[valetudo81]

So I am in the market for some more bolt on parts for my BMW 328i F30 N20.

I am curious what the benefits are of upgrading my intercooler for my application and if it is even a good investment at this point.

Currently I have the JB4 Stage 1 tuner, Mishimoto Intake, and VSFR downpipe. With my current set up does it make sense to buy a new FMIC?

Thanks for your help.

[M2_MEDUSA]

Originally Posted by valetudo81

So I am in the market for some more bolt on parts for my BMW 328i F30 N20.

I am curious what the benefits are of upgrading my intercooler for my application and if it is even a good investment at this point.

Currently I have the JB4 Stage 1 tuner, Mishimoto Intake, and VSFR downpipe. With my current set up does it make sense to buy a new FMIC?

Thanks for your help.

Yes it does, cooler air means more power. It keeps temps down which is also a lot safer. Also ur throttle response will increase slightly

[bmwchue]

Add the chargepipe while you are removing the stock as they will be the first to fail

[valetudo81]

Originally Posted by IssaF32

Yes it does, cooler air means more power. It keeps temps down which is also a lot safer. Also ur throttle response will increase slightly

Thank you Issa F32. Makes good sense.

[valetudo81]

I decided to go with the VFSR FMIC. I got their down pipe also.

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by valetudo81

So I am in the market for some more bolt on parts for my BMW 328i F30 N20.

I am curious what the benefits are of upgrading my intercooler for my application and if it is even a good investment at this point.

Currently I have the JB4 Stage 1 tuner, Mishimoto Intake, and VSFR downpipe. With my current set up does it make sense to buy a new FMIC?

Thanks for your help.

Oh definitely. FMIC and catless DP give you the most gains off the bat, aside from a tune. Ensure you don't get some crazy big one, as this hurts performance sometimes. Essentially you are now having to fill in more space, giving you more lag or little to no gains. Stick with VRSF, ER, and Wagner, and you'll be golden.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by bmwchue

Add the chargepipe while you are removing the stock as they will be the first to fail

+1

Mike

[slugmaster]

I have a 328i with AFE scorcher and wonder if the upgrade is worth it also. Does anyone know if there is there pressure loss with the smaller aftermarket intercoolers like VRSF street or Active Autowerk?

It seems like the lower temperatures will always help, but mostly during hard driving. Does the intercooler only help if you are getting heat soaked constantly?

[valetudo81]

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

Oh definitely. FMIC and catless DP give you the most gains off the bat, aside from a tune. Ensure you don't get some crazy big one, as this hurts performance sometimes. Essentially you are now having to fill in more space, giving you more lag or little to no gains. Stick with VRSF, ER, and Wagner, and you'll be golden.

Thanks BunkerJ. I really appreciate all the feedback you have posted on my posts.

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by slugmaster

I have a 328i with AFE scorcher and wonder if the upgrade is worth it also. Does anyone know if there is there pressure loss with the smaller aftermarket intercoolers like VRSF street or Active Autowerk?

It seems like the lower temperatures will always help, but mostly during hard driving. Does the intercooler only help if you are getting heat soaked constantly?

A smaller IC would fill up quicker, resulting in less lag, but not as much area to dissipate heat. Most of the aftermarket FMIC's I talked about earlier (ER, Wagner, and VRSF) will give you better heat dissipation and throttle response.

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by valetudo81

Thanks BunkerJ. I really appreciate all the feedback you have posted on my posts.

Anytime! Just like others, I'm here to share knowledge so that we can all benefit and build the platform correctly with minimal hiccups. Cheers

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by valetudo81

So I am in the market for some more bolt on parts for my BMW 328i F30 N20.

I am curious what the benefits are of upgrading my intercooler for my application and if it is even a good investment at this point.

Currently I have the JB4 Stage 1 tuner, Mishimoto Intake, and VSFR downpipe. With my current set up does it make sense to buy a new FMIC?

Thanks for your help.

Yes it is ... FMIC is one of the most important mods.

If you are keeping the stage 1 get a Wagner EVO I, VRSF 5" or Active Autowerke

If you are upgrading to a stage 2, get Wagner EVO II or VRSF 5" HD

[valetudo81]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Yes it is ... FMIC is one of the most important mods.

If you are keeping the stage 1 get a Wagner EVO I, VRSF 5" or Active Autowerke

If you are upgrading to a stage 2, get Wagner EVO II or VRSF 5" HD

Thanks Mike. I ordered the VRSF from you along with the downpipe. Just waiting to get some shipping information now.

Can't wait to get everything installed.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by slugmaster

I have a 328i with AFE scorcher and wonder if the upgrade is worth it also. Does anyone know if there is there pressure loss with the smaller aftermarket intercoolers like VRSF street or Active Autowerk?

It seems like the lower temperatures will always help, but mostly during hard driving. Does the intercooler only help if you are getting heat soaked constantly?

Aftermarket FMICs usually have lower pressure loss across the core so the Turbos don't have to work as hard to generate a set boost target.

Mike

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by valetudo81

Thanks Mike. I ordered the VRSF from you along with the downpipe. Just waiting to get some shipping information now.

Can't wait to get everything installed.

Awesome

[Malloy]

This photo seems relevant. Dinan dual core vs stock.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Great comparison!

Mike

[Domotron]

ummmm... interesting, is stock FMIC and charge pipe that crappy ? i mean stock trubo is as strong at a hair dryer even if you run little bit more boost through it ..

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by Domotron

ummmm... interesting, is stock FMIC and charge pipe that crappy ? i mean stock trubo is as strong at a hair dryer even if you run little bit more boost through it ..

Stock chargepipes are absolute trash... Crack most of the time on our engine and blow off on the N55. And I mean, way more than a hairdryer... 22psi..

[Domotron]

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

Stock chargepipes are absolute trash... Crack most of the time on our engine and blow off on the N55. And I mean, way more than a hairdryer... 22psi..

dang i guess ill upgrade my shit to prevent future issues with it ...

[BunkerJ]

Originally Posted by Domotron

dang i guess ill upgrade my shit to prevent future issues with it ...

100%. If you plan to push any more to the turbo, I recommend it even more. These things blow off and crack even under stock conditions. Buddy of mine had his N55 for 3 days and the chargepipe clamp blew off and flew down the highway, never to be seen again... Lol

[Domotron]

Originally Posted by BunkerJ

100%. If you plan to push any more to the turbo, I recommend it even more. These things blow off and crack even under stock conditions. Buddy of mine had his N55 for 3 days and the chargepipe clamp blew off and flew down the highway, never to be seen again... Lol

thats crazy man ! seems like bmw cheap out on n20, n26 and n55 engines...