Stage 2 on stock TMIC, borrowed time?

Hello,

Got my legacy about a month ago, loving it so far, but now I want some more power. I need it to be reliable, and from what I've read, Stage 2 is the way to go.

So I've been planning out the costs, getting a list together. I've got the STi Up pipe, and plan on getting the CNT catless DP here before Christmas, then an AP for Christmas, and an Infamous tune shortly after.

After doing extensive reading, I've come across a lot of people suggesting a new TMIC to go with Stage 2, I'm wondering is this necessary? Is it a sure fire thing that the stock will crack eventually? I've read about getting the BP kit, and I'd rather do that, at least until I have some more cash, to go further with modding. And if I were to run Stage 2 with stock tmic, not even a BP kit, would I be running on borrowed time?


I DD the car, do some spirited driving, but never track it, drag it, or autocross it. I don't think heatsoak should be a problem for me. And as we go into winter, I think I can save up enough cash for "bigger" things in the Spring.

Thanks

TLDR; Stage 2 on stock tmic, is it going to crack? Bulletproof kit decent idea?

Originally Posted by ArtClassShank

TLDR; Stage 2 on stock tmic, is it going to crack? Yes, the end tank will fail over time with any boost levels over stock. Stage 2 will just make it happen quicker.

Bulletproof kit decent idea? Yes, if cash is low. From what people have posted the stock TMIC+BP kit will be fine at stage 2 below 18psi. At stage 2 & above, the after market TMIC are more efficient.

Mike

save money and get a vagcom or tractix cable depending on which year car, ditch the ap and get the infamous1 tune, this saves money towards a aftermarket tmic or if you really want then bullet proof the stocker

Originally Posted by underground000

save money and get a vagcom or tractix cable depending on which year car, ditch the ap and get the infamous1 tune, this saves money towards a aftermarket tmic or if you really want then bullet proof the stocker

Getting it for Christmas, from family.

I had it on my old car, really like the features. And I'm going catless everywhere, so clearing the codes is nice.

Just like the control and features on it, and I have experience with it.

im stage 2 now, just put my catless dp on last weekend. im going to get a fmic prob in the spring so , i also do some spirted driving , and its my daily . guess it depends on how many miles are on the stock tmic and how you drive the car . i would think .

my car has 51k miles. bought it with that on the clock so . one owner all stock when i bought it (was a 50 yr old mans car) so i might get by till spring

People have been running the bullet proof kits at well over 18psi and have been tracking cars with the stock intercooler successfully.

You'll likely be fine until the spring. If you have the ability to spring for the intercooler you really want (whatever frontmount you're leaning to) just run the stocker until the spring--if it breaks, replace it. If you WON'T have the money for a replacement until the spring, I would suggest bulletproofing your current TMIC to ensure that you get through the winter with no issues. You can also secure your vacuum lines while the intercooler is off if you haven't done so already.

^ this.

The stock tmic actually flows quite well and with a reinforced tmic kit of some sort it is pretty reliable at stage 2 levels and as much boost as healthy with the little vf40.

Dave

i secured the lines when i installed the dp , as the tmic had to come off so i figured while i was there id get that done as well..

ill check into getting your bp system after the holiday roll over just to ensure i dont have any problems till spring

your tmic will pop under stg 2 boost. mine was in bad shape with only Cobb AP v1 boost @ ~16 psi.

Had to replace it with another stocker.

now i'm running 18.5 psi on OpenSource tune with no problems with separation (BP tmic)

I ran up to 19.5psi with my stock tmic for over a year and no problems, do the bp kit and you'll be fine, you might also want to check with Cryo/Dave for etune as well, he comes highly recommended, check out his thread in the mtn west section and I can personally vouch for his work and customer service, my .02c

I too had stock TMIC on my last car up to 19 psi for many miles. Was it the most efficient? no. But it did hold up well enough for the time being.

some stockers hold up, yes. But many fail. Not worth the risk of getting stranded on the side of the road. Bp mod is peace of mind.

I get the impression that the stock TMIC will last a very long time at 17psi or less, which is still a decent improvement over stock. Some do fail at 17, but plenty last a long time.

Another question, related to running Stage 2 on stock components.

How will the clutch hold up to Stage 2? I've read some experience slipping right away, some take 3-5k miles, others go 40k+ before they have a problem.

I got the car with 63K, and I don't know how the previous owner handled the clutch, but it doesn't slip under stock power levels, and still has good feel.

Should I start budgeting for a new clutch in the next 6 months?

It really depends on how you drive as well. I would say keep it in the back of your mind but some have a bunch of miles on their stage 2 cars on the oem clutch.

Dave