[Jon@Bimmersport Automotive]

AA = Fit, Finish, ease of installation...don't let the trimming fool you, as the fitment of piping is more of an installation issue.

[BrianMN]

Originally Posted by gbreeE90

Doesnt the AMS FMIC require permanent modification? At least thats what it seems like when looking at all the Installation pictures.

No permanant modifications. That's just a pic showing where the lower cupler meets the lower charge pipe.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by BrianMN

No permanant modifications. That's just a pic showing where the lower cupler meets the lower charge pipe.

+1

Mike

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by BrianMN

No permanant modifications. That's just a pic showing where the lower cupler meets the lower charge pipe.

Yes, but I see you have to cut off the stock connection and put the new connection on. Do you know how to put the stock connection back on to replace the stock intercooler? I am assuming you have done the install?

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

+1

Mike

Im guessing you use the couplers that come with the AMS intercooler to attach the stock connections back to the intercooler piping?

[BrianMN]

Originally Posted by gbreeE90

Yes, but I see you have to cut off the stock connection and put the new connection on. Do you know how to put the stock connection back on to replace the stock intercooler? I am assuming you have done the install?

Not sure what you're referring to. The only 'cutting' involved is using a Dremel to cut the stock 'clamp' that holds the OEM IC hose to the Turbo-Outlet piping. It's a solid pressed clamp, not one you can loosen. It is replaced with a traditional worm style hose clamp. So in that sense, it is not fully revertable to stock...but I highly doubt BMW would notice the OEM clamp is replaced with a hose clamp..and even if they did, it would not prove anything.

As for connections, the AMS IC comes with all the silicone couplings that simply slip and clamp onto the turbo outlet piping as well as the lower charge pipe. No cutting of factory piping/connections.

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by BrianMN

Not sure what you're referring to. The only 'cutting' involved is using a Dremel to cut the stock 'clamp' that holds the OEM IC hose to the Turbo-Outlet piping. It's a solid pressed clamp, not one you can loosen. It is replaced with a traditional worm style hose clamp. So in that sense, it is not fully revertable to stock...but I highly doubt BMW would notice the OEM clamp is replaced with a hose clamp..and even if they did, it would not prove anything.

As for connections, the AMS IC comes with all the silicone couplings that simply slip and clamp onto the turbo outlet piping as well as the lower charge pipe. No cutting of factory piping/connections.

Ok, thanks

And that is what I was asking about, the silicone couplings, but I guess they cant say anything about that if they find it. Couplers couldnt cause anything to break. It just looked like the stock intercooler couldnt go back on with those couplers on.

[BrianMN]

Originally Posted by gbreeE90

Ok, thanks

And that is what I was asking about, the silicone couplings, but I guess they cant say anything about that if they find it. Couplers couldnt cause anything to break. It just looked like the stock intercooler couldnt go back on with those couplers on.

Yep, no worries reverting to stock.

Even with the temps cooling down, you'll still notice big gains from putting a good intercooler on...and the AMS is a great choice. If I were to do it over (I have AMS), I would consider the CP-E IC with the extra oil cooler. That's a great product at a great price.

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by BrianMN

Yep, no worries reverting to stock.

Even with the temps cooling down, you'll still notice big gains from putting a good intercooler on...and the AMS is a great choice. If I were to do it over (I have AMS), I would consider the CP-E IC with the extra oil cooler. That's a great product at a great price.

An extra cooler would really help? My temps never go over 250.

[technik330]

How about producing a wider variety of intercoolers...that don't require you to "modify / alter / trim" your car to fit?

With all the "R&D" I think it would be logical to expect a broader spectrum of quality, properly fitting, intercoolers that don't require you to alter your car to run x company's product...

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by technik330

How about producing a wider variety of intercoolers...that don't require you to "modify / alter / trim" your car to fit?

With all the "R&D" I think it would be logical to expect a broader spectrum of quality, properly fitting, intercoolers that don't require you to alter your car to run x company's product...

The stock intercooler is small, so of course you are going to have to trim. There is no way to get around that. Now if your talking about the couplers, HPF intercooler goes right on; but the flow of the aftermarket couplers is much better than stock.

[technik330]

Originally Posted by gbreeE90

The stock intercooler is small, so of course you are going to have to trim. There is no way to get around that. Now if your talking about the couplers, HPF intercooler goes right on; but the flow of the aftermarket couplers is much better than stock.

