Next Performance Upgrade after Cobb Accessport

335imax · 02-26-2015, 10:58 AM

Running Cobb Stage 1. Wanted opinions on the next upgrade as my life operates in stages, and can only do one thing at a time.

1. Intercooler that would require minimal if any bumper modification
2. High flow Catted downpipes
3. Performance exhaust

Also could doing any 1 of these allow me to go to stage 2 without issues...

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 02-26-2015, 11:13 AM

You can go to stage 2 with a high flow catted downpipe but you'd find more power going to stage 1 + FMIC with an intercooler upgrade.

3 will not allow you to move up a stage.

335imax · 02-26-2015, 12:31 PM

The VRSF FMIC 5" Stepped / 7" Core
seems to be the best value at $449.00 What do you recommend?

LGCubana · 02-26-2015, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335imax

The VRSF FMIC 5" Stepped / 7" Core
seems to be the best value at $449.00 What do you recommend?

The 5" stepped has less volume than the 7"

Therefore there is less lag on the 5". How much is hard to say, could be a nanosecond or .5 second. I chose the 5" because I have no plans on getting a bigger turbo. Others might default to it if they are leasing; as it requires no trimming.

7" will have lower intake temps, but again is it enough to compensate for the ever so slight increase in turbo lag ?

If you are going to go balls to the wall (fuel pump, larger turbo, bigger injectors), then 7" all day.

335imax · 02-26-2015, 01:04 PM

Don't understand your question? Is VRSF any good?

http://www.topgearsolutions.com/vrsf...i-n54-n55.html

v1nc86 · 02-26-2015, 01:10 PM

Yes, it is.

proTUNING Freaks · 02-26-2015, 01:17 PM

We can be considered biased when we say this but we truly think a custom tune would be the first thing to do.

Our custom tuning carries lifetime support, unlimited map updates for any boltons you add down the road so every hardware modification you do can be entirely optimized free of any additional charges and you have the piece of mind that your configuration isrunning as well as it can at any time.

You also get to speak to your tuner directly about future upgrade paths they found to work best over the years tuning on this platform and in case of any issues/codes you have someone well experienced with the platform to rely on supporting you and providing guidance, reviewing logs and adjusting anything necessary.

Hardware modification wise based on our experience an FMIC should be the starter mod on any N54.

mike@x-ph.com · 02-26-2015, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335imax

Running Cobb Stage 1. Wanted opinions on the next upgrade as my life operates in stages, and can only do one thing at a time.

1. Intercooler that would require minimal if any bumper modification
2. High flow Catted downpipes
3. Performance exhaust

Also could doing any 1 of these allow me to go to stage 2 without issues...

I would get an intercooler.
Since you would like minimal cutting. I recommend you grab a 5" VRSF FMIC.
To answer your question, yes it is good and highly rated on this forum.

Tiago@VRSF · 02-26-2015, 02:48 PM

I absolutely would second PTF's recommendation to get a custom tune after selecting your hardware choices. The off the shelf maps on your Cobb AP leave a lot of power left on the table and a custom pro-tune can dial in the mods to your car. It's the only way to completely maximize your gains.

I'd also reconsider a downpipe with a HFC. The stock catback has a set of cats already in place and the race cats will still trigger a CEL occasionally. The Cobb AP will allow you to remove that CEL. Downpipes with HFC's are also twice as much and add an additional point of failure on the part.

silver07335i · 02-26-2015, 02:56 PM

Get an FMIC first then upgrade downpipes then get a tune.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 02-26-2015, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335imax

The VRSF FMIC 5" Stepped / 7" Core
seems to be the best value at $449.00 What do you recommend?

It's a good intercooler and very popular due to its price point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGCubana

The 5" stepped has less volume than the 7"

Therefore there is less lag on the 5". How much is hard to say, could be a nanosecond or .5 second. I chose the 5" because I have no plans on getting a bigger turbo. Others might default to it if they are leasing; as it requires no trimming.

7" will have lower intake temps, but again is it enough to compensate for the ever so slight increase in turbo lag ?

If you are going to go balls to the wall (fuel pump, larger turbo, bigger injectors), then 7" all day.

The lag are "Extra lag" on bigger intercoolers is negligble on this platform. Especially with turbo's the size of quarters.

335imax · 02-27-2015, 02:47 PM

Why is the Stock Intercooler so crappy? Why did BMW overlook this?

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 02-27-2015, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335imax

Why is the Stock Intercooler so crappy? Why did BMW overlook this?

