[Juicer]

I've been looking for an FMIC. Trying to decide between Helix and Code3. I notice the code3 is more expensive (1299) than the Helix (969). Are there advantages to the Code3 over the Helix? Is one larger than the other or does one give less of a pressure drop? The Helix says it has the largest frontal surface area, would this theoretically make it better? Also, I plan to install it myself, anyone else do a self-install and how difficult is it. I've installed DPs, a tune, and an intake, how would installing an FMIC compare?

[jbttum3]

I believe Sniz posted a thread of himself installing the Helix. Do a search for it or shoot him a PM if you have any questions......or maybe he'll chime in

[sd390r]

who cares about the install anyone got anything on which is better performance wise?

[Juicer]

Originally Posted by sd390r

who cares about the install anyone got anything on which is better performance wise?

Yeah, performance is the most important factor. Even a theory based on the design differences would be helpful, since we'll never see back to back dynos.

[335i/335d?]

I have heared/read good results for the helix intercooler, so I ordered the Helix. Besides that they offer good info regarding inlet temp, pressure drop etc. Helix told me that you dont have to remove the bumper. I chosed this option because of the install, I will wait with downpipes till my waranty is over.

You can probably find some information regarding the surface area, I think helix has the intercooler with the most volume. Dont know about the surface area

I just hope it will fit a M-sport bumper

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Heres some data...

This is an independant boost log from Sniz using a Helix FMIC and Vishnu V3 in FAHRENHEIT-this is a 2nd thru 4th gear run as you can see temps start at 100 degrees F drop down as the car starts getting ambient air through the core and at the end of 4th gear the Ait is only 110 degrees F


Heres a code 3 datalog in CELSIUS from this thread.


http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=code+fmic

Temps rise from 46(114f) degrees C to 59(139f) degrees C in 2-4 gear, ambient temp was 65 degrees F(18C)

[M.A.C.K.]

I have the Code 3 and love it, but pretty much everyone is going to tell you whatever they have is the best.......

[Juicer]

The Helix looks impressive from the data posted above.

[ontopofm]

Originally Posted by 335i/335d?

I have heared/read good results for the helix intercooler, so I ordered the Helix. Besides that they offer good info regarding inlet temp, pressure drop etc. Helix told me that you dont have to remove the bumper. I chosed this option because of the install, I will wait with downpipes till my waranty is over.
You can probably find some information regarding the surface area, I think helix has the intercooler with the most volume. Dont know about the surface area

I just hope it will fit a M-sport bumper

i dont understand why you would wait, if anything happen you gonna have to pay it out of your pocket anyway, why does it makes any difference now? and with more mileage the car has greater chance of breaking down, no?

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by Juicer

Yeah, performance is the most important factor. Even a theory based on the design differences would be helpful, since we'll never see back to back dynos.

I designed the Helix FMIC...

Core Design-
Prior to this stepped core design you had the option to either go Taller or thicker with the cores. In my design process I measured the captive areas in the front of the bumper in both depth and height and went about designing an intercooler that took up all of this area, yet still retained the all important seal to the back of the fan shroud so the radiator fan could still draw ambient air through the core. The end result is an intercooler with 56% more frontal area as well as core volume. now about the core I was not constrained to an off the shelf core in regards to ambient and internal fin count as we custom spec'd the core to this application the core in the helix FMIC is a single unit stacked up to our specifications in regards to ambient and charge row height and internal and external fin count. since our core has more volume I could increase the internal fin count to remove more temperature and still meet the targeted air flow and pressure drop for this application. as you see by the AIT data logs the intercooler works amazingly well


Endank design- all endtanks are not created equally, air likes to flow in a smooth curved radius as you can see the Helix FMIC has rounded endtanks that are cast. Another thing you will noticie is we opted not to utilize the factory O-ring connectors even though we could have easily implemented them in this design. Our reasoning was simple the factory connectors are THE flow restriction in the charge side as they shrink down to less than 2 inches in diameter at the inlet and outlet.

