well, how else would you monitor IC efficiency?
I'd monitor temps after the IC to see if the IC is damaged, clogged, or whatever.
If the temps go up before the IC then you can isolate problems before the IC, after the IC and before the manifold. Seems like a little overkill but it'd help diagnose possible issues?
I don't know which is more efficient though. FMIC or VMIC. VMIC wins based on number of bends but how well can you create vacuum at the hood area to draw the air out of the IC? Adding a fan would help but more draw on the electrical system.
With FMIC you know air will go though no matter the speed and, when mated to the dual oil coolers and vents, you can create ducting to the underside of the car, which you know for sure will create enough vacuum to pull the hot air out.
I just don't trust aftermarket hoods. All my conversations over the years end up with people claiming that the D-MAX hood (the hood I think seems to be the most efficient) is pure BS marketing because of low pressure areas of the hood and so forth.
They throw in some weird looking diagram that's supposed to "clearly show" the low pressure areas and call it a day. I don't see it but that's because I hit a knowledge wall.
I'd like to know of a way to test the aerodynamics of the rx7's with different hoods and front ends to figure out the best way to use the pressure around the car to draw hot air out.
My favorite image is this one because I see potential for great heat expulsion:
All this to keep the IC pipes as cool as possible to have the most dense air possible.