Isolated view of MAPerformance Intercooler in Subaru WRX engine

What Is The Best Intercooler For A First-Gen Subaru WRX?

Nov 08, 2024Caleb Nieman
front view of white subaru wrx in warehouse

Profiling our 2015-21 Subaru WRX Intercooler From MAPerformance

The Subaru WRX is a model with a fanbase unlike any other. When you see Subaru fans, you know immediately what they're all about, and that's a credit not only to the passion that these enthusiasts bring to the table, but also the innovation and quality that Subaru brings to each one of its cars. 

It shouldn't be surprising that the first generation of the Subaru WRX (released in 2015 after the WRX trim became its own line, not just a nameplate of the Impreza) still holds its weight very strongly in the American market. It came off the lot with turbo engines capable of pushing out 300 horsepower or more, and being easily tuned for track usage in many cases, you can see why this model is a go-to for so many. 

But if you want to get even more punch out of your engine, a good intercooler can do the trick. Today, we'll take you on a tour through the in-house intercooler that we produce for the WRX, and show you why you should want an intercooler for your car in the first place. Let's dive in!  

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front view of subaru wrx on open road

What Are The Top Performance Benefits of Intercoolers For Cars? 

First things first, why get an intercooler for your WRX? Basically, intercoolers provide several key performance benefits for cars by cooling the air compressed by turbochargers or superchargers, increasing its density. That's key, because denser air is more efficient and more useful for high-performance machines than less dense air for the following reasons, all of which intercoolers play a huge role in: 

  • More Power: Denser air means more oxygen, enabling better combustion and greater horsepower.
  • Improved Efficiency: Cooler intake air reduces engine knock, allowing for higher boost pressures and more aggressive timing without damaging the engine.
  • Consistent Performance: Intercoolers help maintain optimal intake temperatures, reducing heat soak and ensuring consistent power delivery during extended driving or high-load conditions. This means that intercoolers are great options for both track cars and daily drivers.
  • Engine Longevity: Lower air temperatures reduce thermal stress, minimizing wear on internal engine components.

Knowing all of this, if you have a turbo engine, we would also recommend installing an intercooler to help it harness its full potential if you've got the cash to spring for one. 

overhead view of maperformance intercooler

Best Features of Our Top Mount Intercooler For The '15-'21 Subaru WRX

Right then, now that we've got the basics of intercooler performance handled, we've got one in stock right now that is purpose built for application on the WRX, with much greater benefits than a typical bolt on intercooler you might see at other online shops. 

Our intercooler is a top mounted variety with cast aluminum end tanks, a 3.5-inch core to help your engine reach its maximum potential, and a ⅛" NPT bung for welding. It features a direct-fit bolt-on design as well for super easy installation, and we've put plenty of research and development into making sure that you're able to throw the hammer down smoothly and easily for your WRX's engine. 

Subaru has an incredible WRX STI successor coming - click here to learn about the all-new 2025 WRX tS!

Shop Intercoolers and Other Performance Parts For Your Car At MAPerformance

This intercooler is compatible with the WRX FA20DIT engine, and we're happy to show you more information about it if you want to see what else it can do. Feel free to contact us at any time and our sales team is happy to help - also, once you're ready to buy, you should know that we offer financing options, industry-leading customer service, and fast shipping on everything we've got in stock. So now's your chance - let's get your WRX ready to perform!

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