A GrimmSpeed Front Mount Intercooler Built for Performance and Compliance: Part 2
In our last post, we broke down the differences between top and front mount intercoolers and teased our plans for the 2022+ Subaru WRX (VB chassis). Now, it’s time to give you a deeper look at what’s coming and why we’re so excited about it.
For VB owners, the factory setup is decent, but we know many of you are hungry for more power and better cooling without turning your engine bay into a maze of relocated hoses and bent lines. At GrimmSpeed our goal is simple: develop a front mount intercooler kit that fits like factory, performs like a race part, and meets emissions compliance standards across all 50 states.
One of our main goals with this VB front mount intercooler kit is to make it actually bolt-on. No weird workarounds. No bending lines. No cutting brackets. If you have basic tools and a free afternoon, you should be able to install this in your own garage. Whether you're brand new to wrenching or a seasoned DIYer, this is a kit that welcomes you in.
This project is still in development, but here’s what we want to share about what’s coming—and why this will be one of the most thoughtfully designed intercooler kits we’ve ever created. A True Bolt-On Kit—No Drama, No Fabrication
Smart Piping That Keeps Throttle Response Snappy
This kit features 2.25” hot-side piping and 2.5” cold-side piping—sizes carefully selected for optimal packaging and performance. The smaller hot-side diameter helps maintain airflow velocity and keeps throttle response crisp, especially over longer pipe runs. As the compressed air enters the larger cold-side pipe, the increased volume allows it to slow slightly and cool more effectively before reaching the throttle body—resulting in improved power delivery and more consistent performance under sustained boost.
We’re even keeping the factory spring clip connection at the turbo, so installation will be just as familiar as your stock charge pipe. A Cooler That Means Business—Without Compromising Compliance
At the heart of the system is a massive 22” x 3.5” x 11.75” core made from 6061 aluminum with billet CNC-machined end tanks. It’s designed for efficient heat dissipation and built to support serious power levels while still fitting cleanly behind the bumper. Speaking of which, we’re including our own bumper beam.
Our 1.5” steel-tube crash bar supports the intercooler directly, retains the factory tow hook, and won’t interfere with airflow. That means you don’t have to sacrifice safety or utility to get the performance you’re after.
Even better? We’re building this kit to retain the factory MAF housing and hydrocarbon trap. Combine that with our planned intake system, and the whole kit will be designed to be emissions-compliant in all 50 states. That’s a big deal—and one we’re proud to prioritize.
An Intake System That Fits, Functions, and Looks Right
The included intake system will be constructed from rotomolded HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), giving it an OEM-style finish with better airflow and more internal volume than stock. It’s designed to mount to factory locations, replacing the OEM air scoop and attaching to the MAF side of the airbox. Our design will also allow enough clearance for charge pipes to run efficiently and cleanly.
The result? A setup that doesn’t just perform well but looks right in the engine bay. Nothing janky. No zip ties. Just clean, OEM+ fit and finish.
What’s Next?
We’re in the final stages of development, and everything about this kit is being tested, tweaked, and refined to ensure it meets the GrimmSpeed standard. This isn’t just a performance product, it’s a solution. One that gives VB WRX owners the performance they want and the install simplicity they deserve.
We can’t wait to show you more. Until then, stay tuned—because this kit is coming, and it’s going to change the game for the VB platform.
