I want to get a fmic, but I keep hearing that you need to cut up or remove the front bumper reinforcement bar to make room. Is this true and if it is, are there any fmic's out there that don't need this and are any good? Thanks.

 

i was actually going to use a intercooler from a saab (side mount) and it was actually the perfect size for the opening in the stock fc bumper... im sure unless youre boosting high numbers it would be fine, but if youre pushing big boost youre going to need something that will keep you from shooting a nice superheated charge =D

 

the apex'i front mount reqires allmost no cutting, and you don't have to removr the bumper to install it either!!. If you look at the opening on your bumper you see those black plastic thin pieces. thats all you have to cut out, well actually you don't but it looks stupid with them there.

 

Those support the 'mouth' of the bumper cover.. So, why not just remove them?

 

Does the Apex'i one look good with the Mazdaspeed GTC front bumper? Is it tall enough?

 

I think the Apex'i core is sgnificantly shorter than the GTC opening.

 

*****. Ok thanks for the help.