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
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.
pretty straight forward install. Grimmspeed has a pretty good video on YouTube if needed. Only thing that was super annoying was having to mess with my AOS lines. Since the top mount is bigger, it was conflicting with my lines I had ran with the oem top mount. Car feels smooth, I’m happy with it.
Hello,
Appreciate the detailed feedback! Great to hear the install went smoothly and that performance improvements were noticeable.
Regards,
R
Rp
Can't beat grimmspeed
Got this and installed it right before getting tuned and it makes a huge difference. Heat soak is a non issue with this and the fit and finish is second to none. I did have to remove my cusco strut brace, but I think I might be able to fit it back in, otherwise I'll have to find another brace that does fit.
Rp,
Thank you for the 5 Star Rating! The GrimmSpeed Top Mount is by far one of the best on the market! Appreciate the added info on the strut brace as well!
