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Old 07-24-2020, 12:27 PM   #1
chris the man
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Member#: 287783
Join Date: Jul 2011
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: COLORADO
Vehicle:
08 predator evo X
RR

Question ETS FMIC vs COBB FMIC (GR Hatch)

Hi all, are there any users in here whom have a 2011-2014 WRX/STI that have either of these FMIC options fitted? Need some insight and help please!

Here is what I can tell after contacting both companies.

ETS
- Largest core avail
- Supports most intakes including CAI intakes
- Retains fog lights
- Multiple core colors and pipe options
- Requires trimming (more than Cobb, not sure?)
- Relocates washer fluid
- Removes crash beam (no replacement)
- Minimal instructions with no cutting template

COBB
- Large core size
- Unknown to intakes other than Cobb SF (looks like many COULD fit?)
- Retains fog lights on 11+
- Comes with new crash beam
- Relocates coolant reservoir (must purchase replacement)
- Comes with trimming template for bumper
- Good instructions and walk through


I am honestly so torn on both. I REALLY would like to use a CAI, I currently have an AEM but could buy a new one no problem. I would like to trim as little as possible on bumper and retain fogs.

Any ideas and or suggestions from you all would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
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Old 07-25-2020, 12:09 AM   #2
Jarky
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I subbed for some feedback as well. I am in the same boat as you and cannot decide between these products. I even have the same intake as you. I am skewed toward the cobb because it retains some type of crash beam. However, the ETS seams to be the standard all others are held to.
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Old 07-25-2020, 04:04 PM   #3
Stretch18
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pandiculation

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I’ve been in decision making mode on what FMIC for months now and finally chose recently. I guess I’ll share my thinking on this. Note from the future; this post got long.

First and foremost, I know the OP mentions WRX & STI but they are not interchangeable in this instance. Because of the differences in turbo and intake manifold both the hot and cold piping on these are different. Even beyond that, there are subtle differences between the WRX and STI variants of each. For example, the Cobb features mentions changing the coolant overflow; i don’t think the WRX version requires that though (the install manual shows a picture of it installed with the stock overflow).

I will also say that the cores on both of these are massive. ETS is bigger for sure, especially if you opt for something crazy like the 4” thick variant. Even the Cobb intercooler is very large though. Big enough that neither is really a great option for someone daily driving around with the stock turbo. You’re already adding several feet of piping to fill, and with those huge cores, you’re trading heat soak sometimes for laggy, sluggish response all the time. Bigger is not always better here.

Despite the massive core, I think the ETS actually requires less trimming to fit, so that’s a positive for sure.

The lack of a crash bar is a strike against driving around your daily on the ETS version. The Cobb intercooler includes one that is better than nothing. Still not great and I doubt an adjuster would look favorably on it if you ever get into a front end accident.

The Cobb FMIC should work (I think) with almost any intake in the market, including their intake box; I think it’s the only option if you are running that. I’m sure there are exceptions for both so safest is to run the same brand intake with either or do your due diligence and find someone that has used with the one you have.

ETS comes with T-bolt clamps; Cobb with worm gear. I consider that a minus for the Cobb kit but probably less than other people do. They work fine and if I really get the urge for t-bolts, I can grab a Perrin clamp kit for $35 or so.

For me, I’m running a 440xt (20g abouts) and am floating the idea of going to an FP green or similar in the future. I still find both of these intercooler cores to be way oversized for my taste. I’m opting for the Cobb hot & cold piping because I’m running the Cobb SRI with the box, but am going to use a separate, more appropriately sized core from a different manufacturer. Fingers crossed, I’ll be able to keep trimming to a minimum and hopefully keep my crash bar. If not Speed Faction sells replacement bars or I’ll have my guy weld me a replacement that is as beefy as we can fit.

I’d never have even considered a front mount when I was using it for commuting but she’s been relegated to garage queen status for retirement so I have fewer qualms about the downsides.

Just my .02 cents...
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Old 07-25-2020, 11:15 PM   #4
chris the man
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08 predator evo X
RR

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jarky View Post
I subbed for some feedback as well. I am in the same boat as you and cannot decide between these products. I even have the same intake as you. I am skewed toward the cobb because it retains some type of crash beam. However, the ETS seams to be the standard all others are held to.


