I am hoping for some advice seeing if people have much use with CNT Racing parts? I can't find much in the way of reviews on line for their parts. 2 things they offer I am in debate of getting are Headers/uppipe and FMIC kit. this is for my 2013 STI. http://www.cntracing.com/CNT-performance-08-13-Subaru-WRX-and-STI-Equal-Len-p/hd-s11-01.htm http://www.cntracing.com/CNT-Racing...ront-mount-inte-p/cnt-2008fintercoolerwrx.htm So as you can see 270 for headers 99 for the up pipe and 650 for an intercooler kit is a very great price compared to my other option Tomei Headers $711 rallisport or Perrin FMIC $1700. Both these part don't have moving parts but have welds and fitment concerns. Should I be concerned? or Should I take the bullet for all of us and find out how great these parts are/aren't? Also second guessing the headers anyway just because I will miss my boxer sound given the ELH. Any advice at all would be great thanks.
I don't have any personal experience with CNT, but I know a few members on here have run the catback. Header fitment can be tricky. If you want high quality parts but want to save money, consider searching for used parts in good condition. It can take some time, but with patience and thorough searching, you can find some very good deals on here, NASIOC, and IWSTI.
i hope to have stage 2+pro tune from Nuke in a month or so. after that I am hoping to go with a couple more bolt ons i.e. FMIC, headers, fuel system so it can be ready for a built block and upgraded turbo. in between all the bolt ons I will be upgrading most of the suspension/driveline before I do the block and turbo. In the past I built my M3 the same way it worked out but I bought all quality parts and new the brands a lot better than todays offerings for subaru. Also before that I lived in Japan and had built a MR2 and Soarer. and I knew all the brands back then it was real simple HKS greddy Blitz Apexi ARC all the bigs at least that's how it was for me in Japan. Thank you for any and all advice.
Aftermarket parts, regardless of moving parts or not, differ greatly in quality. It's not just weld quality that differentiates CNT from Perrin. For example, take a peak at boost thickness, core size and metal thickness on the Perrin FMIC vs. FMS or CNT. It's a different ball park entirely. Finishes also make a big difference in durability. Perrin= power coated, CNT and others= none or anodized.
I wouldn't spend the money on a FMIC, if you are still stock turbo you will be fine with you stock TMIC. If you are going to buy a FMIC, spend the money and get a quality setup, I would also recommend this for a header and up pipe combo. If you want a great header check out the Grimspeed ported manifolds and crossover.
I agree to a point but some of these things yoy really wont see a difference. I have yet to hear anyone say anything bad about any intercooler other then fitment. I have some off brand ebay fmic setup, have never had a problem with it, and would never spend the money on perrin......in the aftermarket world its like clothes, sometimes your just paying for the name. Dont get me wrong, there are some things I dont like to get cheap on, those would be the parts that will destroy other expensive parts if they go out..... I wont say going cheap is always the best idea, but I think buying some of these name brands are just stupid.
You've spent too much time sucking on the teet of Perrin I'll second this idea as well. But judging by the OP's history with cars, I think the OP may have different goals in mind.
I agree 100%. The difficult part is determining where to cheap out and by how much, and that can only come from lots of research. For example, a lot of people might bash a turbo manufacturer like Kinugawa because they sell their turbos on ebay sometimes (and they aren't Blouch) but they are actually very high quality. Unlike most of the rest of the generic chinese turbos you will find on ebay which really will be more pain than the savings is worth so there is a fine line. You do have to be mindful of fitment with any headers and even if you buy really expensive ones used a lot of times they will be warped from the heat. You should be especially mindful if you plan on getting an aftermarket oil pan (killer b for example). If I was you I would skip the headers for sure until you know exactly what your build is going to be. The FMIC is really up to you. You could get by with the stock TMIC and it would be easier and cheaper in the short term but it sounds like you will end up with a FMIC anyways so no real harm in doing it now if you have the money.
I bought my Perrin FMIC used and got a great deal on it, I would not have bought it new for $1700, though it is probably worth it. Addition: The stock TMIC is garbage. How is metal crimped onto plastic (end tanks) supposed to be a good seal? I would at least put a decent TMIC on. This is one place I will recommend against Perrin, their TMIC fits like crap.
Thank you everyone for the sound advice. Tash and Nhibbs I like your thoughts on the whole thing. I was leaning that direction but was indecisive and you helped me make up my mind. Btw I feel so out of it sometimes because if i were to buy a turbo I would think Garrett would be the best but never Blouch… I have never heard of them till i got my STI and got back in to cars. I see the name Blouch and think of Blaupunkt stereo parts or something lol. Thank again you guys are great.
