[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by SSW

This may be so, but the Mishimoto outperforms the stock FMIC with increased HP, lower temps and no pressure loss, as they have reported here. This doesn't mean that other FMICs might not perform better than the Mishimoto, but I have yet to see any meaningful comparative tests between different FMICs of the same size.

Personally, I don't think the "restriction in flow" matters as long as you are NOT trying to get max boost/HP out of the turbos, which is the case for drivers (like me) who use their cars mainly as daily drivers and who only turn up the boost occasionally when driving on the back roads.

However, it obviously would matter to those who plan to race their cars (or who just want to push the turbos to the limit in terms of boost/HP just because they can) and, for those people, going w/a 7" FMIC with larger and more durable charge pipes, as well as catless DPs and all the rest of the stuff you need to run over 400HP, would be in order.

But, for the rest of us, the Mishmoto (or similar increased flow design FMIC that's better than stock) is really all we need.

No doubt and I agree 100% with you in all aspects.

[kiteboy]

i've got spearco FMIC and good product !!!

[SoCalHarley]

I just installed a Wagner and the entire process took an hour. Factory connections are a real plus in my opinion. Couldn't have been easier to install and a perfect fit. Delivery from Germany was a few days and the packaging of the product was some of the best I have seen. No additional turbo lag that I could feel but the car pulls to 7000 now without falling on its face after 6200 or so. I am sure there are many great FMICs out there but this one is definitely one to consider.

[bdubz]

Originally Posted by SoCalHarley

I just installed a Wagner and the entire process took an hour. Factory connections are a real plus in my opinion. Couldn't have been easier to install and a perfect fit. Delivery from Germany was a few days and the packaging of the product was some of the best I have seen. No additional turbo lag that I could feel but the car pulls to 7000 now without falling on its face after 6200 or so. I am sure there are many great FMICs out there but this one is definitely one to consider.

I am in the hunt for an fmic for my 335i. done a lot of reading and Wagner is in my top 3. wondering what kind of power your car is putting out cause I am ordering Cobb stage 2+ and want an FMIC that will handle 400hp.
thanks

[Fundguy1]

I'm installing a VRSF 7" this weekend. I wanted a 7" because the minor trimming looks easy, more cooling capacity, you can still install the stock one later, and the trimming isn't visible unless you take off the bottom cover and crawl under the car. Plus I live in fl so I need all the cooling I can get.

[MAN15H]

Another vote for Wagner IC. Super easy install literally a plug and play item. Great build quality. and good value for money.

[Welterweight]

VRSF 7" allowed me to pull hard time after time in 90 degree weather with high humidity! The price and quality is amazing

[bradsm87]

I went with the AMS. Best end tanks on the market and the 20x6x6" core dimensions make the most sense to me.

[silver07335i]

I'd highly recommend the ETS FMICs.

[ATTN]

I just bought ER intercooler. Will be installing shortly

[Tiago@VRSF]

I'd recommend any intercooler that does away with the OEM connectors, they are a large restriction on this platform. Cast end tanks and a good fin pack are also pretty high up there on the list.

[SSW]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

I'd recommend any intercooler that does away with the OEM connectors, they are a large restriction on this platform. Cast end tanks and a good fin pack are also pretty high up there on the list.

Only problem w/that in California is that if the smog tech spots the change during the "visual inspection," you'll fail the test because no FMIC changes have been CARB approved for the N54/N55 engines.

If you leave the OEM charge pipes on, as you can with the Mishimoto and a couple of other FMICs, the smog tech will not notice any changes unless he shines a flashlight through the lower grill and knows that to look for. The reason I chose the black Mishimoto FMIC was to make it as inconspicuous as possible in order to pass smog, which it has done once already.

[Tiago@VRSF]

Originally Posted by SSW

Only problem w/that in California is that if the smog tech spots the change during the "visual inspection," you'll fail the test because no FMIC changes have been CARB approved for the N54/N55 engines.

If you leave the OEM charge pipes on, as you can with the Mishimoto and a couple of other FMICs, the smog tech will not notice any changes unless he shines a flashlight through the lower grill and knows that to look for. The reason I chose the black Mishimoto FMIC was to make it as inconspicuous as possible in order to pass smog, which it has done once already.

A non-oem connection intercooler like ours has the ability to retain the OEM lower charge pipe and the upper chargepipe so you wouldn't have that issue unless they removed the under tray.

If they are removing the under tray they'll be able to notice the intercooler isn't stock no matter what brand is being used.

[FL335]

Originally Posted by SSW

Only problem w/that in California is that if the smog tech spots the change during the "visual inspection," you'll fail the test because no FMIC changes have been CARB approved for the N54/N55 engines.

If you leave the OEM charge pipes on, as you can with the Mishimoto and a couple of other FMICs, the smog tech will not notice any changes unless he shines a flashlight through the lower grill and knows that to look for. The reason I chose the black Mishimoto FMIC was to make it as inconspicuous as possible in order to pass smog, which it has done once already.

Damn! You have the Gestapo out there doing inspections. Way to use those tax dollars….We used to have inspections in FL..shut them down about 15 years about. Wild West, here…

[SSW]

Originally Posted by FL335

Damn! You have the Gestapo out there doing inspections. Way to use those tax dollars….We used to have inspections in FL..shut them down about 15 years about. Wild West, here…

Unfortunately, so.

[mikex25]

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

A non-oem connection intercooler like ours has the ability to retain the OEM lower charge pipe and the upper chargepipe so you wouldn't have that issue unless they removed the under tray.

If they are removing the under tray they'll be able to notice the intercooler isn't stock no matter what brand is being used.

hit it on the nail, that is the reason why going with your intercooler with the performance gains and still looking stock if one wishes so, far outweighs the smaller ones.