Ultimate Racings Front Mount Intercooler

[Big Dad]

I have always loved the look of a fmic but did not know how effective they were for hp gains until I witnessed it myself first hand on the May 8th Dyno Day. I thought my car was fast until I saw Pilzz, Fobio and a few others put my car to shame :complain! It was definitelty time to step up and get a fmic!

I looked around at the options and decided to go with the Ultimate Racing FMIC http://www.ultimate-racing.com/ I knew that they had a good reputation with Evo and Sti crowd world wide and they are local here in Toronto to boot. The kit was $950 + tax, 10% local discount, which was cheaper than the US competition as well as avoiding shipping and brokerage fees. The kit had been proven for up to 600whp and 40psi. The core sits centered in the grill, no cutting and no relocating, just straight bolt on.... The downside is that the kit removes the oem bumper beam and replaces it with a steel rebar that may not meet crash testing and is therefore sold as "off road only." With a 5 year guarantee, local friendly customer service and support, I was sold, bring it!!!!

I got Matt from the board to help me install it because he has a lot of experience with the CPE fmic and my mechanical abilities are limited to say the least. From the instructions, it didn't look like a overly complicated job. Matt noticed right off the bat that the core was bigger than what he was familiar with. Also that the silicone hose connectors were top grade better than he had seen before. He wasn't thrilled with the hose clamps because they were small almost oem spec. I am told that at the end of each piece of piping, there is a rolled bead and in combination with the high grade silicone couplers, this will prevent any accidental boost leaks.

The install took us 4 hours and the instructions were fairly simple to follow (as long as you know how to take on and off the bumper cover). We had a couple of minor hitches, the temp sensor didn't fit in properly to the replacement bumper rebar so I had to file it a bit and zip tie it for security. I got the optional powder coating so when we went to attach the bpv, the paint was blocking the threads. I had to clear the paint with a thread tap kit. Installing the hoses was a tight fit, but that was to be expected. We veered off the instructions and decided to take it for a "test drive" to check for boost leaks before we reattached the front bumper and this turned out to be a bad idea as the inner wheel skirting and the lower under car skirting dragged on the wheels and the road as the wind pushed them out of place! This wore holes into the skirting (as shown in the pics!) Bad idea, impatience is not a virtue Lol.

I would like to thank Matt for his generous help. I am very happy with the result. The look makes me gawk and drool. The butt dyno says :chuckle! I cant wait to get back to the real dyno, results will follow. Here are some pics.

http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt343/BigDad_photo/photo-2.jpg

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[laksman91]

Congrats on the UR FMIC :) Time to move the plate to the side. YOU'RE BLOCKING THE INTERCOOLER! :)

[FoXy]

Thats what I said lol hahaha

[Turok]

Nice FMIC, looks sweet. You should totally jump in on the Rhoplate GB so you can get that plate moved to the side ;)

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?44020-Rhoplate-Group-Buy-2

[Broxn]

And how happy are you now having it on for a little while now?

[Big Dad]

As far as the plate goes, damn Ontario laws. Lol. The new bumper rebar does not have provisions for the tow plate conection. They say that they have something in the works for the future to offset the plate. I have noticed that after a hard run, the intercooler is cool to the touch regardless of the plate. At the track, 4 screws and full access is achieved. Asthetically, the plate does draw away from it's splendor. Street performance wise it doesn't make a difference.

After putting a few miles on it. I can feel a difference from before. The turbo spools up more boost quicker. I was expecting lag but instead the hit is just as fast and harder. Somehow, I am getting 8.6 liters per 100 km according to the dash calculator. This is an improvement from before. I don't know how that is possible? The grin factor hasn't wained. I can't wait to hit the dyno again!

[Pilzz]

Paint it black for the sleeper look. Looks good

[MPS]

this FMIC make ur car no longer safe (no re bar) wait till OPP pull you and check for missing parts

[Gizzmo_jr]

Oh I just realized the lack of the crash zone rebar. hrmm...

[CanadaGTO]

I know when they did this kind of solution for the Neon SRT-4's there ended up being quite a bit of frame flex, ending up in doors that would not open/close. Solutions were found, but they took a while. I wonder if the Speed3 has enough other frame rigidity to make up for this?

[mleblond]

This kit is actually not too bad especially coming from a local source.

Ive seen it on sti's where you can swap the USDM rebar for the JDM rebar and save like 20+ pounds. so in return this will reduce some weight in the front.

The other thing is towing? an after market tow hook would be a good purchase if you could mount it to the new rebar.

As far as safety comes, just don't rear end anyone :P and to be honest, as soon as you have a fmic, I am pretty sure you will want to avoid front impact anyways.

But the kit comes with HIGH grade silicone tubing but with low grade clamps. A trip to princess auto can fix that tho... The core is also noticeably bigger then the other 2 Ive seen. As for the price it would make me feel better if those little corks would be assessed (clamps, tow, sensor relocation, BPV threading).

