How much boost can an S15 SMIC handle safely?
How much boost can an S15 SMIC handle safely?
I have a 95 SR20DET blktop running between 10-11 psi leaning more to 11psi on an S13 SMIC. I dont seem to be having any problems. I just raised the boost to 11-12psi and it seems fine. I would like to upgrade to a S15 SMIC. Would it be worth it? I've read not to boost more than 10psi on an s13 or 14 smic. Doesn't the s15 run 10psi stock? So couldnt I run 12psi on the S15 SMIC and be OK. I dont really want a FMIC. I dont want to run into overheating problems and lower the efficiency of A/C. Besides I'm running an auto transmission with a KOYO rad. So the the rad doesnt have a transmission cooler built into it. I removed my fog lights and bolted the transmission cooler on the passenger side just opposite the smic on the drivers side. So I'm sure I would have clearance issues with the fmic piping and would have to stack the transmission cooler infront of the fmic. That's a lot of stacking.I don't beat the crap out of my car but I do enjoy spirited driving from time to time.
The S15 SMIC doesn't look all that impressive over the S13 SMIC IMO. It's slightly bigger(looks mostly to be thickness, which is the least effective way to get additional cooling), but not that much more than stock.
I have seen some ARC sidemounts come up for sale from time to time. Not as good as a FMIC and a bit pricey due to their rarity, but if you're dead set on no FMIC then that's the path I'd take.
I have seen some ARC sidemounts come up for sale from time to time. Not as good as a FMIC and a bit pricey due to their rarity, but if you're dead set on no FMIC then that's the path I'd take.
Take a close look at the S15 SMIC. I believe that the piping connectors are slightly different than the S13. From what I understand, the MKIV Supra SMIC is a good upgrade if you're wanting to stick with an SMIC. Also, you could consider going air to water if you want to stay away from FMIC. I'll probably eventually get an air to water IC when the time comes to make more boost.
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usdm_180sx
- Posts: 744
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- Car: 1993 Nissan 240SX base S13
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I have a stock s15 smic bolted to my s14sr motor and I have a zenki s14. It bolted right up. Before I ran the s15 smic i was running .5 bar of boost. After bolting it on boost went up to .8 bar or 11.85 lbs of boost without a boost controller. the s15 smic is 33% thicker. it runs fine so far but i need to get it tuned so i plan to get a safc2 and some larger injectors to be safe
I found a couple of ARC smic. Kinda of pricey for the small wonder. Most are being shipped from Japan so that tacks on some cost. My understanding is that the s15 smic will bolt up to my s13/s14 piping. Th arc smic ads state that slight mods are needed for the intercooler to bolt up. I dont have my intercooler mounted oem style anyway. It's mounted vertically in the little pocket area. I have it custom ducted. Thanks for the info.
arc intercooler
Well I just won an auction on ebay for a ARC SMIC from Japan. The winning bid was $105 plus $65 for shipping. I will see how she fits and functions in a few weeks. 
Re: arc intercooler (Spins)
I just received my arc intercooler from Japan today. It was delayed due to the hurricane here in florida. It's larger for sure. Hopefully tomorrow I can install it.
Modified by Spins at 4:24 AM 9/8/2004
Modified by Spins at 4:24 AM 9/8/2004
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nissanrcer240
- Posts: 1657
- Joined: Sat Aug 31, 2002 5:22 am
- Car: 90 Nissan 240SX SR20DET
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Re: arc intercooler (Spins)
I have an s15 smic and I usually run 14psi and it does just fine and it bolts right up to the stock smic. If you intend to keep the stock turbo and dont want to pay for a fmic the s15 smic is more than sufficient IMO.
Re: arc intercooler (nissanrcer240)
Yes, I plan to keep the stk turbo. I installed the arc intercooler today. It took awhile due to not using the stock mounting points. I'll have to redo my piping again. One pipe is bulging on the fender liner, making it close to my tire.