Front mount intercooler discussion.

mashimarho · 02-07-2013, 07:31 AM

I'm wondering what do you guys think?
It's about time for me to start boostin' even more. I am looking into the VRSF 7" FMIC. If that doesn't fit, then the 5".*
They are priced extremely well for the benefits. Like, $300-$400 range new.*

Does anyone have the VRSF on the n55?
I've asked before, but I am a little eh about putting any n54 one on. The last thing I want to do again is buy one and hack away to make it fit.

Some guy was selling a new Big Tom n54 one for $300 shipped.

Speed6 · 02-07-2013, 05:58 PM

I went with the Helix FMIC. I can't comment from personal experience as I haven't installed it yet, but they advertise no trimming is required. Build quality seems nice, and N55 models come with an additional hard pipe over the N54 models.

From my research it seems like a pretty popular option, but I would recommend doing some searching of your own too so you can make your own decision.

Tiago@VRSF · 02-07-2013, 06:01 PM

Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55

The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.

xnfsx · 02-07-2013, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55

The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.

Do I need to cut anything? what's the price range.

Wrniknbl · 02-08-2013, 05:14 AM

I have the ER fmic, CP, drop in filter, PROcede and love it - trimming to fit the fmic was required but the gains were substantial, will hit the dyno in a couple of weeks and guessing 320hp or there about ...not bad for the supposedly under powered n55 ha!

We're comin & comin fast!

fasteddie222 · 02-08-2013, 08:49 AM

I have the active autowerke race intercooler and it's been great the car pulls a lot harder now. Yes I had to trim a lot but I didn't really care since that plastic isn't needed.

SpartanGA · 02-08-2013, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wrniknbl

I have the ER fmic, CP, drop in filter, PROcede and love it - trimming to fit the fmic was required but the gains were substantial, will hit the dyno in a couple of weeks and guessing 320hp or there about ...not bad for the supposedly under powered n55 ha!

We're comin & comin fast!

be sure to post your dyno results...curious the gains without DPs

project335i · 02-08-2013, 09:59 AM

I would highly recomend the Godspeed aka BIG TIM intercooler. Has been great on my car and is huge compared to alot of the other aftermarket IC out there and have seen good gains. I sourced the piping and was less then $350, some trimming of the shroud was needed but nothing that is noticible at all.

Freelo · 02-10-2013, 05:24 PM

ETS 5 inch is extremely high quality and perfect fitment. I installed it myself. Zero trimming. Has an N55 specific pipe. This IC costs more than some low cost options but is extremely popular and well proven across N54 and N55.

E90Company · 02-10-2013, 06:46 PM

ETS, ER, and Helix are the best. Pick one of the three.

e92sport · 02-23-2013, 12:45 PM

I have the Helix and no trimming was required. Provided great results.

I also have it for sale if interested since I'm parting out my car.

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 02-24-2013, 09:52 AM

My vote is ER for the N55 and you should think about replacing the stock charge pipe as its prone to failure.

Mike

MGallop · 02-24-2013, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55

The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.

Are your 2.75" connectors back in stock yet?

WesleyC · 02-24-2013, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by project335i

I would highly recomend the Godspeed aka BIG TIM intercooler. Has been great on my car and is huge compared to alot of the other aftermarket IC out there and have seen good gains. I sourced the piping and was less then $350, some trimming of the shroud was needed but nothing that is noticible at all.

I second this. I have the Big Tom IC and it's really great. I'm against using cheap parts, but I did a lot of research and the Big Tom IC is really a great product. I believe the core is the exact same one that AA uses. With all parts, installation (including some minor custom fab work), I think it cost me about $450, though I got a deal on the core.

Tiago@VRSF · 02-24-2013, 01:54 PM

The end tanks look the same, but to say they are the same core in terms of internal and external fin pack based on an assumption is a pretty bold statement..

WesleyC · 02-24-2013, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tiago@VRSF

The end tanks look the same, but to say they are the same core in terms of internal and external fin pack based on an assumption is a pretty bold statement..

I said that I believe they are the same. That's what I have read multiple times as well as discussed with people who have the Big Tom IC and AA IC. I don't know if it is true or not, but regardless, the Big Tom IC is a good option.

