Intercooler options for less bumper cutting - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Solus Christus · 07-18-2023, 06:42 PM

Hello, I have a stock 94 180SX. I am currently interested in simply doing air intake, turbo back exhaust, and a better intercooler setup. I don't currently plan to try to get tons of power.

My concern though is I don't want to remove too much of the stock look of the car. Any suggestions for a FMIC (or beefier SMIC) that will accomplish little to no bumper cutting?

Thanks!

cured13 · 07-18-2023, 09:02 PM

ARC sidemount

tuzzio · 07-19-2023, 05:54 AM

ARC SMIC, or PBM Highmount

Solus Christus · 07-19-2023, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cured13

ARC sidemount

They are all used on ebay or do they make them new still?

*anti tyler* · 07-19-2023, 11:17 AM

Don't be afraid of used stuff. just leak test it and return it if it leaks

silviaks2nr · 07-19-2023, 11:49 AM

I built a backdoor style intercooler for my s14 with a 4" core if you look on my build thread you can find some photos. It requires that you use a narrower radiator and minor trimming to the core support (down low where you don't even see it)

AKADriver · 07-19-2023, 02:22 PM

S15 OEM sidemount is bigger than the RPS13 one and when they pop up on Yahoo Japan or UP Garage/croober they're usually dirt cheap. Swap over the piping and brackets and it bolts on, slight trimming to the duct to accommodate the added inch or so of core thickness.

AKADriver · 07-19-2023, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silviaks2nr

I built a backdoor style intercooler for my s14 with a 4" core if you look on my build thread you can find some photos. It requires that you use a narrower radiator and minor trimming to the core support (down low where you don't even see it)

"Backdoor" and PBM Highmount style intercoolers don't fit a 180SX, the charge pipes pass through where the popup headlight motors go.

silviaks2nr · 07-19-2023, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKADriver

"Backdoor" and PBM Highmount style intercoolers don't fit a 180SX, the charge pipes pass through where the popup headlight motors go.

maybe any off the shelf ones (which are not rated for high HP anyways). My design would fit pop ups no problem

Solus Christus · 07-19-2023, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKADriver

S15 OEM sidemount is bigger than the RPS13 one and when they pop up on Yahoo Japan or UP Garage/croober they're usually dirt cheap. Swap over the piping and brackets and it bolts on, slight trimming to the duct to accommodate the added inch or so of core thickness.

I think this is what I'll do: source an S15 SMIC and swap over pipes and inlets. I wonder since th S15 is still so much newer than an S13, I might be able to buy brand new from Japan parts if I can't find used.

Thanks!

AKADriver · 07-19-2023, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silviaks2nr

maybe any off the shelf ones (which are not rated for high HP anyways). My design would fit pop ups no problem

It might work, but it'd be extremely tight and would probably require fabbing new brackets, the stock brackets aren't fitting with that.

OP is looking for a low impact/bolt on solution for a low power car.

Solus Christus · 07-19-2023, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solus Christus

I think this is what I'll do: source an S15 SMIC and swap over pipes and inlets. I wonder since th S15 is still so much newer than an S13, I might be able to buy brand new from Japan parts if I can't find used.

Thanks!

Scratch that! $1500 new for OEM S15 SMIC. YIKES. Checking ebay.

***FaLKoN240*** · 07-19-2023, 09:12 PM

What is the reason you're looking for an upgrade?

feito · 07-20-2023, 07:40 AM

regular front mount with charge pipes painted black? All you have to do is trim the bumper cover and cut two circular holes on the chassis for the charge pipes.
even ka-t guys can pull a stock look with painted pipes. Looks way cleaner imo too.
stolen from the sleeper ka-t thread:

AKADriver · 07-20-2023, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solus Christus

Scratch that! $1500 new for OEM S15 SMIC. YIKES. Checking ebay.

