[DR-JEKL]

I just have a query regarding what piping to use once the fmic is upgraded. I'm going with a ams fmic and it appears that the oem uppipes are retained?



Does anyone go for a 'hard' pipe kit on these applications for the N54, or do you guys all just use the supplied silicon fittings supplied with the fmic?

[_ink]

AWESOME question Shane! I was kinda thinking the same thing as i want to upgrade mine also!

Any reason why you're going with the AMS? Groupbuy with you and me?

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by _ink

AWESOME question Shane! I was kinda thinking the same thing as i want to upgrade mine also!

Any reason why you're going with the AMS? Groupbuy with you and me?

Man its a minefield out there huh in terms of what one to go for!

I was considering the wagner and ETS items, from my research decided to go with the ams, it may require a tad more plastic trimming than the 5" ETS but that's no biggy

[_ink]

Haven't really heard of the AMS tbh...

I see a bit around on the Active Autowerke, ETS and HPF.

http://store.activeautowerke.com/act...sion-p212.aspx

[jp330Cic.au]

I have a helix stepped inter cooler.
http://www.**********s.com/Helix-Ste...5i-N54-N55.htm
I used oem piping.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by _ink

Haven't really heard of the AMS tbh...

I see a bit around on the Active Autowerke, ETS and HPF.

http://store.activeautowerke.com/act...sion-p212.aspx

AMS are one of the big boys and were designed back in 2009 for the 335i by memory. I have read the new AA is different to the old AA (which was overpriced) and the new AA has a few fitment issues by memory.

ER is damn nice but too pricey, ETS is nice but a few guys rated AMS> ETS... A mate of a mate is running AMS on his R35 GTR and that thing is a weapon

TBH like me do your own research and work out what your gut feeling is regarding what manufacturer offers the best product for the price you cant go wrong with any of them as they all outflow the oem item!

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by jp330Cic.au

I have a helix stepped inter cooler.
http://www.**********s.com/Helix-Ste...5i-N54-N55.htm
I used oem piping.

Linky not worky?

Helix was another european option alas I thought were a tad too pricey but a damn nice fmic nevertheless!

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by _ink

Any reason why you're going with the AMS? Groupbuy with you and me?

Man we have to organise a vent boost gauge GB early next year!

[_ink]

Originally Posted by DR-JEKL

AMS are one of the big boys and were designed back in 2009 for the 335i by memory. I have read the new AA is different to the old AA (which was overpriced) and the new AA has a few fitment issues by memory.

ER is damn nice but too pricey, ETS is nice but a few guys rated AMS> ETS... A mate of a mate is running AMS on his R35 GTR and that thing is a weapon

TBH like me do your own research and work out what your gut feeling is regarding what manufacturer offers the best product for the price you cant go wrong with any of them as they all outflow the oem item!

You probably know more than me tbh, i haven't researched at all.

Whats the damage for the AMS anyway?

[DR-JEKL]

Well I'm no expert but just always been reading up on fmic kits here and there

AMS Thread http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227715

ETS http://www.n54tuning.com/index.php?_...d&productId=79

AMS http://www.n54tuning.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=3

ER (fap fap!) http://www.n54tuning.com/index.php?_...d&productId=97

Wagner http://hpashop.com/BMW-135I-335I-Z4-...4-N55-FMIC.htm

[_ink]

looking at this:



I think i prefer the HPF as it integrates the factory couplers, the AME does not it seems.

Also has the extra support brackets to support weight.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by _ink

looking at this:



I think i prefer the HPF as it integrates the factory couplers, the AME does not it seems.

Also has the extra support brackets to support weight.

Yup another damn nice FMIC.

AMS are no fools:

[_ink]

I don't doubt AMS' credibility..

But if there is an option to go without the silicon couplers i will always take that route. They don't last, can crack/spilt/slip off, and this is all from personal experience.

The HPF mounts directly onto the factory plastic piping which is a win in terms of reliability and installation.

[_ink]

P.S. You'll see how good and convenient those factory couplers with the slide in brackets are when you install your charge pipe (ER)

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by _ink

looking at this:



I think i prefer the HPF as it integrates the factory couplers, the AME does not it seems.

Also has the extra support brackets to support weight.

Factory couplers are smaller so not necessarily better (by memory oem are 2.5" -2.75" AMS is 3" and the brackets to support weight may indicate that its a heavy item, no use weighing down the car with a huge fridge type fmic whilst running 300-350WHP

I would like to find stat's on weight though! The AMS weighs 11.5KG, I wonder what the HPF weighs in at??

I like the ETS replacement piping:

[_ink]

That's what i thought of to.. the size of the piping etc.. but it's gonna be such a huge PITA to check those silicon couplers for leaks and general wear and tear! it's a nightmare tbh!!

[_ink]

For reference, the HPF weighs 23 pounds = 10.5Kgs

Lighter than the AMS, and has the extra support brackets for extra piece of mind.

[Stuart@BMRAutowerkes]

ER FTW
ER includes the lower charge pipe - the stock ones are flimsy and shit.

ETS is good value, easy to install... but it's small.

[DR-JEKL]

Originally Posted by _ink

For reference, the HPF weighs 23 pounds = 10.5Kgs

Lighter than the AMS, and has the extra support brackets for extra piece of mind.

there you go get the HPF FMIC

Everyone's perception of what is the best product is different, as they all have different designs and features which appeal to us in different ways i.e you like the fact the HPF includes the oem fittings whereas some guys think the oem fittings are a PITA and want silicon items, others might not want cut plastics and get the 5" ETS FMIC etc etc etc

[Scootah]

FWIW , i installed HPF on my 335 , uses factory couplers , but you do need to cut away a fair bit of plastic away behind the bumper

once in though you'd never know its there

[Gemballa1980]

I'm waiting on a Helix to arrive.. Will let you know how I go.

Just a heads up for anyone looking at buying; Most vendors will honor 'group buy' prices even outside of a group buy. Helix did anyway!

[_ink]

Originally Posted by Gemballa1980

I'm waiting on a Helix to arrive.. Will let you know how I go.

Just a heads up for anyone looking at buying; Most vendors will honor 'group buy' prices even outside of a group buy. Helix did anyway!

What's the shipping costs for the IC?