and plate core is larger and less restrictive at high flow rates resulting in better cooling performance. The TurboXS kit comes complete with all needed hardware including a full set of T-bolt hose clamps for a somewhat painless installation. The only modifications needed to your vehicle are to section away the front bumper to make room for the large intercooler.

Cons
Using the TurboXS front mount requires the owner to replace the factory bumper beam. The instruction manual included with the kit can make you scratch your head at times with some of rather confusing black and white images. Take your time and look over the images and text before attempting to manhandle your car. Using the TurboXS FMIC requires you to also purchase their short intake ram.

Tools
Ratchet, 10, 12 and 14mm sockets, extension, screwdriver, pliers, razor blade

Parts
Front-mount intercooler core, front bumper support beam, intercooler piping kit, silicone couplers, stainless steel T-bolt clamps, radiator overflow bottle, TXS RBV34 bypass valve, fuel line hose, instructions.

Temparature
78.5 degrees Fahrenheit
Temparature difference from previous run:-2.2 degrees Fahrenheit

Installation Time
45 minutes

Notes
Upon slicing and dicing our factory fender liner, we opted to completely remove the plastic rather than zip tieing the remaining unit into the pipes and taking the chance of it flying off at the track. As expected, possessing longer intake pipes using the front mount, the boost came in 200rpm's slower (4500 rpm), but in the process, made up for its loss by producing a whopping 126 lb-ft of torque at 4600 rpm over baseline and 140hp at 6300 rpm. In comparison with the previous run with the factory intercooler, the TurboXS unit picked up an average of 23hp and 30 lb-ft of torque at 4500rpm until redline.

CONCLUSION

BANKROLL

Conclusion
Final numbers on the WRX came in at an impressive 126.9hp and 115.3 lb-ft of torque gain over our baseline numbers with the use of two additional power adders and a slick EcuTeK unit used for tuning. If converted to wheel horsepower and torque, the numbers translate to 286.6 and 272.8, respectively. Although we felt we could extract some additional ponies, we decided to keep the boost level and tuning at a safe setting knowing that the car is used as a daily driver and on numerous occasions at the track. Look for an upcoming power page as we spin the dyno with a new 2.5 block and possibly a set of custom cams.