The factory Subaru top-mount intercooler on the 15-21 WRX and 14-18 Forester XT was built to a stock power target. The tube-and-fin core is easy to damage on the road, undersized for what the FA20DIT actually runs, and the hood scoop opens wider than the OEM piece uses.
The OVERTAKE Top Mount Intercooler replaces it with a substantially larger all-aluminum bar-and-plate core, cast aluminum end tanks, and a dual splitter that captures the full hood scoop opening the OEM piece leaves unused. A larger outlet end tank volume and a straight replacement for the OEM's complex outlet coupler round out the assembly. Fits stock charge pipes and stock intake manifold. No tune required.
Why Upgrade to the OVERTAKE VA TMIC?
Bar-and-plate construction, dual splitters, and a reshaped outlet path give the TMIC more thermal capacity, sharper throttle response, and a simpler install:
Better Ambient Distribution Across the Core
Lower Peak Intake Air Temperature
More Air Captured Through the Hood Scoop
Larger Outlet End Tank for Tip-In Response
Key Features:
Bar-and-Plate Core, Substantially Larger than OEM: Louvered ambient fins, serrated charge fins, more thermal capacity than the OEM tube-and-fin, engineering datalog shows 10-15°F outlet where stock reads 25-35°F at the same boost and inlet conditions
Upper and Lower Splitter Design: Upper splitter uses the full hood scoop opening the OEM piece leaves unused. Lower splitter directs ambient air to the top of the core where the OEM piece under-fed it. Both splitters CNC cut, CNC bent, riveted for assembly rigidity
Larger Outlet End tank Volume: More air on tap when you get into the throttle, smoother pressure transition at tip-in
Straight Outlet Coupler: Replaces the complex OEM coupler shape for an easier install and a cleaner path to the throttle body
Cast Aluminum End Tanks: CNC machined and welded to a soldered, pressure-tested core, leak-tight assembly and a finished look under the hood
Stock-Location Install: Slotted OEM bushing mounts, fits factory charge pipes and intake manifold, upgraded outlet coupler simplifies the throttle body connection
The Results:
With all other factors the same, the OVERTAKE Top Mount Intercooler was able to maintain ~15°F lower peak intake air temperatures when compared to the factory intercooler. This shows the greater surface area of the thicker OVERTAKE core is much more effective at mitigating heat soak than the factory unit.
