Intercooler protector....

4487 Views 8 Replies 8 Participants Last post by irickchad, Sep 20, 2016

stpauli914

Discussion Starter · Sep 13, 2016

Looking for opinions on the necessity of a protector for the intercooler. I have seen several varieties and was wondering what the best quality one was? I also don't want to restrict any flow through the intercooler so I would imagine the finer the metal mesh the better??
Also, what does everyone use to detail the interior(dash, door panels, etc.)

I'm sure I'll have a million more questions, but figured I'll start here.

Thanks!!

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atom_b

· #2 · Sep 13, 2016

Something like this?
I bought a front license plate bracket from them. Good fit.

http://m.mycarworx.com/#Impreza_2015_WRX_STI_Grilles

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Jbravo_AK

· #3 · Sep 13, 2016

You should never place anything in front of your Intercooler. It needs the maximum airflow possible to be effect. You don’t really need to protect it just pick bugs out with some tweezers and bend the small flaps back into place.

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rqjoe

· #4 · Sep 13, 2016

Not necessary.
Factory doesn't deem it necessary. I have zero bent fins or any intake issues at 22,000 miles so far. "Fine" mesh is usually NOT good. Fine mesh has fine wire but also the wires are very close together and this is very restrictive for airflow.
Unless you have specific reason to need a protector (like driving through a flock of birds every day or behind dump trucks on gravel roads) I'd not do it.

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Steemax

· #5 · Sep 13, 2016

Seriously, in the 12k miles i've had the car, the only thing that's made it's way onto the IC was maybe a leaf.... and that was once.

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Jbravo_AK

· #6 · Sep 13, 2016

Steemax said:
Seriously, in the 12k miles i've had the car, the only thing that's made it's way onto the IC was maybe a leaf.... and that was once.

Ehhh I mean I get quite a few huge bees and stuff like that in there but it takes no time to remove them with tweezers and shape it back to normal. Plus no one is gonna see your IC having a few dings unless you have the bumper off.

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sammy2017

· #7 · Sep 20, 2016

I took a look at mine today and found a syringe needle sitting on the front edge.........unused just sitting there. I have no idea how it got there as I do park my car in the garage. I did take it in to the dealership and couple of malls, maybe someone walking by just decided to be a jerk and throw it in there. I was actually looking for some kind of a guard but dont want to effect the performance or drill any holes in my hood. I was at the dealership today and seen a 2014 STi that had the mesh guard on the scoop but couldnt tell how it was installed and when I asked the dealership they told me the owner just custom made it himself.