I have had a DIY FMIC for a while now and I have never liked the poor throttle response. Not to mention it always felt a bit like a hack job since I am not very good at fabrication / welding.
I saw the do88 intercooler on sale and jumped on it as it seemed better then the ebay ones at not too much of a price difference. They offered me a discount on the rip kit as well and since I was planning on going that route anyways I accepted.
Ordered wednesday night and recieved it friday morning.
*** UPS charged me $20ish dollars when they delivered, something to do with customs fee's I think. (I wasn't awake yet) They will only take a check! No cards! ***
Boxes looked unscathed
RIP kit contents
Hoses seem very sturdy
Intercooler
vs stock
helper
I couldn't install it without dropping the rad.
Bolt holes lined up.
I recommend an extra set of hands when installing. It is very heavy and awkward to reinstall, even when using a jack.
RIP kit sits close to engine but doesnt quite touch. I could pull the OTE pipe out of the coupler a bit if i wanted more space between it and the engine.
Fresh air tube wont fit unless you trim the TB hose a bit, I opted not to since I could always go back and do it later if i wanted.
UPDATE* Found the bolts for mounting condenser they were in the package. They are included!
Vacuum is the same as with the FMIC
(Yes I know my cars a mess)
I will update tomorrow with driving impressions after i get some longer bolts for the condenser.
Sorry for the phone pics its all i have at the moment.
If theres anything I forgot to mention just ask!
Update!
Found the bolts in the intercooler box after the trip to lowes
Definitely a much improved throttle response, I believe this is the way to go if you have the smaller td04 turbo's.
Vacuum at idle has actually improved to 20 hg not sure if that had anything to do with the ecu adapting or not.
If you were ever thinking about a drop in intercooler you should definitely jump on it at this price!