They didn't design this car to be raced, that's what the M3 is for.

proTUNING Freaks · 02-27-2015, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335imax

Why is the Stock Intercooler so crappy? Why did BMW overlook this?

It was designed for lower boost levels in mind. At 7-8psi peak it works well.

boost junkie · 02-27-2015, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335imax

Why is the Stock Intercooler so crappy? Why did BMW overlook this?

What car comes with a "good" intercooler from the factory?

335imax · 02-27-2015, 03:53 PM

Anyway: Side note...

Does anyone make a trimless open grill for the E90 prefacelift? Thought that might help the intercooler breathe.... This is from a 2009, not sure if it will fit...

4doorbmwpower · 02-27-2015, 07:10 PM

i have VTT Stage 2+ maxed out with install kit. brand new in box no wait... pm me if interested.

BadDogmotorsports · 02-27-2015, 07:16 PM

+1 for VRSF 5" stepped fmic then Catless Downpipes

FL335 · 02-27-2015, 07:18 PM

FMIC, panel filter and custom tune is really all you need for A LOT of power. The DPs make the car sound nice and add a little power but the install cost can be big. With all that I mentioned above, you can get 400 who and turn that car into a beast!

Whit45 · 02-27-2015, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proTUNING Freaks

We can be considered biased when we say this but we truly think a custom tune would be the first thing to do.

Our custom tuning carries lifetime support, unlimited map updates for any boltons you add down the road so every hardware modification you do can be entirely optimized free of any additional charges and you have the piece of mind that your configuration isrunning as well as it can at any time.

You also get to speak to your tuner directly about future upgrade paths they found to work best over the years tuning on this platform and in case of any issues/codes you have someone well experienced with the platform to rely on supporting you and providing guidance, reviewing logs and adjusting anything necessary.

Hardware modification wise based on our experience an FMIC should be the starter mod on any N54.

Roger That

Jnat · 02-28-2015, 07:57 AM

On this platform, power is easily attained. My opinion, Cobb, intercooler, some form of DCI to remove any intake restriction if any exists, remove secondary kitties and keep downpipe kitties so you don't loose monitoring, E85 and finally, a customer tune by a pro tuner or you using ATR. This combo with the right tune will get you close to 400 WHP which for my money, is a good return for a daily. If your goals are higher WHP, downpipes and meth, bigger turbo's and go! JMO!

Welterweight · 02-28-2015, 09:01 AM

I started with Cobb. Then....

FMIC,
DP's,
DCI,
Added E85 Cobb OTS E30 map,
Wedge Tune
Still need Cat Back exhaust but held off on this due to high cost and little to no performance improvements.

Car also got all new plugs, coils, injectors, vanos solenoids, and now I need a low pressure fuel sensor. Gotta pay to play.

My goal is an 11 second quarter mile and 3.3 0-60 on stock turbos. If you want more than that I assume you need RB's or Vargas etc....

