[jabroni-O]

Hi,

I tried searching, but can not come to a conclusion.
Sooo....

I'm running COBB, looking to goto stage 2+. I might get a protune later on. I don't plan on running meth and probably not even E85..

So, I am wondering if the $300 extra is worth it for the Helix FMIC as opposed to the ETS one.


Thanks for any input!

[rylak]

I am debating the same currently.

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Most popular intercoolers for full bolt on cars make about the same power.

The bigger intercoolers are mainly used for high heat soak conditions to keep consistency with that power.

The ETS has been known to be very consistent for traditional full bolt on setups.

IF you live in a very hot climate or plan on doing road racing you should seek out a bigger option.

[rismo]

Have bought two Helix FMIC... fine WG duty cycles... Good IAT's... minimum of modding to have them fit.

I will post my complete build history of my 09 in a couple of weeks...

[zeel]

Can't go wrong with either choice. I currently have the ets7 and love it.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by Jeff@TopGearSolutions

Most popular intercoolers for full bolt on cars make about the same power.

The bigger intercoolers are mainly used for high heat soak conditions to keep consistency with that power.

The ETS has been known to be very consistent for traditional full bolt on setups.

IF you live in a very hot climate or plan on doing road racing you should seek out a bigger option.

good info jeff

having fooled around with other FMIC, the ETS fits perfectly, includes new piping which, imo combined with the 5 inch size, appears to result in zero lag compared to stock setup with all the cooling benefits of a new FMIC.

With other FMIC, i have seen and experienced lag which sucks.

Id roll with the ETS in your situation, that is what I am doing.

[Be Awesome 335i]

So is this the IC you recommend??

http://www.topgearsolutions.com/ets-...-bmw335co.html

If so, how does this one stack up (including the oil cooler)??

http://www.burgertuning.com/BMW_135_...oil_combo.html

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by Be Awesome 335i

So is this the IC you recommend??

http://www.topgearsolutions.com/ets-...-bmw335co.html

If so, how does this one stack up (including the oil cooler)??

http://www.burgertuning.com/BMW_135_...oil_combo.html

Yes, you wont find any significant gain from one or the other.

Only benefit to the CP-E is the additional oil cooler.

A lot of people like the idea but never get around to doing the actual oil cooler install. (of course some people do though).

[jayzF30]

I'm leaning heavily towards getting the Helix myself. All the logs I've seen posted by people on this board suggest it has superior CAT (charge air temps) control. AMS is a close second.

[_ink]

I've got and installed the Helix and its quality gear! Not cutting required either!! Comes with replacement piping also if you require it.

[E90Company]

I have Helix. Both are outstanding though.

[jabroni-O]

hmmm if both are outstanding, what made you spend the extra 2-300 for helix?

From what i gathered from my research, everyone claims that all the FMICs are good and comparing them is really splitting hairs... If that is true, why would I NOT pick VRSF? Cheapest and performs the same.

[jayzF30]

If you're just looking for "an" FMIC just go with what your budget affords. Anything is better than stock. When it comes to what is "better" the discussion can go on for a long time and there are many reasons why one fmic is better than another. I'd suggest some reading and looking at datalogs from other members on this forum like I've done over the past few weeks to make your judgement wisely. That is all if you are looking to go after the BEST performing and designed intercooler, not the best intercooler 'for the money'. You could also buy a cheap ebay intercooler and it'll still be better than stock. This question on FMICs always gets raised on the forums and it always comes down to two things, is performance of the utmost importance OR are you on a budget. They most certainly will not perform the same.

[jabroni-O]

I have been doing reading, and most people favor Helix heavily. Shiv also recommends Helix, apparently. I have searched and searched, but it is hard to compare two FMIC when they are not under the same stress conditions. While I am not on a budget, I still don't want to waste money. If something gives me the same whp, and one is ~2-300 cheaper, I would go with that one.

The reason I narrowed down to two is because they both seemed to be reputable and do not require trimming. While I am not opposed to trimming, I just worry about the huge gap that is left behind when I part out and install the OEM FMIC back in.

I am not going to track the car at all. I guess I am just upgrading to feel the pull!
I may go for a pro tune though. That is probably the extent of my modding. FBO (no meth), normal everyday driving with an occasional "pull" when I feel like it

[nikitino25]

I'd say go with a 5" ets. I have one and the install was straightforward with no cutting or modifying anything. I would say it'll work fine for your needs unless you plan on upgrading turbos down the line. I'm pretty sure it's also somewhat lighter and does not block the radiator at all; that's what sold me...
The Helix might be overkill for you.

[SfValley335i]

If your looking to upgrade any aftermarket fmic will do. If you're looking to break deep into the 400whp then get a 7" or larger FMIC. If you're looking to break hp records, then get helix.

[jabroni-O]

Thank you guys,

I think I will go with ETS.

[ETS Michael]

All very good advice. I've been running an ETS 5.0" on my car for over 3 years now. If you have any questions regarding the intercooler I will be more than happy to help. Jeff has been a vendor of ours for years and he will help you find the perfect intercooler for your car.

Thanks!

Michael

[procede92]

Best advice- get 7in vrsf fmic- 400$ lifetime warranty couldn't go wrong!

[jippii ensio]

If you don't have meth, the larger frontal area of Helix keeps the IATs cooler, which is the FMIC's idea in the first place.

[_ink]

Helix for the larger frontal area was the winner for me!!

[cvc 22349a]

OP: I'd go ETS if you have an auto trans. Helix blocks air flow to the lower portion of the radiator which is dedicated to AT cooling.