Finally got my aftermarket ( TAP ) I/C off my desk and in the car today.<p>Details -<br>Two hours of shop time. Although the I/C looks like a drop-in when you eyeball it, ny mechanics has a bear of a time shoehorning the larger unit past flanges and brackets in the way. They believe the easiest ( but more time-consuming ) method would be to remove the front of the car ( ! ) to replace the I/C. DIY'ers beware !! Also, there was NO clearance between the top front of the I/C and the rear of the left headlamp housing ( Valeo H4 unit ). Hopefully, the Xenon HiD's I'm waiting on have a slimmer profile and will not interfere.<p>As the pics attest, the aftermarket unit is larger, better built, has more cooling capacity, than the stock unit. It is also LIGHTER.<p>Driving it - there are those who would question being able to feel a 10 hp ( ? torque #'s ) increase in a car - I would say that in a car which you are familiar with, the difference is easily noticeable. The increase is not dramatic ( like a chip upgrade ), but feels similar to when I upgraded the exhaust, with better throttle response throughout the range. Feels like " who took the brake off ? ", and that's just around town, I haven't done any highway driving yet. <p>Next up - tubular header !<p>Donnie <p>

Wow- it's been awhile since I ended an achived page <VBG><p>Donnie

Very nice!<p>I certainly appreciate your showing us the details. The intercooler looks great. Are you going to put a grill deflector to get more air to it?<p>

Nice looking unit!!! How much for the I/C and how much for the install?<p>Do you think I would experience an increase with just a chip and exhaust?<p>RichP

Excellent. Thanks for the pics, I think mine is being sent today.<br>I just can't belive how expensive intercoolers are.<br>It would have been great if the was more room for a larger one, or one with water cooling as well.

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I've got PIAA fogs in the lower grille. Maybe I could affix the fog in the MTM I/C duct ? They're small, probably wouldn't block too much airflow.<p>Donnie

What about putting the lights in the center grill.<br>But If they are small you shouldn't loose much or any air flow.