02-26-2015, 10:58 AM	#1
335imax Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	Next Performance Upgrade after Cobb Accessport Running Cobb Stage 1. Wanted opinions on the next upgrade as my life operates in stages, and can only do one thing at a time. 1. Intercooler that would require minimal if any bumper modification 2. High flow Catted downpipes 3. Performance exhaust Also could doing any 1 of these allow me to go to stage 2 without issues... __________________ M Performance Suspension
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02-26-2015, 11:13 AM	#2
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	You can go to stage 2 with a high flow catted downpipe but you'd find more power going to stage 1 + FMIC with an intercooler upgrade. 3 will not allow you to move up a stage.
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02-26-2015, 12:31 PM	#3
335imax Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	Many Intercoolers on your website! The VRSF FMIC 5" Stepped / 7" Core seems to be the best value at $449.00 What do you recommend? __________________ M Performance Suspension
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02-26-2015, 01:04 PM	#5
335imax Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	www.topgearsolutions.com has VRSF at that price Don't understand your question? Is VRSF any good? http://www.topgearsolutions.com/vrsf...i-n54-n55.html __________________ M Performance Suspension
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02-26-2015, 01:10 PM	#6
v1nc86 Captain 25 Rep 633 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Yes, it is. __________________ YouTube \| 335xi Best 1/4 mile: 12.3@110 MPH \| 335xi Top speed: 0-270 kph (165+ mph)
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02-26-2015, 01:17 PM	#7
proTUNING Freaks 4496 Rep 1,862 Posts Drives: powered by bootmod3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: www.protuningfreaks.com \| www.bootmod3.com iTrader: (0)	We can be considered biased when we say this but we truly think a custom tune would be the first thing to do. Our custom tuning carries lifetime support, unlimited map updates for any boltons you add down the road so every hardware modification you do can be entirely optimized free of any additional charges and you have the piece of mind that your configuration isrunning as well as it can at any time. You also get to speak to your tuner directly about future upgrade paths they found to work best over the years tuning on this platform and in case of any issues/codes you have someone well experienced with the platform to rely on supporting you and providing guidance, reviewing logs and adjusting anything necessary. Hardware modification wise based on our experience an FMIC should be the starter mod on any N54.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-26-2015, 02:48 PM	#9
Tiago@VRSF 2095 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	I absolutely would second PTF's recommendation to get a custom tune after selecting your hardware choices. The off the shelf maps on your Cobb AP leave a lot of power left on the table and a custom pro-tune can dial in the mods to your car. It's the only way to completely maximize your gains. I'd also reconsider a downpipe with a HFC. The stock catback has a set of cats already in place and the race cats will still trigger a CEL occasionally. The Cobb AP will allow you to remove that CEL. Downpipes with HFC's are also twice as much and add an additional point of failure on the part.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-26-2015, 02:56 PM	#10
silver07335i Captain 25 Rep 755 Posts Drives: 335i titanium silver metallic Join Date: May 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (5)	Get an FMIC first then upgrade downpipes then get a tune.
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02-27-2015, 02:47 PM	#12
335imax Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	Why is the Stock Intercooler so crappy? Why did BMW overlook this? __________________ M Performance Suspension
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02-27-2015, 03:53 PM	#16
335imax Second Lieutenant 44 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia iTrader: (1)	Trimless open mesh Intercooler Grill? Anyway: Side note... Does anyone make a trimless open grill for the E90 prefacelift? Thought that might help the intercooler breathe.... This is from a 2009, not sure if it will fit... __________________ M Performance Suspension
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-27-2015, 07:10 PM	#17
4doorbmwpower Captain 62 Rep 954 Posts Drives: Montego Blue E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (3)	i have VTT Stage 2+ maxed out with install kit. brand new in box no wait... pm me if interested. __________________ cp-e GTX3071R TT kit, cp-e quad exhaust, cp-e fuelbar, Stage 3 LPFP+lines, AEM EFI, Custom Meth kit, Apex EC7 18s w/R888 295s, Stoptech, M3 front, m-sport rear, cp-e difuser, Custom Headlights, CFS Radiator, Custom OC, 1000hp Lvl10 trans, DSS Axles, MFactory LSD, DEFIV lockdown kit, M3 refresh kit, KWv2's, cp-e project "4doorbmwpower"
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02-27-2015, 07:16 PM	#18
BadDogmotorsports Captain 17 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (3)	+1 for VRSF 5" stepped fmic then Catless Downpipes
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02-27-2015, 07:18 PM	#19
FL335 Banned 85 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Florida Beaches iTrader: (0)	FMIC, panel filter and custom tune is really all you need for A LOT of power. The DPs make the car sound nice and add a little power but the install cost can be big. With all that I mentioned above, you can get 400 who and turn that car into a beast!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-28-2015, 07:57 AM	#21
Jnat DisplacementReplacement 409 Rep 1,101 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Jersey Shore iTrader: (0)	On this platform, power is easily attained. My opinion, Cobb, intercooler, some form of DCI to remove any intake restriction if any exists, remove secondary kitties and keep downpipe kitties so you don't loose monitoring, E85 and finally, a customer tune by a pro tuner or you using ATR. This combo with the right tune will get you close to 400 WHP which for my money, is a good return for a daily. If your goals are higher WHP, downpipes and meth, bigger turbo's and go! JMO!
	Appreciate 1 Quote

02-28-2015, 09:01 AM	#22
Welterweight Major 98 Rep 1,321 Posts Drives: Truck in snow, coupe in summer Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Boston iTrader: (3) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i [0.00] 2005 Dodge Ram Quad ... [0.00] 2009 BMW 335xi E92 [10.00]	I started with Cobb. Then.... FMIC, DP's, DCI, Added E85 Cobb OTS E30 map, Wedge Tune Still need Cat Back exhaust but held off on this due to high cost and little to no performance improvements. Car also got all new plugs, coils, injectors, vanos solenoids, and now I need a low pressure fuel sensor. Gotta pay to play. My goal is an 11 second quarter mile and 3.3 0-60 on stock turbos. If you want more than that I assume you need RB's or Vargas etc....
	Appreciate 0 Quote