GrimmSpeed WRX Top Mount Intercooler User Manual

Pliers

8mm, 10mm, 12mm socket

Ratchet

Flathead
Screwdriver

GrimmSpeed Install Guide Series

Installing the GrimmSpeed 02-07 Top Mount Intercooler (TMIC)

Updated 3/25/13

Introduction: This guide will illustrate the installation of the GrimmSpeed Top

Mount Intercooler on your 02-07 Subaru. This install is moderately challenging, so if
this is your first TMIC swap, set aside at least a few hours so that you can take your
time and do it right. A seasoned veteran may only spend 30min on the installation.

Tools: The tools listed below are suggested for this task (figure 1). Optional tools
are noted.

- Pliers

- 8mm socket (if you’re also installing the GrimmSpeed splitter)

- 10mm socket

- 12mm socket (deep-well or extension recommended)

- Ratchet

- Flathead screwdriver

Tips: Using an extension will help give you more space to spin the ratchet and avoid
damaging parts or your hands.

Figure 1: Tools

Procedure:

Turbo Coupler

Throttle Body

BPV

Mounting Points

1. Begin by collecting your tools and popping your hood.

2. The first step will be to remove your stock/existing top mount intercooler.

There are a few primary points of connection and we’ll step through those

before pulling the TMIC. Use the figure below to identify each of these points
and familiarize yourself with the procedure.

Figure 2: TMIC Mounting Points

3. First, begin by removing the three (3) 10mm screws holding your valve cover

Disconnect hardline

Remove 12mm Bolt

breather hard lines to the factory TMIC. Optionally, pop the hardline out of
the hose on the driver’s side and pull it out of the way.

Figure 3: Remove OEM radiator stay brackets

4. Next, remove the two (2) 12mm bolts holding the TMIC to its brackets on

either side of the engine bay.

Figure 5: Removing 12mm bolts

Figure 6: Remove 12mm bolts

Remove 12mm Bolts

Remove 12mm Bolt

5. Next, we’ll unbolt the stock bypass valve. Again, you’ll use your 12mm socket

to remove two bolts. Be sure to grab the gasket as you remove the bolts.

Figure 7: Remove bolts for BPV

6. Lastly, loosen the hose clamps for your throttle body coupler as well as the

Loosen 3 clamps

Remove TMIC

compressor housing. Loosening both throttle body clamps will greatly easy
in uninstalling your factory TMIC.

Figure 9: Loosen stock worm gear clamps

7. Now, your intercooler should be ready to pull. This can take some finesse, but

shouldn’t be too hard. Rotate the top right corner of the TMIC towards you in
order to work the couplers off of your turbo and throttle body.

Figure 10: Remove TMIC

Loosely install clamps

8. Next, we’ll prep the GrimmSpeed unit for installation. Unbox the thing

already! Start by removing the protective seals on the inlet ports. We’ll attach

the y-pipe first. Remove the y-pipe pieces from their packaging and identify
the three (3) T-Bolt clamps marked 51-59mm. Loosely assemble them with
the straight coupler as shown below.

Figure 11: Assemble y-pipe

9. Now use the four (4) 12mm bolts from your factory intercooler to attach the

new GrimmSpeed y-pipe to the GrimmSpeed TMIC. Be sure to place one of
the included gaskets under each flange before assembly.