Air filter and FMIC

[Lukeyyy]

Hi everyone!
Was thinking for far in the future mods for my WRX wagon (2005). Still wanting to keep it looking like a sleeper, as in standard form they really are!
When you start pushing over 300-350 (which it may not go further) but I was looking at costing up for a FMIC , any ideas? Past experience?
Also been toying with the idea of cutting the offside fog lamp out and putting a cold air duct through and up into the area where the air filter is seated? Could I do that now, with standard spec and would it have any MAJOR repercussions??? The air filter itself would need upgrading to probably an open - with a shield as the engine gets hot, don't want to be counter productive.... But its something I would like to try.. a lot of people say its a must that you have it tuned after, but they said that about my BOV and that hasn't put a foot wrong in 3 months....
Thanks in advance

Side note, had it timed today by my Dad, it did a 0-60 of 5.9 so still in amazing condition to do a factory time after 98,000 miles! Will be having fresh oil soon

[Steve_PPP]

If I were you...

- Don't bother with FMIC for the power you are running on a WRX. The usual upgrade is the VF35 route, which with supporting mods will see you at ~330bhp. Much more than that and it gets expensive as you start to run into the limit of the engine internals, gearbox etc (especially if you're launching it to do 0-60 times ). At that kind of power, an STI TMIC is more than up to the job, just get the larger blob STI scoop and undertray to match. Saves all the cutting of inner wings, front bumper etc. Plus a FMIC at this power can increase lag as the air takes time to circulate the longer pipework and delays spool.

The standard airbox system on the newage is very good, just put a decent panel filter in it and job done. Changing to a cone filter etc will require the map being checked imo.

Hopefully just saved you a load of money and time and you can put it forward to upgrading something else

[SpecB]

STI TMIC is good up to 450BHP but does suffer more from heat soak than a FMIC. Also if you are running at speed for prolonged periods there can be issues as the airflow over the front of the car causes it to lift over the scoop reducing the flow to a TMIC.

I'd go with an STI TMIC and stick an gauge into the intake after the intercooler to check temps - if they get too high back off! and if you often see high temps you can sell the sti tmic on for what you'll pay.

[boggissimo]

I am going through this process at the moment - gathering bits to go from the PPP WRX to about 320-330 bhp. Bits I'm getting together:

New panel filter (I went with Green)
VF35 turbo (VF34, VF43 or TF05-16g also supposed to be fine)
Cat-less up pipe
Sports cat down pipe (I'm getting a PPP one from an STI)
Pink injectors
STI TMIC (although I was told that the WRX would probably cope fine) - FMIC is overkill for the power the WRX engine and gearbox can cope with

I also got an oil catch can, and of course it will need a remap.