Hey all, I wanted to post some pics of my APT FMIC kit before and after installation here for anyone who wants to see the set-up since several people have asked. FYI: Installation took me about 4 hours, had the front bumper removed at a body shop for $50, they also re-installed it when it was ready at no extra charge. Intercooler bolted right on with mounting hardware, IC pipes routed straight to the stock smic silicones, just had to adjust thema bit. IC pipes clear mounts as you can see in photo.Removed the stock grille and lights, but added aftermarket grille and lights quite easily. The black grille gives it a more finished look. End result IMO, looks great and performs very well with no pressure drop. Holds boost in all gears, no overheating in the summer and in the winter, my temp stays colder longer wich is a good thing. And if you do purchase the APT kit, I would recommend upgrading to T-bolt clamps which they offer. I'm also confident that my FMIC will reduce air temperatures significantly andcan handle any upgrades I do including a Stage III. Hope this helps.

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What was the total cost? I ilke FMIC but is there any increase in the turbo lag with it? Also I hear you have to modify the bumper, any info on that?

 

I only noticed turbo lag when I was at stock with the fmic kit. I'm currently at Stage II and there is no turbo lag what so ever. Total cost on the FMIC set-up was $799 (APT IC kit)+ $50 (bumper removal and install) = $850. I think it has to do with the short route piping and the small end tanks on the IC that help reduce turbo lag. The only thing I modified on the bumper was the plastic part in front of the radiator in order for the IC to fit, but that didn't hinder any support to the bumper. My bumper is on tight and looks the same as before, you can tell by the last photo. I actually opened up the frontbumper more than I really needed to, but that was becauseI wanted the maximum airflow to my intercooler.

 

I forgot, I upgraded to T-bolt clamps that they provided for an extra $45, well worth the price IMO. I'll never have to worry about the pipes blowing off and having to remove the bumper to fix it. So total was $895.

 

Thats a lot cheaper than AWE's smic. Do you think the performance of it is better than that of the AWE?

 

Yeah, thats another reason I went with APT, you can't beattheir pricecompared to AWE's $1400. IMO its better because its a larger core and the airflow is 100% direct to the core with nothing in the way. The S4 smic cores weather stock or upgraded, the airflow is partially blocked and deflected and you dont get 100% of the outside airflow. Also, with regards to pressure drop,if you think about the AWE twinsmic's, they still have 4 end tanks, 2 per IC,just like the APT fmic and they are about the same size. So basically what you're getting is more IC core from the APT than the AWE. The only downside I saw was the pipe kit was longer than going twin sidemounts, but it is short route piping and I feel no pressure drop or turbo lag whatsoever.

 

Thats a sweet set up you have there, and that makes a lot of sense that your using more of the ic then if you have a smic set up.

 

I think overall fmic's are far more effective and efficient than smic's.

 

I will agree but the only way I will get one is if it hides behind my bumper without having to do to much modifications to the bumber.

 

in the first picture i still see the side mount IC how did u get around that.