Depending on Intercooler Brand and Core it can be just as good having a top mount as it is a front mount. The spool time differs as well from make to make and pipework arrangements (again something that is characteristic to each brand of cooler and how you decide to plum it in, front entry, or keep entry standard). Good to ask what brand and inlet style folk are running as to get the best idea. I had a friend who just Fitted a well known brand of FMIC (leave it nameless as not wanting to name and shame incase it was just this one cooler with the issue) and lost 45bhp over his standard TMIC which he had used to get it mapped a few weeks prior with no other changes to the car and minimal use inbetween. his aim is over 350 BHp and was why he swapped. Personally im running an STI Intercooler on mine and hitting 300BHP no problem at a bar of boost on a VF35 Turbo with de-cat system, STI injectors, uprated fuel pump, maf less and a Haltech Standalone ECU. I am aiming for a bit more after my next tune but will be using a new intake and a zero sports undertray to help keep the ACT's down during mapping. Will also be fitting that damn turbo blanket thats been gathering dust in the shed for three months to help reduce heat soak into the core. End of day its what power your going for that would make the decision on whats best. either way both are good, and have practical implications/drawbacks depending on their intended use :)
