Subaru Intercooler
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I have a 2005 Outback XT, and it looks like it has spring a leak in the intercooler. Do any of you subaru guys know where to get an inexpensive replacement? So far the car is stock, but someday I hope to get around to putting a tune on it. That's as far as I will ever go on that car, so I don't need much, but I can't find anything aftermarket for less than $750, which just seems ridiculous, and I hear the stock units are prone to failure with their plastic end tanks and whatnot.
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Thanks, but it doesn't look like that version of STi intercooler will fit my car. It looks like the 2008-13 WRX intercooler is the same, though. I am hesitant to put a stock one on, though, just because they seem to fail so regularly, but there doesn't seem to be anything in the aftermarket between there and $700.
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nope, sti intercoolers won't fit that funky new plastic manifold setup these things have.
there are 2 inexpensive alternatives:
1)get an ebay all alum knockoff (I think its called "fast motorsports" or something) for $300-450. I may have one for you.
2) take apart, clean, re-seal, re-crimp, the stocker and install the "reinforcement kit" hardware tehy sell for those stupid pieces of crap that will run you about $90.
there are 2 inexpensive alternatives:
1)get an ebay all alum knockoff (I think its called "fast motorsports" or something) for $300-450. I may have one for you.
2) take apart, clean, re-seal, re-crimp, the stocker and install the "reinforcement kit" hardware tehy sell for those stupid pieces of crap that will run you about $90.
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Well, that is certainly cheaper than a Perrin or something, but I was hoping for SOMETHING good in the $200 range. How can there not be anything good there? With the stock units failing all over the place you would think somebody would make a reliable stock replacement.
I think I might just buy a used stock unit and see how long it lasts. I can buy 5 of them for the price of even the cheapest aluminum unit.
I think I might just buy a used stock unit and see how long it lasts. I can buy 5 of them for the price of even the cheapest aluminum unit.
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I put some kind of gray goop gasket maker stuff on the spot that looked leaky tonight just to see if my check engine light comes back on tomorrow, but I know that won't hold. I hear if you JB weld it and put a couple giant hose clamps around it, that tends to prolong the life a little.
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Best price FMIC that I could find HERE
TMIC for sale by individual HERE
Pretty sure an 05 LGT should fit 05 OBXT, but confirm before buying.
EDIT - for cheap bastards ($90 kit or DIY)), look HERE. Depending on where you are leaking, it may work but I'm not sure. Again, contact seller 1st before buying.
TMIC for sale by individual HERE
Pretty sure an 05 LGT should fit 05 OBXT, but confirm before buying.
EDIT - for cheap bastards ($90 kit or DIY)), look HERE. Depending on where you are leaking, it may work but I'm not sure. Again, contact seller 1st before buying.
Last edited by 05pearl; 01-20-2014 at 09:22 PM.
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Yes, and this part is concerning. I am thinking maybe I will buy a non-leaking used stock unit and reinforce it as in the $90 kit above (though I will make the kit myself because I own a hack saw and a drill).
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at 55K? Ugh good lord, $499 seems to be the cheapest replacement and it's a POS godspeed:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/insert-bs-here-4/100513-subaru-intercooler-ick-042_zpsa95b71af.jpg?dateline=1390335419)
next is the Torque Solutions:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/insert-bs-here-4/100514-subaru-intercooler-36ffc36e-5bcc-41d9-b3d9-feabf1be7577-420.jpg?dateline=1390335419)
at $575 probably worth the extra $75 for a better core, but I don't like the shorter runners vs the long runner core of the godspeed.
and i need new tires pretty damn soon...blah i hate spending money on this ****.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/insert-bs-here-4/100513-subaru-intercooler-ick-042_zpsa95b71af.jpg?dateline=1390335419)
next is the Torque Solutions:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/insert-bs-here-4/100514-subaru-intercooler-36ffc36e-5bcc-41d9-b3d9-feabf1be7577-420.jpg?dateline=1390335419)
at $575 probably worth the extra $75 for a better core, but I don't like the shorter runners vs the long runner core of the godspeed.
and i need new tires pretty damn soon...blah i hate spending money on this ****.
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Yep. Well, I think its a very good possibility. I've tested 60k, 80k, and 100k ones and all leaked, from 1 tiny little leak to a couple good sized ones.
It takes all of 5 minutes to pull it, plug up the 3 holes and test it. I'd do it if I were you. if its not leaking yet its a good time to buy one of those reinforcement kits
It takes all of 5 minutes to pull it, plug up the 3 holes and test it. I'd do it if I were you. if its not leaking yet its a good time to buy one of those reinforcement kits
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On my outback it might have been 10 minutes by the time I got the hood open, took off the engine cover, opened the box of wrenches, and removed the intercooler. I didn't plug the holes and test it, since I could see right where it has been leaking.