Charge pipes v FMIC

I like your knowledgeable opinion. If funds are limited and you are faced with chosing one or the other which would you get. SXTH element is making an aftermarket Front Mount Inter Cooler FMIC and several companies, like AFE, Banks power, and others are making charge pipes for the Tacoma. If you had to choose for maximum benefits would you do FMIC or charge pipes.

 

SXTH says they won't make charge pipes since the factory ones are adequate for the trucks

 

So your vote is FMIC?

 

Being unfamiliar with the new turbo engine from Toyota, how's the exhaust look like?

You'll get more power allowing the exhaust to flow better IE larger o2 housing/downpipe versus going with an FMIC and cold pipes.

Keeping with the stock turbo, a larger FMIC will only increase boost lag as well.

 

I can't say I like this answer myself, but I'd start with more displacement which means going with a different truck from the start if chasing power. I know that's not in the spirt of building up the 4G from the performance side. That would be my choice.

 

Mishimoto is also about to release an intercooler:

 

There will probably be a lot of stuff once the platform becomes more popular. I'm seeing more 4Runners every day, can't say people are driving them any better than the 5Gs.

 

The goal isn't necessarily more power but better longevity. I live in a very hot climate of Texas. Is it better to lower temperature from FMIC or reduce pressure from pipes. I think the FMIC is a better choice myself. The only question is if I replace the FMIC will it be then critical to replace pipes. I am almost sold on the FMIC is being the better option.

 

Extreme temps can certainly cause unforeseen issues. If I had a 4G and looking at replacing inter coolers and turbo plumbing I'd be concerned with the warranty. More volume or what ever benefits the larger cooler provide would probably be the better option there.

 

the trucks already have the cooling capacity of a V8 according to the engineers. if that's not sufficient for a 4 cylinder then the engines are in trouble

 

I forgot Toyota mentioned that in the early press videos. After thinking about building up the performance of the 4G this is all I can think about.

 

In my opinion, neither would be on my list if funds were limited. Charge air cooling is limited in performance gains until you are pushing higher than factory boost numbers.
Your best bang for the buck would be improving intake performance. Then exhaust. Better throughput.
But if you are fixated on those two or already have an intake and exhaust, I’d go for the pipes. Less flex and pressure loss with solid piping between the turbo and throttle body is good.

 

I added the sixth element Cold air intake. I removed the rear section of exhaust and added SXTH element tip that bends down.

 

i put an AWE exhaust on my truck and it did way more for turbo efficiency and spool time compared to my SXTH intake

 

Probably IC is its bigger than stock, but why not just get both over time and do it all at once.

 

While Texas may get the hottest state award, that's using average temps (high and lows across the whole state), there are hotter places in the US. Also, they sell the LC Prado in UAE and KSA with the same 2.4L Turbo (gas) and it's a little hotter there too.

No personal experience, but there is a company that makes a tune for the Tacoma that has been well received by a few who have posted here. Probably notice power gains from that more than an IC or pipe kit.

 

Is that JB4?

 

I think there were more people using the OTT tune.

 

I have to read up on those. Are they plug and play or the ECU has to be flashed?

 

A biger FMIC will flow better and reduce turbo load. Will also cool better. While bigger isn't always better, I get the feeling that Toyota's FMIC isn't big enough.

However, benefits will only be realized when driving fast and hard.