Custom FMIC

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:14

So, I got my work bonus the other day, and I am thinking of using some of it to get a FMIC. The question is do I go custom or the CPE route.

I know custom is much cheaper, around $500 vs. $1000, but I would need the help of a local shop with fitment, welding, and anything else that needs to be done. Anybody have ay recommendations or opinions on the matter?

Postby **RX-7 Chris** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:14

on something like that I would probably go cpe. gets the guesswork out of it, but what do I know.

MazdaTom · Postby **MazdaTom** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:14

Sorry, I'm turbo retarded so I can't say which is better: custom vs brand name. But with that said, if you go CPE and install it yourself, I'll be there.

firestoned · Postby **firestoned** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:14

I can say that there is not much room at all to work with, there would be a good deal of fabrication to make it work. AFter seeing the work Cp-e put into their intercooler, and the monting plate, I wouldnt want to venture down the custom road... my 02.

Also, the core that Cp-e uses is specifically sized to work with the speed 6 as far as pressure drop and airflow, with a custom core, you're not guaranteed the correct sizing. Cp-e has a technical document on Intercoolers that made my desicion. Im sure you've read it, but here it is anyways:

http://www.cp-e.com/imgs/MazdaSPEED6_Intercooler_Research_PDF.pdf

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:14

Yeah, I have read that, thanks for posting though lots of good information there.

I was already about 90% sure that I was going to buy the CPE one, but a few people have done one themselves with some luck so I figured I would at least see if anyone knew of a place that could help out.

Fabrication work scares me, since I have no experience doing it. Couple that with the fact that you have to cut up the bumper a bit to get the CPE unit to fit and I think I would be in way over my head.

To bad my wife wouldn't let me use all of my bonus on the car. I could have gotten 90% of the mods I want done with that kind of funding, unfortunately I have to let her get something she wants.

firestoned · Postby **firestoned** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 9:14

FYI, you do not need to cut anything to get the CPE to fit

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

Really, I thought you had to trim some stuff on he other side of the bumper for the core to fit properly.

This is just making the choice easier and easier. Hopefully the wife doesn't mind the price tag too much.

firestoned · Postby **firestoned** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

no... no cutting or drilling. All the holes used are already there..

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

Aren't there some restrictions for the types of BOVs and intakes that can be used with this system?

I'm trying to look for that information right now, but I keep comming up shor for some reason.

roninsoldier83 · Postby **roninsoldier83** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

Not to take away from your thread, but I'm just curious, why a FMIC prior to getting some form of EM+tuning? Are you just trying to stave off heat soak? If that's the case, I understand, however, you'll get a LOT more bang for your buck with EM+tuning vs a FMIC.

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

FMIC = $1100

CPE Standback + PnP + Flash = about $1600 add about $400 for tuning and it's $2000 total.

Add to that the current economy, my clearance issues with the TMIC and my Exhaust Manifold, and you get my decision.

I'd love to do EMS and tuning, but right now it just isn't in the cards. Tuning is next on my list though.

wyosaint · Postby **wyosaint** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

roninsoldier83 wrote:Not to take away from your thread, but I'm just curious, why a FMIC prior to getting some form of EM+tuning? Are you just trying to stave off heat soak? If that's the case, I understand, however, you'll get a LOT more bang for your buck with EM+tuning vs a FMIC.

He is right. It looks like you have a few items already, I would definatly go with the EM+Tuning and then the FMIC to finish your set up as far as the larger components go.. and FYI about the BOV, I have read the HKS is not well for the Speed6.
I myself, am waiting and getting everything at once lol

roninsoldier83 · Postby **roninsoldier83** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

bobopud wrote:FMIC = $1100

CPE Standback + PnP + Flash = about $1600 add about $400 for tuning and it's $2000 total.

Add to that the current economy, my clearance issues with the TMIC and my Exhaust Manifold, and you get my decision.

I'd love to do EMS and tuning, but right now it just isn't in the cards. Tuning is next on my list though.

Ahhhh, I see. Makes sense if you're having clearance issues that make a FMIC a necessity. If not for that fact, for $1100, I would just pick up the Standback ($653) + PnP Harness ($298), for a grand total of $951, hold off on the flash & dyno time until you can afford it.

Man, CP-E is really making a killing on EM lol. For me, EM was a much cheaper solution:

Used V1 Accessport ($250 used on Nasioc) + $300 for dyno tuning (Adam at Revolutions charges the same no matter how long it takes)= $550 total.

For $1600, I want a full standalone.... like an AEM EMS, Hydra, Autotronic ect. For what is basically just a glorified piggyback+OTS flash, $1600 is WAY too much money IMO. Maybe I've just been spoiled with the Subie community here lately... as this is the typical cost of EM for most WRX/STI users these days:

Open Source/Rom Raider software (Free!) + Tactrix cable ($70) + Dyno time (typically $300)= $370.

^^^Technically, OS software can decode NB O2 sensor readings, essentially giving you a fair idea of where your AFR's are, almost negating the need for dyno time. With a WB O2 that will datalog with OS (quite a few of them), no dyno time needed if you know what you're doing. I know a few people who were just doing OS road tunes for people and only charging $100, just tuning with a mounting WB O2 sensor & a laptop

I'm surprised no one has cracked the MS6 ECU by now, and came up with some form of end user flash based software, as it seems to be getting popular with other platforms these days.

Either way though, I understand your dilemma. Good luck with either route you choose to take!

-Brandon

firestoned · Postby **firestoned** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

bobopud wrote:Aren't there some restrictions for the types of BOVs and intakes that can be used with this system?

I'm trying to look for that information right now, but I keep comming up shor for some reason.

I had the Turbosmart BOV (about the tallest one out there) and it BARELY fit. The HKS should fit fine, although like Wyo said, I personally dont reccomend it for our cars... but thats a whole nuther argument...

Either CAI or SRI should fit well with the Cpe setup..

bobopud · Postby **bobopud** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:14

I have read that only the CPE CAI fits with the CPE FMIC, something to do with the positioning of the MAF sensor. I think I will just do what you did, Eric, and hack the Mazdaspeed CAI into a SRI. I may have to schedule a trip up to your shop for some install and hacksaw help, of course the beer will be on me.

As far as getting the MS6 ECU cracked, there is a guy on 6club that is attempting to crack it, but I guess it is a pretty long and arduous process, hence the price tag on the Standback. That is also another reason that I am putting off buying a tuner, I think I may buy used when I get to that point anyway. Cobb has their accessport available, but without a tuning software you are at their mercy for tuning solutions, which does not sit well with me.

Some of you may be familiar with Whoosh over on 6club and his exploits prior to tuning. These cars seem to react well with the stock ecu as long as you aren't stupid about it. It is unfortunate that once whoosh got tuning he decided that the car was more trouble than it is worth.

My hope is that by the time summer rolls around I will have enough saved up and available to get EMS, whatever system that may be.

Custom FMIC

Custom FMIC

Who is online