02-07-2013, 07:31 AM	#1
mashimarho BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2111 Rep 13,877 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & F80 M3 & G82 M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lynnwood, WA iTrader: (45) Garage List 2021 BMW G82 M4 [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] 2015 BMW F80 M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW 335i xDrive [9.78]	Front mount intercooler discussion. I'm wondering what do you guys think? It's about time for me to start boostin' even more. I am looking into the VRSF 7" FMIC. If that doesn't fit, then the 5".* They are priced extremely well for the benefits. Like, $300-$400 range new.* Does anyone have the VRSF on the n55? I've asked before, but I am a little eh about putting any n54 one on. The last thing I want to do again is buy one and hack away to make it fit. Some guy was selling a new Big Tom n54 one for $300 shipped. __________________ Mashimarho.com /// Instagram /// Facebook /// Youtube /// sales@mashimarho.com /// (425) 582-7939
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02-07-2013, 05:58 PM	#2
Speed6 Private First Class 6 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Plano, TX iTrader: (1)	I went with the Helix FMIC. I can't comment from personal experience as I haven't installed it yet, but they advertise no trimming is required. Build quality seems nice, and N55 models come with an additional hard pipe over the N54 models. From my research it seems like a pretty popular option, but I would recommend doing some searching of your own too so you can make your own decision. __________________ 1993 NSX 2013 Civic Si
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02-07-2013, 06:01 PM	#3
Tiago@VRSF 2095 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Our intercooler fits both N54 & N55 The N55 models include a new lower charge pipe to replace the OEM plastic piece.
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02-08-2013, 05:14 AM	#5
Wrniknbl It's just not cricket 8 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 135i N55 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Aus iTrader: (0)	I have the ER fmic, CP, drop in filter, PROcede and love it - trimming to fit the fmic was required but the gains were substantial, will hit the dyno in a couple of weeks and guessing 320hp or there about ...not bad for the supposedly under powered n55 ha! We're comin & comin fast!
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02-08-2013, 08:49 AM	#6
fasteddie222 Colonel 106 Rep 2,317 Posts Drives: e30 and x1 35i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Miami/Central Florida iTrader: (8)	I have the active autowerke race intercooler and it's been great the car pulls a lot harder now. Yes I had to trim a lot but I didn't really care since that plastic isn't needed. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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02-08-2013, 09:59 AM	#8
project335i Banned 144 Rep 4,501 Posts Drives: Wide Load Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SAUGA iTrader: (6)	I would highly recomend the Godspeed aka BIG TIM intercooler. Has been great on my car and is huge compared to alot of the other aftermarket IC out there and have seen good gains. I sourced the piping and was less then $350, some trimming of the shroud was needed but nothing that is noticible at all.
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02-10-2013, 05:24 PM	#9
Freelo Private First Class 10 Rep 175 Posts Drives: 2014 328i (sold) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (5)	ETS 5 inch is extremely high quality and perfect fitment. I installed it myself. Zero trimming. Has an N55 specific pipe. This IC costs more than some low cost options but is extremely popular and well proven across N54 and N55. __________________ Koni sport shocks, BMW performance springs, M3 arms and sways front and rear, M3 subframe bushings, Velocity toe arms, M3 front strut bar, Cobb, ETS FMIC, Vishnu charge pipe, RPI scoops, M3 steering wheel, M3 carbon leather interior trim, Advan RS 18 inch wheels, Pilot sport tires
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02-10-2013, 06:46 PM	#10
E90Company Major General 195 Rep 6,136 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	ETS, ER, and Helix are the best. Pick one of the three.
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02-23-2013, 12:45 PM	#11
e92sport Captain 38 Rep 600 Posts Drives: black e92 sport Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (2)	I have the Helix and no trimming was required. Provided great results. I also have it for sale if interested since I'm parting out my car. __________________
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02-24-2013, 09:52 AM	#12
Mike@N54Tuning.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 4918 Rep 115,980 Posts Drives: 2007 335i, 2015 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N54tuning.com iTrader: (89)	My vote is ER for the N55 and you should think about replacing the stock charge pipe as its prone to failure. Mike
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02-24-2013, 01:54 PM	#15
Tiago@VRSF 2095 Rep 43,350 Posts Drives: F90 M5 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Doral, FL iTrader: (99) Garage List 2014 F30 328xi [0.00] 2015 F82 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 Ducati 1199 Pa ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	The end tanks look the same, but to say they are the same core in terms of internal and external fin pack based on an assumption is a pretty bold statement..
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