At the end of the day this is a viable solution for local guys supporting Canadians!

[Big Dad]

First of all, I made it very clear that the stock bumper beam had been replaced. In my opinion The oem bumper beam is made of waved sheet metal constructed in such a way to crumble in order to disperse energy. The Ultimate Racing steele rebar is a strong piece of steele that will not crumble, but may or may not reduce the impact in a collision. Truth is that nobody knows, because it hasn't been tested hence the disclaimer. As far as the OPP checking for bumper beams, are you kidding me? When has that ever happened? I should know, I have been pulled over more times than I would care to admit. Lol

The Srt4 platform was a weak one. The manufacturers allow a percentage of chasis flex based on what the power, torque, weight and load the vehicle is expected to handle. The Mazdaspeed 3's were braced and reinforced in Japan as well as deliberately not made with sunroof's in an effort to reduce chasis flex. Other cars like the Sti's that have used this similar kit have had no problems. I am confident that the new rebar is solid and not going to contribute to chasis flex.

The bottom line is that the stock bumper beam is too wide to allow a bigger intercooler to fit in there. It will fit the smaller ones, but I plan on going to a bigger turbo some day, and I do not want to have to have to buy a new intercooler then because a smaller/ thinner one will run out of efficiency. The way that I see it, this kit is not for everyone, but if you want more power, do it right the first time!

[Fobio]

I don't think the end user needs to justify the manufacturing process or R&D done on a product. other than mleblond's observations from first hand installation experience plus Big Dad's personal opinion on the power gains and cosmetic improvement, all other consdierations are individual preference.

obviously, each of us have different goals...and some of us won't let a crash bar get in the way of that, and might even like to show off their honking shiny FMIC...while others paint their FMIC for the sleeper look...

anyway, it's a quality piece, with the replacement rebar being the main obstacle (plus cheap clamps?)...

but UR have been around longer than some of us have cars...watch for more reviews of some CDN power options from others on TM3...

[mleblond]

at the end of the day this is a good purchase for you Sean and a good option for other ms3 also. Now I wonder how good their downpipe/exhaust are...

[-cj-]

That core is massive! That kit looks awesome... Hopefully you already replaced the clamps. Boost leaks are a major PITA, especially when you can still hit 15+ psi in certain situations leaving you second guessing that you even have a leak...lol

[zakman]

looks good man. i love the fact that u can see it. dont paint it unless ur a shame of it and clearly ur not and i dont blame ya :). te little hitches are nothing and as others have said its ur choice and i personally agree with wat you have done. looks good and works really well. isnt that the final goal anyways. nice job and i cant wait to see the true dyno numbers and increases.

[Pilzz]

looks good man. i love the fact that u can see it. dont paint it unless ur a shame of it and clearly ur not and i dont blame ya :). te little hitches are nothing and as others have said its ur choice and i personally agree with wat you have done. looks good and works really well. isnt that the final goal anyways. nice job and i cant wait to see the true dyno numbers and increases.

Why would painting it make you a shamed. It is for a sleeper look plus sometimes when you have shinny intercooler showing like that cops pick you out as a target. Either was it looks good but that was such an unrelated comment. Just my 2 cents.

[Fobio]

Why would painting it make you a shamed. It is for a sleeper look plus sometimes when you have shinny intercooler showing like that cops pick you out as a target. Either was it looks good but that was such an unrelated comment. Just my 2 cents.

Mine's painted...love the fact that no one knows what's there. =)

[Big Dad]

Call me a show off, but I love the way it looks!!!! I Wouldn't dare consider painting it. No boost leaks to report.

[-cj-]

Yup... I love the look of a FMIC, but don't like the possible attention it brings. Painted mine and my car looks completely stock. =) But trust me, every time I stare at it I keep wishing the FMIC stood out more...

[Fobio]

Call me a show off, but I love the way it looks!!!! I Wouldn't dare consider painting it. No boost leaks to report.

SHOW OFF!

plate it gold chrome to match all those freaking trophies you have...make sure to also coat it with layers of dust!...lol...

[laksman91]

SHOW OFF!

plate it gold chrome to match all those freaking trophies you have...make sure to also coat it with layers of dust!...lol...

I think Vince is saying its been a while since you won any trophies :chuckle

[Big Dad]

Hahaha Lol!! Why do you think I needed a front mount in the first place. Lol

[Big Dad]

Ultimate Racing posted up dyno numbers to show the difference between top mount and front mount intercoolers........
http://www.ultimate-racing.com/Products2/Mazdaspeed3/07-09-Mazdaspeed3_FMIC.shtml

[Kinn]

@ Big Daddy - It looks great!

I've been looking at Ultimate Racing as an option for any mods i end up doing in the future but wasn't sure about quality. Everyone was running Cobb or CP-E or Cork so I was reluctant of going to an relativly untested product. It's nice to see their products being used and get a real hands on feel and not just some "testamonial" on the site and dyno running lord knows what.

