Priority...Intercooler or Downpipes?

dAng! E90 · 02-14-2013, 10:10 AM

I am about to order something for my car. I already have Proceed and DCI's. I wanted to know what would benifit me more, an intercooler or downpipes. Thanks for any advice given. Hope everyone has a good valentines day!!!

Neothin87 · 02-14-2013, 10:14 AM

downpipes. faster spool, better power gains, for a cheaper price

BlackBB6 · 02-14-2013, 10:19 AM

What are the summers like where you live? If its anything like Texas I would go for the intercooler first.

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 02-14-2013, 10:25 AM

A lot of people find the Tune, DCI, Intercooler setups a lot more powerful then the tune dci downpipe setups.

Mainly because intake air temps are so hot without an aftermarket intercooler, tunes can't be as aggressive. I'd say go with the intercooler first. Let me know if you need any help deciding which to get.

BQTuning · 02-14-2013, 10:51 AM

If you own the car then intercooler which will give you performance consistency

robc1976 · 02-14-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dAng! E90

I am about to order something for my car. I already have Proceed and DCI's. I wanted to know what would benifit me more, an intercooler or downpipes. Thanks for any advice given. Hope everyone has a good valentines day!!!

Intercooler, contact "Jeff" above.....great vendor to deal with

TenshiWingusu · 02-14-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

A lot of people find the Tune, DCI, Intercooler setups a lot more powerful then the tune dci downpipe setups.

Mainly because intake air temps are so hot without an aftermarket intercooler, tunes can't be as aggressive. I'd say go with the intercooler first. Let me know if you need any help deciding which to get.

+1

jlcf22 · 02-14-2013, 01:15 PM

just get both from VRSF for just over 700 dollars kill one bird with two stones

themyst · 02-14-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlcf22

just get both from VRSF for just over 700 dollars kill one bird with two stones

Or a used set of raceland dps for 100-150 and vrsf FMIC, DING DING DING

Black Gold · 02-14-2013, 01:43 PM

I'd go fmic first, especially if you do or plan to do any tracking.

As far as which one, I like ets bc of ease of install and quality. The fitment is great as well. Fitment is key on these items and to me, it'a worth it to pay a little more so it fits right.

Cpe, bms and ar seem very well regarded as far as dp goes.

BEAR-AvHistory · 02-14-2013, 02:17 PM

FMIC

E90Company · 02-14-2013, 02:19 PM

FMIC

Quebequer · 02-14-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlcf22

just get both from VRSF for just over 700 dollars kill one bird with two stones

This.

135Pats · 02-14-2013, 02:58 PM

FMIC hands down, with the OE unit your car is done after one or two pulls if it's at all hot out. Timing will be pulled so drastically your downpipes won't matter one bit. You can actually target pretty aggressively with a good intercooler, Cobb Stg1+ maps are without a doubt stronger than "normal" Stg2 mapping. Intercooler first, then downpipes.

dAng! E90 · 02-15-2013, 07:44 AM

Can someone elaborate on the difficulty of installing the ER intercooler full kit?

foghat · 02-15-2013, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlcf22

just get both from VRSF for just over 700 dollars kill one bird with two stones

This is what I did. Though still waiting on vrsf to get their new fmic's in stock. Then getting both shipped out together.

._. · 02-15-2013, 08:29 AM

wait for the new VRSF DP design, cast ends so the reduction from 3-2.5" is seamless.

b1aze · 02-15-2013, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlcf22

just get both from VRSF for just over 700 dollars kill one bird with two stones

This AINEC...

Greatdane84 · 02-15-2013, 10:10 AM

+1 VRSF FMIC

Just flashed Cobb Stg 1 aggressive about 2 weeks ago. Last Saturday got in to the 80's down here in Florida and took only about 25min of 0-60 short drags against a 350is and 2 WOT pulls (for cobb AP performance test) to go in to limp mode. Ill be ordering the FMIC within the month as the heat approaches.

WesleyC · 02-15-2013, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by themyst

Or a used set of raceland dps for 100-150 and vrsf FMIC, DING DING DING

And then deal with the problems that come with cheap downpipes, DING DING DING

SubzeroVR4 · 02-15-2013, 10:43 AM

How quickly does the stock IC heatsoak?

jlcf22 · 02-15-2013, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R 4 5 T 4 M 4 N

wait for the new VRSF DP design, cast ends so the reduction from 3-2.5" is seamless.

didn't even know they were coming out with a new design is it coming out on the next batch? still waiting for my fmic and dp on order still

View Poll Results: Which part is more beneficial
Intercooler	58	58.59%
Downpipes	41	41.41%
Voters: 99. You may not vote on this poll

