COBB VB Front Mount Intercooler Kit – 2022+ Subaru WRX

The COBB Front Mount Intercooler (FMIC) Kit for the 2022-2025 Subaru WRX (VB) delivers a major upgrade in both airflow and charge air cooling compared to the factory top-mount intercooler. Designed around a compact, high-efficiency vertical-flow Garrett core, this system is engineered to support higher power levels and repeated pulls while preserving excellent response.

Instead of a traditional horizontal-flow layout, this FMIC uses a 24" x 8" x 3.5" vertical-flow core that routes air from bottom to top. This design greatly improves packaging, allows for cleaner charge pipe routing, and maintains a short, efficient path from turbocharger to throttle body. Tapered sheet-aluminum end tanks and billet 2.5" inlet/outlet connections help distribute pressure evenly across the core and maximize cooling efficiency.

Key Features

• Vertical-Flow Garrett Core: 24" x 8" x 3.5" core flows bottom-to-top, improving packaging, flow, and cooling efficiency.
• Formed Aluminum End Tanks: Tapered tanks with billet 2.5" inlet/outlet ensure even pressure distribution and strong, consistent cooling.
• “Thrust Tunnel” Shrouds: Structural shrouds that locate the core, help channel air through the intercooler and cooling stack, and integrate the ambient temp sensor mount.
• Integrated Bumper Support Beam: Includes a 1/8" steel plate and 1.5" DOM tube support bar (with tow hook mount) to replace the OEM crash bar required for fitment.
• Short, Efficient Charge Piping: Mandrel-bent 2" and 2.5" wrinkle black pipes that tuck tightly behind the bumper for minimal volume and strong transient response.
• Turbo & Throttle Body Adapters: Machined clip-style turbo outlet adapter and custom billet throttle body adapter for OEM-like integration.
• WRX-Specific Packaging: Designed around the VB chassis for clean fitment, serviceability, and compatibility with COBB intake components.
• 50-State Legal: Certified 50-state legal via CARB EO when used according to COBB’s application guide.

COBB Tuning - Product Highlight - Subaru VB WRX Front Mount Intercooler Kit

Why We Like It

Many front-mount solutions add power but suffer from extra lag due to long piping. COBB’s vertical-flow layout and tight routing help you get the benefits of a FMIC—cooler charge temps and more consistent power—without the sloppy response you typically expect from large front-mount setups. It is a well-thought-out solution for both tuned street cars and track-driven VB WRXs.

Core & Shrouding Details

• Intercooler Core: 24" x 8" x 3.5" Garrett vertical-flow core.
• End Tanks: Formed sheet aluminum with billet 2.5" inlet and outlet.
• Finish: Intercooler core powder coated (black or silver, per COBB offering).
• Thrust Tunnels: Structural side shrouds with wrinkle black powder coat; passenger side includes mounting for the ambient temperature sensor.

Charge Pipe & Support Beam

• Piping: Mandrel-bent 2" and 2.5" aluminum tubing with wrinkle black powder coat.
• Hot Side: Starts at 2" with a machined clip to mate to the factory-style turbo outlet, quickly expanding to 2.5" before the core inlet.
• Cold Side: 2.5" all the way from core outlet to the custom billet throttle body adapter.
• Bumper Support: 1/8" steel plate and 1.5" DOM tubing support beam, matte black powder coat, with integrated tow hook mount on passenger side.

Fitment & Requirements

• Vehicle: 2022-2025 Subaru WRX (VB).
• Required Components: COBB Intake Tube & COBB Redline Power Scoop are required for proper bolt-in fitment.
• Tune: No custom tuning required; compatible with stock Subaru calibration and COBB Off The Shelf (OTS) maps.
• Emissions: 50-state legal via CARB EO (when used per COBB’s application guide).

Performance Benefits

• Lower charge air temperatures for more consistent power and reduced heat soak.
• Increased airflow capacity to support higher boost and power levels.
• Careful routing and compact core volume to maintain strong throttle response.
• Improved front-end cooling airflow with integrated “thrust tunnel” shrouds.

Installation Notes

• Factory crash bar must be removed; COBB bumper support beam is included to take its place.
• Requires COBB Intake Tube and Redline Power Scoop for correct alignment and fitment.
• Intercooler, piping, shrouds, and support beam mount using supplied brackets and hardware.
• Professional installation is recommended, especially for trimming, crash bar removal, and front bumper refitment.
• After installation, verify no boost leaks, rubbing, or interference before spirited driving.

What’s in the Box

• COBB Front Mount Intercooler (vertical-flow Garrett core with powder coat finish)
• Hot-side charge pipe (turbo outlet to intercooler)
• Cold-side charge pipe (intercooler to throttle body adapter)
• Billet turbo outlet adapter with clip-style connection
• Billet throttle body adapter
• “Thrust Tunnel” side shrouds with ambient temp sensor mount
• Bumper support beam with integrated tow hook provision
• Silicone couplers, clamps, and mounting hardware (per COBB kit contents)
• Installation instructions (digital or printed, depending on COBB packaging)

Compatibility & Disclaimers

Designed exclusively for the 2022-2025 Subaru WRX (VB) and intended to be used with the COBB Intake Tube and COBB Redline Power Scoop. Compatibility with other intake configurations is not guaranteed. Always follow COBB’s installation and emissions guidelines to maintain 50-state legality and proper operation.