GrimmSpeed 05-09 Subaru Legacy GT / 08-14 WRX/ 05-09 Outback XT Top Mount Intercooler (grm090027)
You probably already know that you want an intercooler with maximum cooling and minimum restriction, but when it comes to selecting the right ‘man for the job’, we think it’s important to understand why. As air is pressurized by your turbo, it heats up, not because of the heat of the turbocharger, but because when they’re compressed, the atoms in the air are forced closer together and as a result, move faster and have more energy. That energy manifests itself as heat. The more heat we can remove from the system, the denser the air becomes and that’s what helps eliminate pre-detonation, or ‘knock’, allowing for increased output from your system. Your OEM TMIC does just fine at stock boost under normal use, but as soon as you start putting some real heat into it with a higher boost or harder use, it heat-soaks beyond recovery.
Design
There are two primary considerations in the design of an intercooler: maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop. Unfortunately, one causes the other, so finding a perfect balance requires a detailed understanding of the intended application, some serious engineering power, and the highest quality manufacturing processes. Fitment and quality are also critically important to ensure that the most safety-critical part of your turbo system is up to the task every time your foot hits the floor. We began by laser scanning an OEM TMIC to plot the mounting points and space claim in CAD with pinpoint accuracy. At the same time, we designed a custom bar and plate core with overall dimensions, fin density, and fin types that would provide the insane heat transfer area we require with minimal flow restriction. With core size nailed down, we got to work designing end tanks that offered smooth flow, perfect fitment, and even distribution of the hot charge air through the core. Countless revisions were tested in flow simulation before we finally found exactly the characteristics that we wanted. From there, 3D printed prototypes were used to confirm fitment and we began work on manufacturing details in preparation for verification testing and production.
Construction
Each intercooler uses two unique end tanks. The first accepts the hot charge air from the turbo and feeds it to the intercooler core. The second receives the cooled charge air from the core and delivers it to the throttle body. These end tanks are precision cast and machined right here in Minnesota. The bypass valve flange is milled flat and stainless steel studs are permanently installed to ensure that the aluminum threads don’t become damaged and shorten the life of the intercooler. Following the inspection, end tanks are welded to a high-density bar and plate intercoolers before the entire assembly is pressure tested, cleaned and sealed for shipment. 5-ply silicone couplers hold their shape in extreme conditions and ensure that charge air makes it to and from the intercooler with no trouble. Splitters are laser cut from aluminum sheet and CNC bent before being assembled and powder-coated with a durable texture black finish. Stainless steel hardware secures the splitter to the factory hood scoop.
Performance
We set up testing to simulate a real-world scenario that’s typically demanding of an intercooler. The test vehicle is a 2012 WRX with a GrimmSpeed downpipe, boost control solenoid, prototype intake, and professional tuning. On a closed course, we accelerated in 3rd gear from 3000rpm to redline repeatedly, with 5-8sec between runs. The temperature was logged via k-type thermocouples between the turbo and the intercooler and between the intercooler and the throttle body on both units. The ambient temperature here in Minnesota for both tests was between 20 and 22 degrees F.
- Subaru Legacy GT (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
- Subaru WRX (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
- Subaru Outback XT (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
FEATURES
- 17.5in x 8.7in x 3.5in Cross-Flow Core - careful balance of high heat transfer and low-pressure drop
- Cast Aluminum End Tanks - machined BPV flange for precision fit and perfect seal
- 5-Ply Silicone Couplers - custom molded and reinforced for demanding environments
- Wide-Mouth Splitter - collects air from the entire width of the scoop
- Vibration Isolation Mounting - protect the intercooler system from fatigue due to vibration
- Stainless Steel BPV Studs - avoid the risk of damaging fragile aluminum threads
- Cleaned, Inspected, and Sealed Prior to Shipping - prevent motor damage due to foreign matter
To provide faster delivery and turn around time; Kami Speed ships products out from different warehouses throughout the United States. Usually averaging 1-4 business days for processing prior to shipping.
Depending on the package, we ship using different carriers according to the item's location, content, and size.
Freight truck & international items, will require up to 7 business days to ship due to size and logistics.
All orders made after 3:00pm ET will be shipped or processed the next business day.
Unless otherwise noted as "In Stock" or exact ETA. Special Order items have an ETA of 5+ weeks.
Orders over $500 will ship insured and over $1,000 with signature and insurance in order to guarantee delivery. Orders over $1000 may not be able to ship to a different address not listed as the billing address or confirm payment address from the form of payment used. Orders with suite numbers, different billing, or apartment numbers will require signature if valued over $100.
All international orders outside of the USA are subject to duties and taxes fees per your countries jurisdiction and determined by customs.
Kami Speed serves the right to ship using an alternative method if we see it fit, in order to expedite shipping and reduce your rate depending on product value.
Processing and logistics on in stock international orders can take up to 7 business days to process & ship.
In stock, non special order items can be returned within 30 days of the product arriving to your house or place of work.
Returns will NOT be accepted on Clearance Items, Final Sales, Special Orders, Opened, Installed, Incomplete, or Otherwise Used Products. In order to initiate a return, an RMA number must be requested and approved via e-mail. All returns will be subject to a 20% restocking fee minus complete shipping cost (roundtrip).
Any processed orders that have not shipped will incur a 6% cancelation refund fee unless the product was not available to ship within a timely manner. No fee will be incurred if used as store credit.
For complete details on our return policy, please see our Help and FAQ link under HELPFUL INFO.
WARNING: Operating, servicing and maintaining a passenger vehicle or off-highway motor vehicle can expose you to chemicals including engine exhaust, carbon monoxide, phthalates, and lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. To minimize exposure, avoid breathing exhaust, do not idle the engine except as necessary, service your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves or wash your hands frequently when servicing your vehicle. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/passenger-vehicle.
GrimmSpeed 05-09 Subaru Legacy GT / 08-14 WRX/ 05-09 Outback XT Top Mount Intercooler (grm090027)
