FMIC advice

[yaymitch]

What is the best FMIC to go with? I have searched on multiple forums but wanted more input. thanks...

[VSmotorsports]

Originally Posted by yaymitch

What is the best FMIC to go with? I have searched on multiple forums but wanted more input. thanks...

We have been very pleased with ETS front mounts, they go in nicely. There are many out there and we have much experience with them all. If you have any questions feel free to give us a pm

[crew_chief152]

I put the Stett intercooler in my car. With me taking my time measuring twice and cutting once it took 5 hours. That being said it is one of the harder intercoolers to install. The whole front bumper needs to come off. I am very pleased with the performance of it though.

[TunedM2C]

VRSF is about to come out with a 7" fin core that will be less than $500. Look for the GB soon in the E90 sponsor section. Can't beat that price for a quality product.

[brusk]

There is no best for every situation so basic questions would be.
1. What is your cars purpose? street/track/drag etc.
2. Are you installing it yourself, if so do you have to skills/tools to custom fit it with cutting up some of the supports?
3. What kind of power levels are you going for?
4. Will you be using meth?
5. What kind of climate/temps do you drive at?

[Black Gold]

Ive used ets on this car and on a previous b54 335

Fitment is great, and the car runs smoother an cooler.

Other great options are

- helix
- evolution race works

There are also others, but these are the most proven with the easiest install an fitment

[ken1137]

Dont forget Forge Mortorsport...the group buy in the 1M section might still be available. Pricier than others but welds looked great and drop in fitment with no trimming.

[yaymitch]

Originally Posted by brusk

There is no best for every situation so basic questions would be.
1. What is your cars purpose? street/track/drag etc.
2. Are you installing it yourself, if so do you have to skills/tools to custom fit it with cutting up some of the supports?
3. What kind of power levels are you going for?
4. Will you be using meth?
5. What kind of climate/temps do you drive at?

I will be tracking and Auto-xing. Also, I want something that is a fairly easy install although I won't be installing myself. I live in a hot/humid climate. I do want more power but no meth.

[RnmEvo9]

Anything is an improvement over stock. With that said, I went with Helix and it does a great job keeping IATS at bay in this hot and humid Florida weather.

[brusk]

racing it in a hot climate and not using meth I'd go with a bigger one. Anything bigger than a 5" needs trimming. Helix adds their step design which make it bigger and no trimming which is a popular option. I have the AMS 6" and cut more than I thought it was going to need but wasn't too bad. If you worried about putting it back to stock you would want to get something that accepts the factory connections as some of the coolers replace those with nice smooth connectors and clamps.

[135iDCT]

cxracing intercooler

[WhiteTgr135i]

CXRacing's fmic is a good route. However, it requires excessive trimming of the front bumper, and the top portion gets covered up by the front bumper. If you don't care about trimming, go with the CXRacing intercooler.

[kollegga]

Installed Forge 2 days ago.
Need 3 hours cause I am a total noob.

Had massive problems with the one-clip at co-driver side hose.
Needed nearly 1.5 hours to get it off....

fitment is great and it seems to be i have more power at higher rpms.

[1Pirate]

I have the 5" ETS FMIC. It is fairly easy to install and requires no cutting.

[RimasRS]

Originally Posted by Tuned1M

VRSF is about to come out with a 7" fin core that will be less than $500. Look for the GB soon in the E90 sponsor section. Can't beat that price for a quality product.

+1

[Giancarlo]

I'm also interested in this, so hijacking alittle bit, is there a big difference between all the brands? or is it really minor the biggest diference being the size of the core more than the brand?

Most websites say that the big gains are with higher boost, so will the pkk software have a big advantage to a FMIC? or is this with higher boost?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Giancarlo

I'm also interested in this, so hijacking alittle bit, is there a big difference between all the brands? or is it really minor the biggest diference being the size of the core more than the brand?

Most websites say that the big gains are with higher boost, so will the pkk software have a big advantage to a FMIC? or is this with higher boost?

I would say 10~20Hp maybe. Plus you won't heat soak at all on really hot days. I would think throttle response would be better too with a FMIC, because there are lower AIT. But I am no expert here.

[Giancarlo]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I would say 10~20Hp maybe. Plus you won't heat soak at all on really hot days. I would think throttle response would be better too with a FMIC, because there are lower AIT. But I am no expert here.

That much? definetly worth it then. even if you get 5-10whp with no heat soak it is worth it. thanks.

[romak47]

Helix ftw.

Stepped core, and also snub nosed (raised fins) on the front face allow it to grab more air, espcially if your FMIC isnt shrouded properly, compared to a flat faced FMIC.

I like that it has connections that allow you to removed the restrictive OEM inlet elbow.

My IAT are flat as pancake during mid to high gear pulls to redline (pre meth). Has a very low pressure drop as well.

for the money, its a very well engineered peice.

Great writeup and comparo on some FMIC here at e90post:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295153