2004 Subaru WRX - Keeping Under Pressure Cool - Tech Knowledge

To find out, we shadow Alfred beltran from Tuning Technologies in Colton, Calif., as he applies Perrin's front-mount intercooler kit for the '02+ WRX and STI to Marc Masuda's '04 WRX. Taking the car to the rollers of Tuning Technologies' all-wheel-drive Dynojet, we track power changes before and after installation, and monitor engine vitals using Alfred's Enginuity OBD 2 diagnostic software, So we can bring you before-and-after results of how the FMIC performs compared to the OE top-mount unit, and how it's addition affected other crucial areas of vehicle performance.

Perrin's front-mount intercooler kit for the '02+ WRX/STI in all its glory: There are a lot of little parts here, so make sure to verify you have everything with the included instructions and parts list.

The first order of business will be to remove the WRX's front bumper cover. Remove the plastic pop-rivets with a small pry bar or flat-head screwdriver. There are nine at the top of the bumper cover, one just underneath each of the headlights, and one holding each corner to its fender, near the wheelwell.

Next, you'll have to remove the stock bumper support, via the three identified bolts on each side. The Perrin kit includes a replacement part, which mounts the intercooler, and provides some protection in front-end collisions.

Before you mount the Perrin replacement support and intercooler, you'll need to grind down the identified stock mounting tabs. hit them with a little spray paint to prevent rust and cover them with the included trim piece.

The Perrin intercooler comes bolted up to the included support, but not tightened. Make sure to bolt the support up to the car, but leave it and the intercooler only finger-tight for now.