Thank you buddy. I am going to attach pictures at the bottom of this post of both the ETS and COBB showing intake placement. I have “almost” confirmed that the AEM will work with COBB. I can confirm it will with ETS. Same strikes for me. I want a crash bar.
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Old 07-25-2020, 11:18 PM   #5
chris the man
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Member#: 287783
Join Date: Jul 2011
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: COLORADO
Vehicle:
08 predator evo X
RR

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stretch18 View Post
I’ve been in decision making mode on what FMIC for months now and finally chose recently. I guess I’ll share my thinking on this. Note from the future; this post got long.

First and foremost, I know the OP mentions WRX & STI but they are not interchangeable in this instance. Because of the differences in turbo and intake manifold both the hot and cold piping on these are different. Even beyond that, there are subtle differences between the WRX and STI variants of each. For example, the Cobb features mentions changing the coolant overflow; i don’t think the WRX version requires that though (the install manual shows a picture of it installed with the stock overflow).

I will also say that the cores on both of these are massive. ETS is bigger for sure, especially if you opt for something crazy like the 4” thick variant. Even the Cobb intercooler is very large though. Big enough that neither is really a great option for someone daily driving around with the stock turbo. You’re already adding several feet of piping to fill, and with those huge cores, you’re trading heat soak sometimes for laggy, sluggish response all the time. Bigger is not always better here.

Despite the massive core, I think the ETS actually requires less trimming to fit, so that’s a positive for sure.

The lack of a crash bar is a strike against driving around your daily on the ETS version. The Cobb intercooler includes one that is better than nothing. Still not great and I doubt an adjuster would look favorably on it if you ever get into a front end accident.

The Cobb FMIC should work (I think) with almost any intake in the market, including their intake box; I think it’s the only option if you are running that. I’m sure there are exceptions for both so safest is to run the same brand intake with either or do your due diligence and find someone that has used with the one you have.

ETS comes with T-bolt clamps; Cobb with worm gear. I consider that a minus for the Cobb kit but probably less than other people do. They work fine and if I really get the urge for t-bolts, I can grab a Perrin clamp kit for $35 or so.

For me, I’m running a 440xt (20g abouts) and am floating the idea of going to an FP green or similar in the future. I still find both of these intercooler cores to be way oversized for my taste. I’m opting for the Cobb hot & cold piping because I’m running the Cobb SRI with the box, but am going to use a separate, more appropriately sized core from a different manufacturer. Fingers crossed, I’ll be able to keep trimming to a minimum and hopefully keep my crash bar. If not Speed Faction sells replacement bars or I’ll have my guy weld me a replacement that is as beefy as we can fit.

I’d never have even considered a front mount when I was using it for commuting but she’s been relegated to garage queen status for retirement so I have fewer qualms about the downsides.

Just my .02 cents...


You have attributed a ton of value to this post for potential eyes.

Yes, you are correct and glad you mention the differences between WRX and STI - that is first and foremost. I was mainly trying to seek any owner I could as far as experience.

I am looking and think you are correct about ETS requiring LESS trimming. I can not confirm. But with the Cobb you get clear directions and a template. ETS is just snow and go. Not really a bad thing. It seems the 3” ETS requires almost 0 trimming and is good for 550hp, the 3.5” for 800+ and 4” for 1000 plus based on their communication. COBB is still plenty large and rated at 850.

Thank you for all the mentions as well as crash beam reference!!
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Old 07-25-2020, 11:19 PM   #6
chris the man
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08 predator evo X
RR

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Something to note


COBB shows potential area for additional intakes.



ETS shows use of AEM and room for other intakes.

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Old 11-14-2020, 10:53 AM   #7
zubi
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2018 WRX STi
World Rally Blue

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Hey guys, I'm also deciding between the Cobb or ETS FMIC, but for a 2018 Sti. I've searched tons but their aren't a lot of comparisons between the quality of these two FMICs.

ETS seems to have a very solid reputation with proven ability to handle lots of power. My only issue really is the removal of those side metal bracket beams (or whatever you call it). What are they for? Does their removal affect structural integrity? Note: I'm planning on getting a crash bar with whatever set-up I go with).

The Cobb, on the other hand, seems to require very little modification for the platform I have, other than slight trimming of the under cover and coolant overflow reservoir replacement. However, it seems like it doesn't have the potential of the ETS product, but for my goals, it's sufficient. Lastly, I already have the SF intake and box, which I know will fit with the FMIC.

Any comments/suggestions appreciated. Thx!

Last edited by zubi; 11-14-2020 at 11:25 AM. Reason: Added more comments
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