Elda Engineering Turbo Kit
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From: Memphis
Originally Posted by CrazyPhuD,Dec 1 2004, 03:05 PM
OK so for this to be true you really have to cite a source here. Honestly I don't believe this. There are a number of reasons to use an A/W intercooler, no where have I heard anything about crash damage. I doubt highly that the EVO FMIC had any impact on the crash tests. In fact if designed properly it could aid in increasing the crumple zone not detract from it remember crash tests are about safety not costs.. Hence why 5mph crashes cost $5,000 to repair.
To the NHTSA (National Highway Trafffic Safety Association I believe is their name, something close anyway) the important part of a crash test is survivability. However, they will give just about any car 5 stars, they have low expectations for crash survival and no concept of repair.
The people you need to listen to when it comes to crash testing is the Insurance Institute's Highway Safety Association. This is an organization funded purely by insurance companies. They are much more stringent on the different considerations in crash testing. For instance, they only give great reviews for 5mph crashes if there is NO damage to the bumper and no repair bill, the bumpers on cars are called 5mph bumpers because they are supposed to be able to completely absorb an impact under 5mph with no damage. Now, in real crashes, repair cost is a consideration for them, but pasenger survivability tops the list because they are out serious amounts of money if someone is killed by an insured driver.
So, yes, front mount intercoolers may have been avoided by car manufacturers in the US because the Insurance Institute gave poor ratings if the IC would be damaged by low speed accidents, but more than likely the Evo was not imported through the 90s and before because turbos traditionally sold terribly in the US. Actually, the WRX is probably the primary reason the Evo is sold in the US, showing that a 4 door turbo car will sell here.
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From: Sunnyvale
Originally Posted by mbilderback,Dec 2 2004, 11:08 AM
more than likely the Evo was not imported through the 90s and before because turbos traditionally sold terribly in the US. Actually, the WRX is probably the primary reason the Evo is sold in the US, showing that a 4 door turbo car will sell here.
