Didn't want to hijack Tangcla's post on his AVO TMIC mod, nor did I want to duplicate another post for the same mod. But I figure since it's 2.5T specific, why not.
But I just got the AVO TMIC for my MY07 installed today (thanks to Alan @ Nextmod for the order). Not sure if my D series uses the same model as Tangla's A-C series, but received the same install manual for 2004+ Subaru Liberty's (probably slightly different).
In any case, installation was relatively simple. Well, for me anyway. I just took it to IS Motor Racing in Rockdale and they did all the work. I just sat back and shooted up some heroin .... err, I mean took pictures.
The only snag we hit was the sleeve (Tangla refers to it as an elbow). I forgot Tangla's wise advice about it. So when it came time to fit the hose back on to the AVO TMIC, the mechanic could not fit it! It just would not sit properly because the hose was thicker than the space provided.
So I made a call to AVO (nice and helpful bunch), who advised it was a known issue (that's not in the manual). Just remove the sleeve at the end of the hose. Sleeve? The hose looked like a 1 piece! Fooled everyone that inspected it.
But low and behold, sleeve came off, and the hose was finally fitted and secured in place. The top part of the TMIC opening on the engine cover had to be cut to accommodate the larger sized TMIC. Other than that, no other modifications were needed.
First Impressions - Horaay! Engine response now is much better. I've always felt that the engine was really struggling to suck in enough air to keep up with the EVC boost controller.
Seems much better now. When I stomp the gas it responds with more torque and stronger power. Just gotta give the ECU a bit of time to adjust to the increased air flow and hopefully there will be some more increased performance. A great and worthwhile mod if you ask me.
Some pics:
The two TMIC side by side. The factory one is on the left in case you've never seen it before (or if the AVO embossed on the right side one escapes you).
Comparing the thickness between the two. Wow, look how thicker the AVO one is (in the words of Southpark - beefcake!!!).
The difference is quite subtle, but the space between the AVO pipe and the body are smaller than the factory hose (with the sleeve attached).
The offending sleeve in question. It looks like it's integrated with the hose on the left side.
AVO installed and ready for the engine cover.
The bit that had to be trimmed to fit the larger AVO.