GrimmSpeed Top Mount Intercooler Raw 2008-2014 WRX

When you’re turning up the boost, your intercooler becomes one of the most critical components in your system. As turbocharged air is compressed, it naturally heats up—hotter air is less dense, increases the likelihood of knock, and limits power. Your OEM TMIC works fine at stock boost, but once you start pushing the car harder, it heat-soaks quickly and can’t recover.

The GrimmSpeed TMIC is engineered to keep temps low, airflow high, and performance consistent pull after pull.

Quick Specs

• 17.5 x 8.7 x 3.5" Cross-Flow Bar & Plate Core – optimized balance of heat transfer + low pressure drop
• Cast Aluminum End Tanks – machined BPV flange for precise fit and sealing
• 5-Ply Reinforced Silicone Couplers – custom molded for durability in high-temp environments
• Wide-Mouth Splitter – channels airflow across the entire width of the scoop
• Vibration-Isolated Mounting – prevents fatigue and cracking
• Stainless BPV Studs – avoids damaging soft aluminum threads
• Cleaned, Inspected & Sealed Before Shipping – protects your engine from contaminants

Design

Intercooler engineering is a balance of maximum heat transfer and minimal pressure drop. Too dense of a core restricts airflow; too open of a core doesn’t cool effectively. We engineered a custom bar-and-plate core tailored specifically for Subaru turbo platforms.

Highlights include:

• OEM TMIC laser-scanned for exact mounting geometry
• Custom fin density and internal structure for ideal cooling performance
• CFD-modeled cast end tanks for smooth, even airflow distribution
• 3D-printed mockups verified for perfect OEM-plus fitment

The result is an intercooler that is stronger, cooler, more consistent, and easier to install than anything in its class.

Construction

• Precision-cast and CNC-machined end tanks
• Stainless studs permanently installed to protect against thread stripping
• High-density bar & plate core TIG welded by skilled fabricators
• 5-ply silicone couplers that hold shape under boost
• Laser-cut, CNC-bent aluminum splitter with durable texture-black powdercoat
• Each unit is pressure-tested, cleaned, and sealed before leaving our shop

This level of quality ensures long-term reliability—especially in the harsh environment of a turbocharged engine bay.

Performance

Testing was performed on a 2012 WRX (downpipe, EBCS, prototype intake, pro tune). Repeated 3rd-gear pulls were logged from 3000 rpm to redline with short cool-down intervals. Temperatures were measured before and after the intercooler using k-type thermocouples.

Results:

• Pre-IC temps: consistent ~180–190°F for all coolers
• Post-IC temps (GrimmSpeed): rock-solid 30–40°F
• Post-IC temps (OEM): rises rapidly to 75°F under repeated load

This stability is what prevents knock, maintains power, and keeps performance consistent even during hard driving.

Installation Instructions