Impressions: Corksport TMIC

[Ferdball]

Freebies: I got a Koozie that starts off flat, then curls around whatever you're drinking. Pretty cool. I also got a Corksport pen and sticker.

Price: I had been looking for a used ETS intercooler for about 8 months now. Even at $400 used, they go too quick for me to pick one up. Glad I waited. CP-e and Corksport got into the TMIC action. A $299 initial price with a refundable $50 deposit, it was a no brainer.

Installation: Took me about an hour. I took the time to check on a spark plug too. I had problems with the back grommet coming loose. The shroud is very tight around the sides, as well as front and back. I barely got the two shroud bolts in the front to bite. Once they bit, they were easy to get on. But the shroud is definitely flexing from front to back. I hope that doesn't become a problem.
Edit: Fitment problem discovered. See post 11 below.

Initial Impression: Feels smoother, quicker to spool, and obviously more powerful. I took a Datalog before (Datalog29) and one after (Datalog31). I didn't reset the battery and there hasn't been enough time for the ECU to adjust yet. So I got a puff of smoke between 2nd and 3rd during WOT shifting. But from about 4900 to 5900 RPM in 4th gear, the new Corksport TMIC is .6 seconds faster.

Pics:

















Had some gunk in this screw hole. Needed a drill to clean it out a bit.


Had grommet troubles here.



















Initial Verdict: Even at $350 (or whatever they're charging), it is worth it. It's easy to put on, hidden under the stock shroud, it smoothens and quickens the throttle response, and of course it adds power. Go Git!

[bigmike_310]

great pics.

[meelo88]

excellent review...i will put mine on either tonight or tomorrow....

[CorkSport]

I am glad you got your intercooler from UPS before the weekend. I was a little concerned they would mess up the hold at the local station for you.

-Derrick

[Ferdball]

Originally Posted by CorkSport I am glad you got your intercooler from UPS before the weekend. I was a little concerned they would mess up the hold at the local station for you. -Derrick

Me too, thanks. That's three whole sitting-at-home-and-doing-nothing days you know.

[ak_spray]

Really nice review. I haven't reset the ECU either but maybe its me but I do seem to feel more lower in torque. Anyone else feel the same?

[Ferdball]

One thing that I noticed between the two logs was that the Boost Air Temp got a little higher with the new intercooler. Is that right? Am I logging the right thing?

[CorkSport]

That is weird. What is the KR reading?

[Ferdball]

KR peaked at 2.5 with the new versus 1.05 on the old. Intake temps are comparable.

[johnnyspeed6]

I reset my ECU .. Initial driving impressions are more torque .. Im waiting for the car to catch up and get the boost right .. I was hoping the TMIC would get rid of the random knock but havent driven enough to find out .. nice intercooler though

[Ferdball]

Fitment Problem:

Here is the reason for the fin bending on the first row.


The last row has the same problem, but not as bad.


This is what your first row probably looks like.

Possible Solution:

I took a Dremel to it. Not the best grind job, but it fits much better.

[meelo88]

Originally Posted by Ferdball Fitment Problem: Here is the reason for the fin bending on the first row. The last row has the same problem, but not as bad. This is what your first row probably looks like. Possible Solution: I took a Dremel to it. Not the best grind job, but it fits much better.

Nice! I considered doing that but I didn't know if I wanted to chop up my stock cover...guess I'll look at it later

[Ferdball]

Originally Posted by meelo88 Nice! I considered doing that but I didn't know if I wanted to chop up my stock cover...guess I'll look at it later

It shouldn't take away from its looks or its structural rigidity.

[meelo88]

Originally Posted by Ferdball It shouldn't take away from its looks or its structural rigidity.

Agreed...I did that and now it fits nicely and I can even use the stock screws!!

[johnnyspeed6]

Originally Posted by meelo88 Agreed...I did that and now it fits nicely and I can even use the stock screws!!

Just ground down the sides as well .. fits better but not perfect... but its better

[meelo88]

yeah i trimmped it evenly with my multimax and then took some 120 grit and sanded down the edges...now it's flush and very smooth....i put the cover on with ease....might be something to look at for anyone who had to push down the shroud to get the screws in....

i haven't taken it off to see if anything was bent still but at this point i don't care anymore

[Ferdball]

What do you guys use to unbend the fins? A comb, or just a screwdriver?

[meelo88]

i used a flat nose pliers