02-14-2013, 10:10 AM	#1
dAng! E90 The bigger they are... 18 Rep 264 Posts Drives: Jet Black '07 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pelham, AL iTrader: (0)	Priority...Intercooler or Downpipes? I am about to order something for my car. I already have Proceed and DCI's. I wanted to know what would benifit me more, an intercooler or downpipes. Thanks for any advice given. Hope everyone has a good valentines day!!! __________________ Tom Williams BMW Service Advisor '07 335i Sport 219M Wheels, MMW CF Lip, Shadowline Taillights, Vishnu Procede, BMS DCI, BMS OCC, Aasco LW Flywheel, South Bend Clutch, Turner 90mm Studs, Stoptech pads rotors and lines, BMS LED Tag Lights, BMS Clutch Stop, BMS Clutch Non-Delay Valve, ACS Style Rear Glass Spoiler
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02-14-2013, 10:14 AM	#2
Neothin87 Private First Class 3 Rep 161 Posts Drives: 2009 e90 335i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Orlando FL iTrader: (0)	downpipes. faster spool, better power gains, for a cheaper price __________________ Montego Blue / Saddle Brown Just a few mods...
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02-14-2013, 10:19 AM	#3
BlackBB6 Lieutenant 65 Rep 554 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Dallas iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW E92 335i [8.00]	What are the summers like where you live? If its anything like Texas I would go for the intercooler first.
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02-14-2013, 10:25 AM	#4
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,212 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	A lot of people find the Tune, DCI, Intercooler setups a lot more powerful then the tune dci downpipe setups. Mainly because intake air temps are so hot without an aftermarket intercooler, tunes can't be as aggressive. I'd say go with the intercooler first. Let me know if you need any help deciding which to get.
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02-14-2013, 10:51 AM	#5
BQTuning Banned 469 Rep 4,392 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35i M Sport 6MT Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: bq@bqtuning.com iTrader: (0)	If you own the car then intercooler which will give you performance consistency
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02-14-2013, 01:15 PM	#8
jlcf22 Lieutenant 100 Rep 502 Posts Drives: 335i09 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: bakersfield CA iTrader: (0)	just get both from VRSF for just over 700 dollars kill one bird with two stones
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02-14-2013, 01:43 PM	#10
Black Gold Major General 590 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (15)	I'd go fmic first, especially if you do or plan to do any tracking. As far as which one, I like ets bc of ease of install and quality. The fitment is great as well. Fitment is key on these items and to me, it'a worth it to pay a little more so it fits right. Cpe, bms and ar seem very well regarded as far as dp goes. __________________
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02-14-2013, 02:17 PM	#11
BEAR-AvHistory 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convt 3126 Rep 5,264 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i - 2022 M4C Convrt Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Raleigh, NC - OIB, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1965 COBRA (FFR rep ... [8.57] 2023 Jeep Wrangler ... [9.50] 2009 Yamaha V-Star [0.00] Cars 2-BMW, 2-FORD, ... [0.00] 2023 Ford Expeditio ... [0.00] 2020 Z4 M40i [10.00] 2022 BMW M4C [7.25] 1998 FORD Ranger 4X4 [0.00]	FMIC __________________ Kevin Dravit Gray, Black Leather, Moonlight Roof, Red Calipers 2022 M4C - 2020 Z4 M40i - 2023 FORD Expedition XLT Max 4X4 400BHP - 2009 V-Star - 1998 Ranger 4X4 5MT - 1965 Cobra (R) 5MT - 2023 Jeep Wrangler Sport S 6MT
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02-14-2013, 02:19 PM	#12
E90Company Major General 194 Rep 6,136 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	FMIC
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02-14-2013, 02:58 PM	#14
135Pats Major General 456 Rep 6,478 Posts Drives: A few BMWs Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	FMIC hands down, with the OE unit your car is done after one or two pulls if it's at all hot out. Timing will be pulled so drastically your downpipes won't matter one bit. You can actually target pretty aggressively with a good intercooler, Cobb Stg1+ maps are without a doubt stronger than "normal" Stg2 mapping. Intercooler first, then downpipes. __________________ E88 N54 Alpinweiss/Coral Red/Motiv HTA 3586r Tial .82AR/Other stuff...652WHP F30 N55 XDrive EBII
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02-15-2013, 07:44 AM	#15
dAng! E90 The bigger they are... 18 Rep 264 Posts Drives: Jet Black '07 335i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Pelham, AL iTrader: (0)	Can someone elaborate on the difficulty of installing the ER intercooler full kit? __________________ Tom Williams BMW Service Advisor '07 335i Sport 219M Wheels, MMW CF Lip, Shadowline Taillights, Vishnu Procede, BMS DCI, BMS OCC, Aasco LW Flywheel, South Bend Clutch, Turner 90mm Studs, Stoptech pads rotors and lines, BMS LED Tag Lights, BMS Clutch Stop, BMS Clutch Non-Delay Valve, ACS Style Rear Glass Spoiler
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02-15-2013, 08:29 AM	#17
._. Colonel 74 Rep 2,353 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Miami iTrader: (15)	wait for the new VRSF DP design, cast ends so the reduction from 3-2.5" is seamless.
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02-15-2013, 10:10 AM	#19
Greatdane84 Leeeroy Jankins 31 Rep 423 Posts Drives: 335i e90 LCI Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: SW Florida iTrader: (2) Garage List 2009 335i [10.00]	+1 VRSF FMIC Just flashed Cobb Stg 1 aggressive about 2 weeks ago. Last Saturday got in to the 80's down here in Florida and took only about 25min of 0-60 short drags against a 350is and 2 WOT pulls (for cobb AP performance test) to go in to limp mode. Ill be ordering the FMIC within the month as the heat approaches. __________________ e90 LCI w/ -= VRSF 7" FMIC =- -= Cobb: Stg1 +FMIC Aggressive ST =- Last Install: BMS DCI + Caliper/Drum Paint "If you're not 1st, you're last" -Ricky Bobby
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02-15-2013, 10:43 AM	#21
SubzeroVR4 Second Lieutenant 70 Rep 276 Posts Drives: F80 M3/F85 X5M Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: California iTrader: (0)	How quickly does the stock IC heatsoak? __________________ '16 BMW M3 '16 BMW X5M '23 X3 M40i (On Order) '21 Civic Type R
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