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WRX Top mount intercooler

Your WRX

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the WRX and STI. The non-turbo Impreza has its own page.

+0–15 whp (est.)
Hard$700–$1,1551–2 hrs
All WRX mods

Why do it

A bigger cooler keeps the air going into the engine cooler, so power doesn't fade when you drive hard or it's hot out.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Let the engine cool down first.
  • GrimmSpeed rates this at about 1.5 hours and 4/10 difficulty.
  • GrimmSpeed notes a difference on 2018+ cars, so check their written guide for your year.

Steps

  1. Remove the stock intercooler

    • Loosen the clamps, undo the bolts and lift it off.
    Watch this step (GrimmSpeed, 02-07 WRX / 04-17 STI) (0:00–2:42)

  2. Prepare and mount the new one

    • Move the bypass valve over and set the new cooler in place.
    Watch this step (2:42–5:37)

  3. Secure it

    • Bolt it down, then tighten all the clamps.
    Watch this step (5:37–8:19)

  4. Fit the splitter

    • Install the splitter to the hood scoop if your kit has one.
    Watch this step (8:19–12:29)

  5. Prepare the splitter

    • Assemble the splitter.
    Watch this step (GrimmSpeed, on an 08-14 WRX) (1:45–4:37)

  6. Remove the stock intercooler

    • Loosen the clamps, undo the bolts and lift it off.
    Watch this step (4:37–5:57)

  7. Fit the brackets and adapter

    • Bolt on the new brackets and adapter.
    Watch this step (5:57–7:25)

  8. Prepare the couplers and hoses

    • Fit the couplers and hoses.
    Watch this step (7:25–9:11)

  9. Install the intercooler

    • Set it in place, bolt it down and tighten the clamps.
    Watch this step (9:11–12:26)

  10. Fit the splitter gasket

    • Stick on the gasket.
    Watch this step (GrimmSpeed, on a 2015+ WRX) (0:39–1:17)

  11. Swap the splitter

    • Remove the stock splitter and fit the new one.
    Watch this step (1:17–2:42)

  12. Remove the stock intercooler

    • Loosen the clamps, undo the bolts and lift it off.
    Watch this step (2:42–4:11)

  13. Fit the throttle body coupler

    • Install the new coupler.
    Watch this step (4:11–4:33)

  14. Install the new intercooler

    • Set it in place, bolt it down and tighten the clamps.
    Watch this step (4:33–6:33)

  15. Remove the stock intercooler

    • Loosen the clamps, undo the bolts and lift it off.
    Watch this step (SubiSpeed, on a 22+ WRX) (1:41–2:39)

  16. Fit the new hardware

    • Install the new top mount parts.
    Watch this step (2:39–4:08)

  17. Install the intercooler

    • Set it in place and tighten the clamps.
    Watch this step (4:08–4:47)

  18. Fit the air splitter

    • Fit the splitter to the hood scoop.
    Watch this step (4:47–7:04)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.