Front mount intercooler discussion. - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

mashimarho · 02-07-2013, 08:31 AM

I'm wondering what do you guys think?
It's about time for me to start boostin' even more. I am looking into the VRSF 7" FMIC. If that doesn't fit, then the 5".*
They are priced extremely well for the benefits. Like, $300-$400 range new.*

Does anyone have the VRSF on the n55?
I've asked before, but I am a little eh about putting any n54 one on. The last thing I want to do again is buy one and hack away to make it fit.

Some guy was selling a new Big Tom n54 one for $300 shipped.

Speed6 · 02-07-2013, 06:58 PM

I went with the Helix FMIC. I can't comment from personal experience as I haven't installed it yet, but they advertise no trimming is required. Build quality seems nice, and N55 models come with an additional hard pipe over the N54 models.

From my research it seems like a pretty popular option, but I would recommend doing some searching of your own too so you can make your own decision.

Tiago@VRSF · 02-07-2013, 07:01 PM

Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55

The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.

xnfsx · 02-07-2013, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55

The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.

Do I need to cut anything? what's the price range.

Wrniknbl · 02-08-2013, 06:14 AM

I have the ER fmic, CP, drop in filter, PROcede and love it - trimming to fit the fmic was required but the gains were substantial, will hit the dyno in a couple of weeks and guessing 320hp or there about ...not bad for the supposedly under powered n55 ha!

We're comin & comin fast!

fasteddie222 · 02-08-2013, 09:49 AM

I have the active autowerke race intercooler and it's been great the car pulls a lot harder now. Yes I had to trim a lot but I didn't really care since that plastic isn't needed.

SpartanGA · 02-08-2013, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrniknbl

I have the ER fmic, CP, drop in filter, PROcede and love it - trimming to fit the fmic was required but the gains were substantial, will hit the dyno in a couple of weeks and guessing 320hp or there about ...not bad for the supposedly under powered n55 ha!

We're comin & comin fast!

be sure to post your dyno results...curious the gains without DPs

project335i · 02-08-2013, 10:59 AM

I would highly recomend the Godspeed aka BIG TIM intercooler. Has been great on my car and is huge compared to alot of the other aftermarket IC out there and have seen good gains. I sourced the piping and was less then $350, some trimming of the shroud was needed but nothing that is noticible at all.

Freelo · 02-10-2013, 06:24 PM

ETS 5 inch is extremely high quality and perfect fitment. I installed it myself. Zero trimming. Has an N55 specific pipe. This IC costs more than some low cost options but is extremely popular and well proven across N54 and N55.

E90Company · 02-10-2013, 07:46 PM

ETS, ER, and Helix are the best. Pick one of the three.

e92sport · 02-23-2013, 01:45 PM

I have the Helix and no trimming was required. Provided great results.

I also have it for sale if interested since I'm parting out my car.

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 02-24-2013, 10:52 AM

My vote is ER for the N55 and you should think about replacing the stock charge pipe as its prone to failure.

Mike

MGallop · 02-24-2013, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55

The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.

Are your 2.75" connectors back in stock yet?

Wesley Crusher · 02-24-2013, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by project335i

I would highly recomend the Godspeed aka BIG TIM intercooler. Has been great on my car and is huge compared to alot of the other aftermarket IC out there and have seen good gains. I sourced the piping and was less then $350, some trimming of the shroud was needed but nothing that is noticible at all.

I second this. I have the Big Tom IC and it's really great. I'm against using cheap parts, but I did a lot of research and the Big Tom IC is really a great product. I believe the core is the exact same one that AA uses. With all parts, installation (including some minor custom fab work), I think it cost me about $450, though I got a deal on the core.

Tiago@VRSF · 02-24-2013, 02:54 PM

The end tanks look the same, but to say they are the same core in terms of internal and external fin pack based on an assumption is a pretty bold statement..

Wesley Crusher · 02-24-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

The end tanks look the same, but to say they are the same core in terms of internal and external fin pack based on an assumption is a pretty bold statement..

I said that I believe they are the same. That's what I have read multiple times as well as discussed with people who have the Big Tom IC and AA IC. I don't know if it is true or not, but regardless, the Big Tom IC is a good option.

