Mishimoto Top-Mount Intercooler Kit - 2002-2007 WRX / 2004-2007 STi (Silver Core / Red Hoses)
Mishimoto Top-Mount Intercooler Kit - 2002-2007 WRX / 2004-2007 STi
Maximize your Subaru's performance with the Mishimoto Top-Mount Intercooler (TMIC) Kit. Featuring a massive bar-and-plate core with silver powder-coated finish and red silicone hoses, this intercooler dramatically lowers intake air temperatures, prevents heat soak, and supports increased boost for sustained horsepower gains. The ultimate cooling upgrade for modified WRX and STi builds.
Key Features:
- Massive bar-and-plate core for maximum cooling efficiency
- Silver powder-coated finish for durability and appearance
- Red silicone hoses for heat resistance and premium look
- Dramatically lowers intake air temperatures (IATs)
- Prevents heat soak during sustained high-load driving
- Supports increased boost on modified engines
- Direct bolt-on replacement for factory TMIC
- Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty
Performance Benefits:
- Lower IATs: Massive core surface area dramatically reduces intake air temperatures
- Prevents Heat Soak: Bar-and-plate design maintains cooling efficiency during extended pulls
- Increased Power: Cooler air = denser air = more power and torque
- Supports Higher Boost: Essential for turbo upgrades and increased boost levels
- Consistent Performance: Maintains power output during track sessions and spirited driving
- Improved Reliability: Lower IATs reduce risk of detonation and engine damage
Specifications:
- Brand: Mishimoto
- Part Number: MMTMIC-WRX-01SLRD
- Product: Top-Mount Intercooler Kit
- Core Type: Bar-and-plate construction
- Core Finish: Silver powder-coated
- Hose Color: Red silicone
- Core Size: Significantly larger than factory TMIC
- Installation: Direct bolt-on replacement
- Weight: 23.8 lbs
- Warranty: Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty
Fitment Information:
- Compatible Vehicles:
- 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX (all models)
- 2004-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi (all models)
- Engines: EJ20 and EJ25 turbocharged engines
- Note: Designed for top-mount turbo configurations. Verify fitment for your specific model year.
What's Included:
- Mishimoto bar-and-plate intercooler core (silver powder-coated)
- Red silicone hoses (complete set)
- Stainless steel clamps
- All necessary mounting hardware
- Installation instructions
Installation Notes:
- Direct bolt-on replacement - no modifications required
- Installation time: approximately 2-3 hours
- Basic hand tools required
- Professional installation recommended for best results
- Allow engine to cool before installation
- Inspect all hoses and clamps for proper fitment before final assembly
Bar-and-Plate Core Design:
The Mishimoto TMIC uses a bar-and-plate core design, which is superior to the factory tube-and-fin design. Bar-and-plate construction features internal fins that create turbulence in the airflow, dramatically increasing heat transfer efficiency. This design also provides greater structural strength and durability, making it ideal for high-boost applications.
Massive Core Size:
The Mishimoto TMIC core is significantly larger than the factory intercooler, providing dramatically increased surface area for heat dissipation. This larger core means more cooling capacity, which translates to lower intake air temperatures and more consistent performance during extended high-load driving.
Why Lower IATs Matter:
Intake air temperature (IAT) has a direct impact on engine performance and reliability:
- Power: Cooler air is denser, containing more oxygen for combustion = more power
- Detonation: Lower IATs reduce risk of knock and detonation
- Consistency: Maintains power output during extended pulls and track sessions
- Reliability: Cooler combustion temperatures reduce stress on engine components
- Tuning: Allows more aggressive tuning with increased timing and boost
Heat Soak Prevention:
The factory TMIC suffers from heat soak during sustained high-load driving, where the intercooler becomes saturated with heat and loses cooling efficiency. The Mishimoto's massive bar-and-plate core resists heat soak, maintaining consistent cooling performance even during extended track sessions or spirited mountain runs.
Red Silicone Hoses:
The kit includes premium red silicone hoses that replace the factory rubber hoses. Silicone offers superior heat resistance, durability, and flexibility compared to rubber. The red color adds a premium appearance to your engine bay while the silicone construction ensures long-lasting performance without cracking or deterioration.
Silver Powder-Coated Finish:
The silver powder-coated finish provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability while maintaining a clean, professional appearance in your engine bay. The powder coating withstands high temperatures and harsh conditions without fading or peeling.
Essential for Modified Engines:
If you're running increased boost, a turbo upgrade, or other performance modifications, the Mishimoto TMIC is an essential upgrade. The factory intercooler becomes a major bottleneck on modified engines, limiting power gains and increasing risk of detonation. The Mishimoto TMIC ensures your engine receives the cool, dense air it needs for maximum performance and reliability.
Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty:
Every Mishimoto intercooler is backed by their Lifetime Warranty, demonstrating their confidence in the quality and durability of their products. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the product.
Why Mishimoto?
Mishimoto has been engineering high-performance cooling solutions for over 15 years. Their intercoolers are designed using advanced CAD software and tested extensively to ensure optimal performance, fitment, and reliability. Every Mishimoto product is manufactured to strict quality standards.
Performance Expectations:
The Mishimoto TMIC typically delivers:
- IAT reductions of 20-40°F compared to factory TMIC
- Consistent cooling during extended high-load driving
- Support for 400+ HP builds with proper supporting modifications
- Improved throttle response from denser intake charge
Note: Actual results vary based on ambient temperature, boost levels, and driving conditions.
Perfect Pairing:
For maximum cooling performance, pair the Mishimoto TMIC with:
- Mishimoto aluminum radiator for improved coolant temperatures
- Cold air intake for increased airflow
- Turbo upgrade for increased boost and power
- ECU tuning to optimize for cooler IATs
Installation Tips:
- Use the included stainless steel clamps and tighten securely
- Apply dielectric grease to sensor connections
- Inspect all hoses for proper routing and clearance
- Check for boost leaks after installation
- Monitor IATs with a boost gauge or AccessPort to verify performance
Perfect For:
- Modified WRX and STi builds running increased boost
- Track day cars requiring consistent cooling performance
- Turbo upgrade builds needing better cooling capacity
- Anyone experiencing heat soak with factory TMIC
- Builds targeting 350+ HP
Perfect For: WRX and STi owners seeking maximum cooling performance, lower IATs, and the ability to support increased boost and power.
Pro Tip: Monitor your IATs before and after installation to see the dramatic improvement - you'll be amazed at the difference!
Lifetime Warranty: Mishimoto backs this TMIC with their Lifetime Warranty for ultimate peace of mind.
Maximize your Subaru's performance with Mishimoto top-mount intercooler - massive bar-and-plate core, lowers IATs, prevents heat soak, supports higher boost.