Didn't Nick in the UK use this rad?

 

You are correct on that. Both setups require cutting but the FMIC setup requires holes on the bottom of the crossmember compared to the factory setup where the cutting is made to the front, where the latch would normally be.
Raj

 

Is there any detailed underhood pics of your car out there to be found. Any chance you would email me some?

 

Kevin, I sent you a PM.
What you guys must also understand is that what I own is a replica and I try to match the factory setup as much as possible. If a 968 turbo is all you are after, you are not limited to doing things the way the factory did it.
A FMIC will always be more efficient compared to one within the engine compartment. You need to do whats best for you. Each one has its merits and shorcomings.
With FMIC, you should also make sure you get additional cooling for your radiator since you will be adding another device in front of it.
Raj

 

Raj, do you have a link to that HMR radiator? I tried looking for it the other day.

 

http://www.heritagemotorcar.com/research/index.htm

 

Thanks Damian.

 

That makes sense - the engine bay is flooded with warm air. But what about with one of those turbo RS hood vents, that will allow air to flow straight in from the bumper, through the IC, and out the hood? I feel this would be just as thermally efficient as a FMIC, and since the pipes would be shorter than a FMIC it has the small advantage of slightly less lag, right? I'm assuming longer pipes create a greater volume for the turbo to pressurize.

I definitely don't want to cut holes but I will if I must. It's not like my car is rare (relative to other 968s), so a little hacking here or there wouldn't be sacrilege. Though if a factory-style setup could be used, with an intercooler that fits in the same area, but is slightly different in shape, so it doesn't interfere with the front hood latch, this would be ideal. Trick would be getting it to look stock for me here in CA.

 

You can buy the entire body kit from Fitzgerald racing in Australia. He sells the naca ducts, the bigger bumper opening, the intercooler cutout. Pretty much a turbo RS kit in fiberglass.
Like I said, it all depends what you are trying to achieve with your setup. There are a few ways to do it.
Raj

 

Thanks Raj - as with every other part of this project I guess I have lots of options!