[rudebwoi]

I was lucky enough to be one of the firsts when it comes to testing the VRSF 5" intercooler. It is still in its testing and fitment phase as far as i know. Let me give you my quick observations..

Performance:

I am in NO WAY a technical critic and don't have logs as yet. What I can tell you is that my Cobb stage 2+ over the past month has driven flawlessly with the 5" installed. I have driven in temps as high as almost 90 degrees when it was first installed, not a hiccup.

Installation:

This is the biggest draw to the 5" in my opinion. The forum has talked extensively about the efficiency between the 5" and the 7" for cooling. Even Tiago will tell you that if its 100% about performance, get the 7" and save yourself the desire to upgrade later. If its about ease of installation that is 100% reversible (say you lease) or are not a hardcore modder, the 5" may be for you.

I will tell you that the biggest advantage that I noticed with the 5" is the EASE of install. It is clean and appears almost stock unless you pay attention. We spent maybe a total of an hour installing it, but mind you we were checking for fitment, clearances, and just fine tuning the design as we fit it onto my e90.

I also included a few pictures. (excuse the poor quality I had a my iphone 3gs while waiting for my 5 to come in.)


I currently have VRSF catless DP's, the 5" IC, and will probably have the exhaust at some point when I get time to drive up to his shop again. This is my third trip to the VRSF shop and I have read all the talk about VRSF and the quality of products because of where they are manufactured. (The same place as everyones iphones and iPads etc) They are good products that Tiago puts lot of time and energy into, and then includes a warranty on the product. Him and I have talked about the 5" IC for months now, and as far as I know, we are right around the corner from another quality product from him. These items aren't just slapped together with no R&D and then thrown on our cars.

I say Kudos to Tiago and team for providing products for our cars. In my experience, he is car enthusiast that happens to also make products available to the public. Just because we own these cars does not mean we need to pay the BMW tax on aftermarket products. Can you put a price on the service at VRSF? I would regard it as excellent, how much is that worth?

Cheers.
Kev

ps. Washed the car, installed my Euro bumper today, and cleaned the M355's. I added a few extra pics

[E90Company]

Do we have any logs, install pictures, or any data? I'm sorry but this post didn't do much for me.

[nailer335]

Originally Posted by E90Company

Do we have any logs, install pictures, or any data? I'm sorry but this post didn't do much for me.

I second this thought. I like to hear your thoughts, but the more non-subjective material you can provide, the better off we all are for reading.

[rudebwoi]

Originally Posted by nailer335

I second this thought. I like to hear your thoughts, but the more non-subjective material you can provide, the better off we all are for reading.

good point. I will see what I can do around a busy schedule for the community. Thank you for not being rude about it as well.

[E90Company]

Originally Posted by rudebwoi

good point. I will see what I can do around a busy schedule for the community. Thank you for not being rude about it as well.

I apologize if I came off as rude, I didn't mean to. But when there is a new product in testing, and you are the beta tester that has been running it for one month, I feel like at least a datalog of IAT's would be appropriate. With your COBB unit, it only takes a second. Do a run on your way to work

[ihc95]

Nice write up but I wish you had taken more up close pictures of the intercooler. Logs would also be greatly appreciated. Do you think you can take pictures of the FMIC installed on the car? I know you said it looks stock but we wanna see for ourselves.

[Tiago@VRSF]

It was great seeing you again Kev, always a pleasure. She looks great with the euro bumper man!

Please let me know if there's anything else you need in the future.

[nailer335]

Originally Posted by rudebwoi

good point. I will see what I can do around a busy schedule for the community. Thank you for not being rude about it as well.

I love your car too btw. All of the mods look good together and alpine white cant be beat. I'm biased, myself

I have been waiting for VRSF's 5" FMIC to come out so that I can check out the data logs that testers post so that I can make a decision between their 5" and their 7" unit. I'll appreciate your datalogs as soon as you have time to post them and I'll thank you in advance for doing this for the community.

[etichi]

Looks like the end points would be a plug and play. Is this correct? Did you use any aftermarket hardware to fasten the new intercooler? Any cutting?

[Tiago@VRSF]

This unit uses less restrictive 2.75" connectors. Requires about 15 minutes extra to install but it's definitely worth it to remove that bottleneck.

[OB]

Also waiting for the data logs and charts before I decide. I'll trust that Tiago will keep us up to date when the 5" is ready for delivery to Europe as well

[nailer335]

Tiago,

When will this product be made available for sale, what will be the price point, and will there be an initial group buy? I look forward to seeing data for this product perhaps to decide between your 5" and your 7" FMIC

[Tiago@VRSF]

No ETA yet since we're redesigning the end tanks but I'm guessing Januaryish.

Pricing should be about $20-30 less than the 5". We'll do an intro GB price similar to the 7" as well.

[etichi]

Is this going to be a plug and play with NO additional hardware? If there is hardware to be had, will you sell it?

[Tiago@VRSF]

We're going to include everything you need to remove your old intercooler and install the new one

The only modification will be to the clamps for the OEM couplers.

[ihc95]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

No ETA yet since we're redesigning the end tanks but I'm guessing Januaryish.

Pricing should be about $20-30 less than the 5". We'll do an intro GB price similar to the 7" as well.

Why are you redesigning the end tanks? Aren't they the same as the 7" just shorter?