I'm not sure if this has ever been done or if it's even really possibly I haven't been able to find the dimensions on a stock wrx top mount intercooler. However my idea is basically go backward from everyone else and go to a top mount intercooler instead of the front mount that the car comes with. I know this is kind of an odd project but my goal is to help my stock turbo spool quicker, I figured the combo of a top mount intercooler which shouldn't be overmatched with my stock boost levels, would help as would a 3" downpipe and o2 housing. the only problem I can see right now is hood clearance and positioning under the hood. I was thinking by building brackets that would essentially lay the intercooler on top of the intake manifold in the front it would be close to the front of the car where a lot of air flow will be freed up removing the stock intercooler, as well as get some help when the fans kick on. I could even build sort of an air tray/heat shield underneath the intercooler much like hot rod guys used to over their carbs. Again this is just a thought. If anyone knows, or has a stock top mount intercooler form a wrx they could measure or know of anywhere I could find the dimensions it would be much appreciated.

 

probably never been done as most people with a wrx get rid of the top mount intercooler and convert it to a front mount to make more power. heat soak is the biggest issue with a top mount intercooler. the very minimal change in turbo spool time wont justify the loss of power from heat soaking. the turbo can fill the boost pipes and intercooler on either setup in fractions of a second so i dont think your going to lose any lag going from one setup to the other.