Keep us up to date and let us know how things shake down. If all goes well and your happy with the quality i'll be looking at them for my CAI short term (any one have any information on it?) and maybe the full exhaust later. Can't beat getting a quality product from a local company doing their own R&D to boot!

Does anyone have any experiance with a FMIC in the 2010 MS3? Improvements? or did the hood design help the top mount enough?

[Big Dad]

I have had it for almost a year now and it has performed perfectly. I had one boost leak a month or two ago when the top hose clamp came loose. I tightened it back up in 30 seconds. I have friends that have bought other brands that have gotten boost leaks on a fairly regular basis all over all over the system. I have had No complaints at all. I am very happy with it and I will definitely be buying any future mods that they come out with.

[Atomic]

Are you able to install an OCC with your FMIC install. Does the piping block a possible installation of OCC ?

Thanks for your help.

[loki]

Are you able to install an OCC with your FMIC install. Does the piping block a possible installation of OCC ?

Thanks for your help.

you move the occ location to suit the piping

[Atomic]

So you did the install and it's work ?

[loki]

So you did the install and it's work ?

don't do it yourself

[Atomic]

don't do it yourself

???

My question is ... do you install a FMIC with an OCC on your car ? It's possible to route the OCC piping with the FMIC piping ?

[loki]

???

My question is ... do you install a FMIC with an OCC on your car ? It's possible to route the OCC piping with the FMIC piping ?

I answered that question already.

[S.F.W.]

???

My question is ... do you install a FMIC with an OCC on your car ? It's possible to route the OCC piping with the FMIC piping ?
yes, several members run both a FMIC and an OCC .

[Atomic]

Is it a good move to pass from an upgraded TMIC like my CPE to a FMIC for my daily driving speed3

[S.F.W.]

Is it a good move to pass from an upgraded TMIC like my CPE to a FMIC for my daily driving speed3
That depends on your goals. Are you looking to make more power ? How are you tuning the car ? What other mods have you installed ?

[Atomic]

Here my list :

2008 MAZDASPEED3 BLACK
Stage 2
Stratified tuned (94 octane) = 330hp / 392tq

Cobb AP // AutoTech Internals // Denso ITV22 Plugs // MD OCC // JBR TIGs // Corksport TestPipe // Corksport BoostTube // Corksport Front lower bar // Corksport Exhaust Hanger // Ultimate Racing Catted DP // CPE TIP // CPE TMIC // CPE CAI // COBB Exhaust // Hotchkis FSB&RSB // Powergrid Ajustable Endlink // CPE RMM // TWM SS + Bushing + Knob // Sure Shortcut // JBR shifter weight // RX-8 Wheels // Bridgestone RE760Sport 225/40/R18 // Eibach Pro Spacers 10mm // Powerflex Front control arm + Rear control arm bushing // Bilstein B8 shock // Sure Injector seal + studs // JBR EGR block off plate // JBR BPV tube // Stoptech brake line // Stoptech brake fluid // Motorcraft XT-M5-QS Transmission fluid //

[loki]

regarding the SURE seals

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?67721-SURE-Halos-Injector-Seals-Use-at-your-own-risk

ever dyno'd the car or are you relying on virtual dyno plots to determine your 330 hp/ 392 tq?

[Atomic]

I know for the SURE seals ... I don't install yet.

It's not important for my question dude ... with all my modz do I really need a FMIC for my daily driving car ?

[loki]

I know for the SURE seals ... I don't install yet.

It's not important for my question dude ... with all my modz do I really need a FMIC for my daily driving car ?

you posted your mod list, I noticed the seals and was just trying to warn you a bit.

[Atomic]

It's ok ... I know you just try to help.

but can you help me for my decision between the CPE TMIC (already have) and UR FMIC + OCC. Is it difficult to mix the OCC piping and the FMIC piping or it's simple.

[pwdunmore]

No, you don't "Need" it... depends if you "Want" it... you can do either its just little bit of work to do the installs, just like every other mod

[loki]

It's ok ... I know you just try to help.

but can you help me for my decision between the CPE TMIC (already have) and UR FMIC + OCC. Is it difficult to mix the OCC piping and the FMIC piping or it's simple.

just keep the CPE TMIC.


you can run the OCC hoses through the FMIC piping, it's more of a hassle, but it is not impossible.

as for what you want for daily driving, only you can make that decision.

as for the SURE seals do yourself a favour and return them or throw them in the garbage.

[Atomic]

Yep SURE advice their customer for a major "RAPPEL". So I will be dedamaged for this order.

[breakfasteatre]

Yep SURE advice their customer for a major "RAPPEL". So I will be dedamaged for this order.

wtf

[CelestSpeed3]

Yep SURE advice their customer for a major "RAPPEL". So I will be dedamaged for this order.

WTF indeed

[MS308-john-a]

Just installed my UR kit but I got the Perrin T-bolt clamps with it, so far so good, car feels sooooooo much better! thanks to Vince and paul for talking me back into the front mount.