Designing the Next-Generation Front Mount Intercooler for the VB WRX: Lessons from the Past

When it comes to turbocharged performance, the intercooler is one of the most critical components for ensuring consistent power delivery and engine longevity. For Subaru WRX and STI drivers, both Top Mount Intercoolers (TMICs) and Front Mount Intercoolers (FMICs) can be key elements to getting peak performance from your vehicle. Each has its advantages, and choosing the right setup depends on your build, driving conditions, and long-term goals. But as the automotive world continues to evolve, so does GrimmSpeed’s commitment to engineering the next generation of intercooler solutions—starting with a new Front Mount Intercooler for the 2022+ Subaru WRX (VB Chassis).

Top Mount vs. Front Mount: Breaking Down the Basics

Both TMICs and FMICs serve the same fundamental purpose—cooling compressed air before it enters the engine—but they go about it in different ways.

Top Mount Intercoolers (TMICs)

A Top Mount Intercooler (TMIC) is positioned directly on top of the engine and receives airflow through the hood scoop. This design allows for a shorter piping setup, which translates to less turbo lag and a quicker throttle response compared to other intercooler configurations. TMICs are also easier to install and maintain, making them a popular and budget-friendly option.

However, TMICs come with some drawbacks. Their location near the engine and turbocharger makes them more susceptible to heat soak, especially in stop-and-go traffic or during extended aggressive driving. Once the intercooler absorbs too much heat, its efficiency drops, leading to higher intake air temperatures (IATs) and a potential loss of performance. Additionally, while an upgraded TMIC is a significant improvement over the factory unit, it still has limited cooling capacity, particularly for high-boost applications that demand extensive heat dissipation.

Front Mount Intercoolers (FMICs)

A Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC) is installed behind the front bumper, where it receives direct airflow for maximum cooling efficiency. The larger surface area and improved positioning allow for lower IATs, making FMICs ideal for high-performance and extended spirited driving. Additionally, because FMICs are farther away from the engine bay, they offer better heat dissipation, reducing the risk of heat soak and maintaining consistent performance. This setup is particularly beneficial for big turbo and high-horsepower builds, where cooling efficiency is a top priority.

Despite these advantages, FMICs also have a few downsides. The longer piping required to route air to and from the intercooler can introduce slightly more turbo lag compared to a TMIC. Some setups may also require bumper modifications to accommodate the larger core, and in certain cases, components like fog lights or the factory crash beam may need to be relocated or modified. While FMICs provide superior cooling, they often require a more involved installation process compared to TMICs.

The Future: GrimmSpeed’s Next-Gen FMIC for the VB WRX

While GrimmSpeed has a proven track record of designing top-tier intercoolers for past Subaru models, we recognize that the 2022+ WRX (VB chassis) presents new challenges and opportunities. The goal? To develop a FMIC that not only maximizes performance but also prioritizes emissions compliance, safety, and ease of installation.

THE GOAL

Stock Air Box Compatibility for Emissions Compliance

One of the biggest pain points for Subaru owners in emissions-regulated areas is maintaining compliance while upgrading performance components. Many FMIC setups require swapping out the stock intake for an aftermarket solution, which may not be legal in certain states.

Our goal at GrimmSpeed is to develop a front mount intercooler that works with the factory airbox—allowing owners to stay within emissions guidelines where required, while still benefiting from enhanced cooling and performance. This approach balances drivability, emissions considerations, and high-performance potential.

Safety First: Retaining a Strong Bumper Beam

While aftermarket FMICs often require the removal or modification of the factory crash beam, we’re making safety a top priority in its next-generation design. We want to engineer a robust front mount intercooler solution that integrates a properly reinforced bumper beam—offering both superior cooling and structural integrity.

Whether you’re a driver who uses their WRX as a commuter vehicle, track car, or both, ensuring front-end safety remains intact is crucial. We want to design an FMIC kit that delivers stellar performance without sacrificing crash protection.

 What’s Next?

Development is already in motion, and we’re in the process of bringing an industry-leading front mount intercooler to the 2022+ WRX. Whether you're pushing for high horsepower numbers or simply looking to future-proof your build, GrimmSpeed is dedicated to delivering a refined, emissions-friendly, and safety-conscious solution.

Stay tuned for updates as we engineer and workshop our next-gen FMIC