For a greddy kit at 5.5-7 psi, will I see worthwhile gains from a FMIC upgrade? Or will the SMIC do okay? Keep in mind I have a 96-98 bumper with no brake vents, so if air was to go through, it would go through the center, and then go into the fender wall from there, but it's not direct. Let me know what you think.

 

When you go 10 psi, a fmic will do you alot better! Untill then stay smic. If you want, get a motorcycle radiator fan and attach it to the back of the smic and put it on a switch while you are doing city driving. The fan is $25 at a bike recycler

 

a fmic will always help. if dont plan on running too much boost, just get a small one

 

Well what do you guys think about running a type 31 IC vs. DSM SMIC for 5.5-7 psi? will I actually GAIN HP from the FMIC? Enough to be worth it, I mean.

 

I dont think the cost to gain ratio is that high when your only running that amount of boost.

 

I went to a DSM SMIC and noticed no more heat soak on my Civic running 8 pounds. Pipe is cool as could be to. My SMIC is pretty exposed though

 

Is this for your 97 EX? If you still have the stock bumper it might be tough to get a smic to work well. I have a 98 (also pre-side vents), and I ran a DSM smic for a short while. Even though I carved virtually all the plastic in the wheel well and undertray from around the intercooler, it still heat soaked somewhat, and that's in 50 degree weather. The DSM intercoolers are pretty darned good if you can get good airflow across them. It just might be tough unless you go the fan route like someone suggested. Now I have a fmic, and the difference is quite noticeable, even in cool weather.