Process WestProcess West | Australian-Engineered Cooling & Induction Systems
Process West Intakes & Intercoolers
Process West has been building intercoolers, manifolds and intakes in Australia since 2003, and it's a brand we genuinely rate for local conditions. We fit these parts into Subarus that see everything from daily Sydney traffic to full trackdays at The Bend and Wakefield Park. If you want cooling and induction gear designed for our climate and our roads, this is where we point most customers.
Shop by Vehicle
- Subaru WRX (VA, VB)
- Subaru STI (VA, GR, GV)
- Subaru Forester XT (SH, SJ)
Shop by Product Type
- Verticooler top-mount intercooler kits
- Front mount intercooler (FMIC) kits
- Billet intake manifolds
- Cold air intake kits (72mm and 76mm, K&N filtration)
Why Process West
The Verticooler is the product most people come to us for. It tilts the classic Subaru top-mount core to a 15-degree angle, so hot air has a clear exit path down and out of the engine bay instead of pooling around the intake. On the WRX and Forester XT this cuts down the heat soak you'd normally get from a factory top-mount, especially noticeable back-to-back on track or towing in the Forester's case.
The billet intake manifolds suit cars already built for bigger power, with a bell-mouth design and larger plenum aimed at improving throttle response and top-end flow. We won't quote boost or power gain figures here as these depend heavily on your specific engine, turbo and tune combination. Ask us directly and we'll give you an honest answer based on what Process West actually publishes for your setup.
Cold air intakes use 72mm or 76mm piping with K&N filtration and a heat shield to keep intake temps down in the engine bay, a straightforward, proven upgrade for daily driven and track cars alike.
Fitment & Installation
Most Process West FMIC kits are designed as "no-cut" fitments, meaning they sit behind the factory bumper without trimming the bar or bumper support. Always check your specific model year against the kit description, particularly for WRX VA/VB where bumper and headlight variations can affect intercooler pipe routing.
Billet manifolds on turbocharged Subarus may need a matching tune to get the most from the improved flow, and some versions include extra bungs for port injection setups. If you're running port injection or E85, check which manifold variant you need before ordering.
Verticooler kits are a direct bolt-in for most WRX and Forester XT applications but do involve removing the factory top-mount piping, so budget a bit more time than a straight intake swap.
Pair with the rest of your build
- Tuning to match your new intake or manifold: see our ECU tuning options
- Oil catch cans from Radium Engineering to complete the induction side
- DIXCEL brake upgrades if you're adding power and need to stop harder
- KORSH suspension components for cars getting a full performance refresh
FAQ
What makes the Verticooler different from a standard top-mount?
Standard top-mounts trap hot air around the intake after it passes through the core. The Verticooler's slanted design gives that air a direct path out of the engine bay, so intake temps stay more stable under repeated hard runs.
Do I need to cut my bumper to fit a Process West FMIC?
Most kits are designed to fit behind the factory bumper with no cutting required. Check the specific kit listing for your model, as bumper and bar variations between years can change what's needed.
Will a billet manifold need a tune?
On most turbocharged Subarus, yes. The improved flow changes how the engine breathes, so a matching tune gets you the real benefit instead of just a part swap.
Does this fit my exact year and trim?
Fitment varies across VA/VB WRX, STI and Forester XT generations. Check the product listing for your specific model year, or get in touch and we'll confirm before you order.
Not sure which kit suits your car? Get in touch and we'll help you match it to your build.