02-07-2013, 08:31 AM	#1
mashimarho Boss Drives: e92 LCI 335i xDrive™ Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Grand Rapids, michigan Posts: 5,718 iTrader: (27) Garage List 2012 BMW 335i xDrive [5.00]	Front mount intercooler discussion. I'm wondering what do you guys think? It's about time for me to start boostin' even more. I am looking into the VRSF 7" FMIC. If that doesn't fit, then the 5".* They are priced extremely well for the benefits. Like, $300-$400 range new.* Does anyone have the VRSF on the n55? I've asked before, but I am a little eh about putting any n54 one on. The last thing I want to do again is buy one and hack away to make it fit. Some guy was selling a new Big Tom n54 one for $300 shipped. __________________ -Sean. 360 FORGED///DynamikiLLu51ions///ER///BMS///KW///VRSF///ARKYM///DD///CYBA///STOPTECH///BMW Performance /// My Progress: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=770326
	Tweet

02-07-2013, 06:58 PM	#2
Speed6 Private Drives: 2012 E92 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 67 iTrader: (1)	I went with the Helix FMIC. I can't comment from personal experience as I haven't installed it yet, but they advertise no trimming is required. Build quality seems nice, and N55 models come with an additional hard pipe over the N54 models. From my research it seems like a pretty popular option, but I would recommend doing some searching of your own too so you can make your own decision. __________________ 2012 E92 335i \| ///M-Sport 6MT \| BMWPerformance \| BBS \| Hankook \| Burger \| iCarbon \| Helix \| EvolutionRacewerks \| SupremePower \| Invisibra \| Tritek \| Valentine1 \|

02-08-2013, 09:49 AM	#6
fasteddie222 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2011 e92 335i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Miami/Central Florida Posts: 1,656 iTrader: (4)	I have the active autowerke race intercooler and it's been great the car pulls a lot harder now. Yes I had to trim a lot but I didn't really care since that plastic isn't needed. __________________

02-10-2013, 06:24 PM	#9
Freelo Private First Class Drives: 2011 E90 335i 6MT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Connecticut Posts: 126 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i [0.00]	ETS 5 inch is extremely high quality and perfect fitment. I installed it myself. Zero trimming. Has an N55 specific pipe. This IC costs more than some low cost options but is extremely popular and well proven across N54 and N55. __________________ Koni sport, BMW performance springs, M3 arms and sways front and rear, M3 subframe bushings, Velocity toe arms, M3 front strut bar, Cobb, ETS FMIC, Vishnu charge pipe, RPI scoops, M3 steering wheel, City Vision angels, CDV delete, Advan RS 18 inch, Pilot SS

02-23-2013, 01:45 PM	#11
e92sport Captain Drives: black e92 sport Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL Posts: 603 iTrader: (2)	I have the Helix and no trimming was required. Provided great results. I also have it for sale if interested since I'm parting out my car. __________________

02-07-2013, 07:01 PM	#3
Tiago@VRSF BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: E92 335i, E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hudson, MA Posts: 2,823 iTrader: (62) Garage List 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55 The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.

02-08-2013, 06:14 AM	#5
Wrniknbl It's just not cricket Drives: 135i N55 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Aus Posts: 49 iTrader: (0)	I have the ER fmic, CP, drop in filter, PROcede and love it - trimming to fit the fmic was required but the gains were substantial, will hit the dyno in a couple of weeks and guessing 320hp or there about ...not bad for the supposedly under powered n55 ha! We're comin & comin fast!

02-08-2013, 10:59 AM	#8
project335i BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: Wide Load Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SAUGA Posts: 4,267 iTrader: (6)	I would highly recomend the Godspeed aka BIG TIM intercooler. Has been great on my car and is huge compared to alot of the other aftermarket IC out there and have seen good gains. I sourced the piping and was less then $350, some trimming of the shroud was needed but nothing that is noticible at all.

02-10-2013, 07:46 PM	#10
E90Company Major General Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: SFL Posts: 5,557 iTrader: (2)	ETS, ER, and Helix are the best. Pick one of the three.

02-24-2013, 10:52 AM	#12
Mike@N54Tuning.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: 07335i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 12,248 iTrader: (78)	My vote is ER for the N55 and you should think about replacing the stock charge pipe as its prone to failure. Mike __________________ Lowest Price GUARANTEED on ALL PRODUCTS!! JB4 G5 On Sale - FREE Shipping Click Me - NEW JB4(N55) & DCI's $95.00 NEW F30-328 N20 Tune(Stage1) BMS Oil Catch Can (On Sale)

02-24-2013, 02:54 PM	#15
Tiago@VRSF BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: E92 335i, E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Hudson, MA Posts: 2,823 iTrader: (62) Garage List 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2009 BMW M3 [0.00]	The end tanks look the same, but to say they are the same core in terms of internal and external fin pack based on an assumption is a pretty bold statement..

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search