Like I said check croooober and Y!AJ

Here's one for 550 yen (four US dollars):
https://www.croooober.com/en/item/cp...ler-Silvia-S15

Probably get better shipping rates from buyee or other yahoo auctions shipping service though:

https://buyee.jp/item/search/query/s...nslationType=1

Solus Christus · 07-20-2023, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKADriver

Like I said check croooober and Y!AJ

Here's one for 550 yen (four US dollars):
https://www.croooober.com/en/item/cp...ler-Silvia-S15

Probably get better shipping rates from buyee or other yahoo auctions shipping service though:

https://buyee.jp/item/search/query/s...nslationType=1

The bummer is every one of them I have clicked on so far don't do international shipping. Thanks for heads up though, I'll keep checking!

**Edit that's at least what Buyee is warning me about.

Solus Christus · 07-20-2023, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FaLKoN240

What is the reason you're looking for an upgrade?

I was under the impression the limitations of the S15 SMIC are higher than the S13 SMIC and therefore could handle more like 11-12 psi of boost.

AKADriver · 07-20-2023, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solus Christus

The bummer is every one of them I have clicked on so far don't do international shipping. Thanks for heads up though, I'll keep checking!

**Edit that's at least what Buyee is warning me about.

Buyee is a shipping relay. The seller ships to Buyee's warehouse in Japan, and Buyee forwards it to the US. So from the seller's POV it's a local shipment.

The only thing is sometimes you have to fight with Buyee to get them to realize that an intercooler or whatever isn't a HAZMAT and let you buy it. They'll flag listings because of some random keyword and block you from bidding.

Solus Christus · 07-20-2023, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKADriver

Buyee is a shipping relay. The seller ships to Buyee's warehouse in Japan, and Buyee forwards it to the US. So from the seller's POV it's a local shipment.

The only thing is sometimes you have to fight with Buyee to get them to realize that an intercooler or whatever isn't a HAZMAT and let you buy it. They'll flag listings because of some random keyword and block you from bidding.

Thanks!! I just petitioned them on two listings.

***FaLKoN240*** · 07-22-2023, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solus Christus

I was under the impression the limitations of the S15 SMIC are higher than the S13 SMIC and therefore could handle more like 11-12 psi of boost.

The limitations for a side mount are more around cooling the charge temps and heatsoak than anything

07-18-2023, 06:42 PM	#1
Solus Christus Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Herriman, UT Age: 37 Posts: 20 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Intercooler options for less bumper cutting Hello, I have a stock 94 180SX. I am currently interested in simply doing air intake, turbo back exhaust, and a better intercooler setup. I don't currently plan to try to get tons of power. My concern though is I don't want to remove too much of the stock look of the car. Any suggestions for a FMIC (or beefier SMIC) that will accomplish little to no bumper cutting? Thanks!

07-19-2023, 11:49 AM	#6
silviaks2nr Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,192 Trader Rating: (10) Feedback Score: 10 reviews	I built a backdoor style intercooler for my s14 with a 4" core if you look on my build thread you can find some photos. It requires that you use a narrower radiator and minor trimming to the core support (down low where you don't even see it) __________________ '98 240sx 5spd kouki 2jz t56 swap build

07-19-2023, 09:12 PM	#13
*FaLKoN240* Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: SoCal Temecula Posts: 16,885 Trader Rating: (73) Feedback Score: 73 reviews	What is the reason you're looking for an upgrade? __________________ Best way to do business with me? Make your best offer FIRST.

07-20-2023, 07:40 AM	#14
feito Nissanaholic! Join Date: May 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 1,999 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	regular front mount with charge pipes painted black? All you have to do is trim the bumper cover and cut two circular holes on the chassis for the charge pipes. even ka-t guys can pull a stock look with painted pipes. Looks way cleaner imo too. stolen from the sleeper ka-t thread: __________________ Tuners are big bullies

07-18-2023, 09:02 PM	#2
cured13 Zilvia Addict Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Almostthere Posts: 719 Trader Rating: (11) Feedback Score: 11 reviews	ARC sidemount

07-19-2023, 05:54 AM	#3
tuzzio Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Western Mass. Posts: 2,605 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	ARC SMIC, or PBM Highmount

07-19-2023, 02:22 PM	#7
AKADriver Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Age: 42 Posts: 3,475 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	S15 OEM sidemount is bigger than the RPS13 one and when they pop up on Yahoo Japan or UP Garage/croober they're usually dirt cheap. Swap over the piping and brackets and it bolts on, slight trimming to the duct to accommodate the added inch or so of core thickness.