[335i/335d?]

i dont understand why you would wait, if anything happen you gonna have to pay it out of your pocket anyway, why does it makes any difference now? and with more mileage the car has greater chance of breaking down, no?

i am going to remove the parts before I bring it in for service. As I understand from most threads the dp are not easy to remove. The Helix IC is (pretty) easy to remove. Thats the reason I wait, after 2 years when the warranty is over I will install the dp and dont remove them before service

[RMA]

My intentions were to go with the Code 3 myself (when I am ready to take the plunge after a JB3 tune). Now after hearing about Helix???

[335i/335d?]

My intentions were to go with the Code 3 myself (when I am ready to take the plunge after a JB3 tune). Now after hearing about Helix???

I dont think you can go wrong with both. Its just personal taste!

[Mr. 5]

Originally Posted by M.A.C.K.

I have the Code 3 and love it, but pretty much everyone is going to tell you whatever they have is the best.......

True that.

[scalbert]

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

since our core has more volume I could increase the internal fin count to remove more temperature and still meet the targeted air flow and pressure drop for this application. as you see by the AIT data logs the intercooler works amazingly well

Out of curiosity, what were the pressure drop numbers as compared to stock and at what airflow rate? Thanks...

[TurboBullett@Ambient Thermal Management]

Originally Posted by scalbert

Out of curiosity, what were the pressure drop numbers as compared to stock and at what airflow rate? Thanks...

core specs are .5psi drop at 600cfm(450hp)

[scalbert]

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

core specs are .5psi drop at 600cfm(450hp)

Thanks, was a final test ever done with the end tanks mounted?

[e.n335]

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

True that.

+1

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

Heres some data...

This is an independant boost log from Sniz using a Helix FMIC and Vishnu V3 in FAHRENHEIT-this is a 2nd thru 4th gear run as you can see temps start at 100 degrees F drop down as the car starts getting ambient air through the core and at the end of 4th gear the Ait is only 110 degrees F


Heres a code 3 datalog in CELSIUS from this thread.


http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=code+fmic

Temps rise from 46(114f) degrees C to 59(139f) degrees C in 2-4 gear, ambient temp was 65 degrees F(18C)

that pretty well sums it up right there. And the Helix is $300 cheaper. Go buy an intake and a boost gauge w/ your savings. No brainer.

[bubbletea 4 me]

offtopic, but Helix FMIC groupbuy anyone?

[Juicer]

Originally Posted by TTurboBullett

I designed the Helix FMIC...

Core Design-
Prior to this stepped core design you had the option to either go Taller or thicker with the cores. In my design process I measured the captive areas in the front of the bumper in both depth and height and went about designing an intercooler that took up all of this area, yet still retained the all important seal to the back of the fan shroud so the radiator fan could still draw ambient air through the core. The end result is an intercooler with 56% more frontal area as well as core volume. now about the core I was not constrained to an off the shelf core in regards to ambient and internal fin count as we custom spec'd the core to this application the core in the helix FMIC is a single unit stacked up to our specifications in regards to ambient and charge row height and internal and external fin count. since our core has more volume I could increase the internal fin count to remove more temperature and still meet the targeted air flow and pressure drop for this application. as you see by the AIT data logs the intercooler works amazingly well


Endank design- all endtanks are not created equally, air likes to flow in a smooth curved radius as you can see the Helix FMIC has rounded endtanks that are cast. Another thing you will noticie is we opted not to utilize the factory O-ring connectors even though we could have easily implemented them in this design. Our reasoning was simple the factory connectors are THE flow restriction in the charge side as they shrink down to less than 2 inches in diameter at the inlet and outlet.

Thanks. This info helps a lot.

[Juicer]

Originally Posted by bubbletea 4 me

offtopic, but Helix FMIC groupbuy anyone?

I'd be in on a group buy!