[romeo519]

Looking to upgrade my stock Intercooler any ideas? I'm currently running the Cobb stage 2.
N54 335i E93

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

VRSF
COBB
ETS
Active Autowerke
Evolution Racewerks

Just to name a few...

[romeo519]

Thanks! Which one would need less cutting of the bumper? Or would be the best for an n54? Looking to keep my engine temp down?

[vivanapoli806]

Vrsf is the best option for the price. They are releasing the new stepped core and requires no cutting. There have been number of threads about intercoolers. Look through some of them vrsf is great quality and lots of guys run it

[Miko226]

Just ordered my 5" stepped VRSF. Looking forward to receiving it and putting it on hopefully this weekend

[4doorbmwpower]

I have been running an ER since they came out and it is GREAT! and can flow a ton of horsepower so its good for as long as you want.

[Jklad]

7" vsrf ftw!!

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

I tell most customers to narrow down the intercooler by the following:

-Budget
-Installation Ease
-Street/Track
-Stock Connections/Aftermarket
-Size
-Heat soak efficiency

Other aspects that play a role in intercoolers (not limited too):
-Core Efficiency
-Core Size
-End Tank Design
-Quality/Integrity
-Country of origin
-Reputation

At the end of the day a majority if not all the intercoolers we sell will make about the same power.

Some will handle heat soak better then others as you go larger in size.

The intercoolers about 5" (not stepped) will require trimming of the bumper shroud.

Some intercoolers will fit utilizing the stock connections.

Weighing out all these needs/wants is up to the end consumer.

At the end of the day someone who tracks their vehicle and/or who lives in a hot climate may want to go for a a 6" or 7" option as they have the tendency to heat soak less but they won't make any more peak power then a 5".

5" Stepped cores seems to be a popular trend as of lately as they allow fitment in the stock location, no trimming required and maximize volume overall.

That being said there are plenty of guys with traditional 5" that are making excellent and efficient power and others who have 6" or 7" have found that have minimal/negligible lag on this specific platform.

Sorry for the rant but if you have any specific goals or needs out of your intercooler purchases in the future feel free to drop me a line and I can steer you the right direction. With so many intercoolers now being made it can be overwhelming. The good news is all the ones we are offer are an improvement over stock so it won't leave anyone disappointed.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by romeo519

Thanks! Which one would need less cutting of the bumper? Or would be the best for an n54? Looking to keep my engine temp down?

For no cutting go with VRSF 5" or ETS 5"
If you do not mind trimming bumper you have AA,ER,VRSF 7",ETS 7"
Either one of these intercoolers will be a huge upgrade from the stock FMIC>

[Julian2485]

What do you guys think about the 7" horsepowerfreaks intercooler I have it and love it