I'm not seeking to be arguementative; but how is it not possible to get around having to trim to make an IC fit, when there's already a kit or two that don't require it?

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by technik330

I'm not seeking to be arguementative; but how is it not possible to get around having to trim to make an IC fit, when there's already a kit or two that don't require it?

Which ones require 0 cutting that dont block the radiator? I mean its not that big of a deal to block it, but I would rather not.

[technik330]

I believe I had read some where, on this forum, that the forge intercooler was a direct, no trimming replacement.

For some reason I believe the ER IC to be the same as well, I could be wrong of course.

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by technik330

I believe I had read some where, on this forum, that the forge intercooler was a direct, no trimming replacement.

For some reason I believe the ER IC to be the same as well, I could be wrong of course.

It seems that if you get the Full ER FMIC package it completely replaces the piping, but the left side still requires cutting of the clamp, just like AMS. And although it might not require much trimming of the bumper, I have never heard of one that requires none at all. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[technik330]

I believe the forge to require no modifications, but again, I could be wrong.

I'm sure it's possible to develop one, people just need to expect more for what they're paying for these intercoolers, that's all I'm getting at.

I don't want to have to trim my car to fit some company's product; yea I'm cognizant I could stay the OEM route, but I'm looking for a quaity direct replacement... it's got to be possible.

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by technik330

I believe the forge to require no modifications, but again, I could be wrong.

I'm sure it's possible to develop one, people just need to expect more for what they're paying for these intercoolers, that's all I'm getting at.

I don't want to have to trim my car to fit some company's product; yea I'm cognizant I could stay the OEM route, but I'm looking for a quaity direct replacement... it's got to be possible.

I understand what you are saying, but sense it seems not many people mind trimming, there might not be enough demand for an intercooler small enough to fit where the factory IC goes. Hopefully something will be produced though, if there isnt anything already. I dont know anything about the Forge FMIC you spoke of.

[BrianMN]

Originally Posted by technik330

I believe the forge to require no modifications, but again, I could be wrong.

I'm sure it's possible to develop one, people just need to expect more for what they're paying for these intercoolers, that's all I'm getting at.

I don't want to have to trim my car to fit some company's product; yea I'm cognizant I could stay the OEM route, but I'm looking for a quaity direct replacement... it's got to be possible.

That's kinda like asking to fit a Bugatti Veyron engine (V12 quad turbo) inside a Miata without having to do any trimming. If you want significant increase in cooling capability and overall performance, which most people here do, then a larger IC is required..which almost always requires trimming. It's not that we don't expect an intercooler to fit right in...we just PREFER to have it larger with a little trimming.

The trimming for AMS, and I'm sure it's similar for ETS, HPF, CP-E, etc, is MINIMAL. There is just a tiny 1" taken off the rear of the plastic support. For most people, that's not a huge deal at all. If you're looking to get an IC that fits right in like a greased glove, then you likely won't see as large of an increase in performance.

IIRC, I seem to remember ETS claiming there is zero trimming involved. Could be wrong though.

And just to clarify, the OEM clamp on the turbo-outlet piping needs to be cut for ALL aftermarket intercoolers...

[Forcefed3]

Originally Posted by BrianMN

That's kinda like asking to fit a Bugatti Veyron engine (V12 quad turbo) inside a Miata without having to do any trimming. If you want significant increase in cooling capability and overall performance, which most people here do, then a larger IC is required..which almost always requires trimming. It's not that we don't expect an intercooler to fit right in...we just PREFER to have it larger with a little trimming.

The trimming for AMS, and I'm sure it's similar for ETS, HPF, CP-E, etc, is MINIMAL. There is just a tiny 1" taken off the rear of the plastic support. For most people, that's not a huge deal at all. If you're looking to get an IC that fits right in like a greased glove, then you likely won't see as large of an increase in performance.

IIRC, I seem to remember ETS claiming there is zero trimming involved. Could be wrong though.

And just to clarify, the OEM clamp on the turbo-outlet piping needs to be cut for ALL aftermarket intercoolers...

I don't the the clamp has to be cut for HPF. I'm still trying to decide if HPF is as good as AMS though.

[forza1976]

I have the forge IC, absolutely no trimming required.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

If you limit yourself to the EXACT factory dimensions you won't be able to make as an efficient core. There has to be a compromise between size and fit and most FMICs do a good job with that compromise.

Mike

[Ryan@IND]

I love the pnp nature of both the AMS as well as the forge IC. I have not tried all of them, but for me, the going back to stock was a big +.